I Hate Thieves That Are Into This Hobby!

[Henry V]

This might not pertain to sloping, but it does however pertain to this hobby. I cannot believe what I experienced early this week. I have been doing RC cars and plane, nitro and electric for about 18 years already and have always trusted fellow hobbiest in the past whether its into cars or planes. I have always had a bond with other enthusiast who are into the same hobby.
This past monday, I went to a friends hobby store here in the Long Beach area. As I was talking to him about repairs on the rc helicopter that I bought, two asian kids, maybe in there late teen / early 20s, walked in to buy parts for there heli. I notice that one of them walked backed out and about a few minutes later came back in and called his friend to go back out with him. Anyways he came back in and bought what he needed and left. I then bought what I needed and proceeded to my car, as I got to my car I noticed that my doors were unlocked and as I got in I noticed that two of my $80 lithium battery packs were gone along with my charger and direct current meter.
Man, this really pissed my off! I used to leave my car open at all of the flying fields I go to because of the trust I have with fellow enthuiasts, but knowing that there are punks like these kids in the hobby will give me second thought about leaving my car open at the fields.
Man!, if you can’t afford to buy the things you need for your hobby, go find a better job or get the :censored: outa this hobby!

[slopemeno]

I worked at a paintball store and the same thing happened to a friend of mine. He lost a 'Cocker, an Automag and a huge gearbag full of stuff. It probably totalled $2000 at the time. It sucks, thats for sure.

[KingOfTheHill]

had a HUGE bag full of tires, batteries, motors, parts and 3 losi's , THOUSANDS into it ALL stolen at the rc car track about 5 years ago.... never got it back... thats why i left RC Cars and came to the Slope forum...

i hate theives.... know how you feel man... Karma will get them

JOe

[DoctorAudio]

Sorry man, I hate thieves too.

[Hutch]

That sucks! Sheldons (my local shop) has been broken into multiple times with the last attempt I remember hearing about was someone backing a van that they rented in their own name through the front door of the shop. Pretty amazing what some jerkoffs are willing to do to save a few bucks.

[thanhTran]

that sucks. Sorry to hear that

[Henry V]

I worked at a paintball store and the same thing happened to a friend of mine. He lost a 'Cocker, an Automag and a huge gearbag full of stuff. It probably totalled $2000 at the time. It sucks, thats for sure.


WOW! that is big bucks...I know, I used to work for BUD ORR (WGP) 4 years ago.

Joe, your right, what comes around, goes around.....Man I'm was in a fighting mood...actually I STILL AM!
Henry V

[Henry V]

Thanks guys, I figure what comes around goes around.
Henry V

[stevenkelby]

Happened to me too about a year ago out the front of my house.

I feel for you!

Try to let it go...

[slopemeno]

You worked for Bud? Cool- I was a WGP certified tech (fwiw, I spent the whole day BSing at their shop), and was airsmith to the Ironmen during '93. I did a ton of work for Darryl Trent, and still own two of his guns, a Line SI Pointman engraved with "Ironmen", and his Sniper 3. I worked at Pacific Paintball in Santa Rosa, later to become, er, Kapp. I have some great memories of that era. I built a ton of trick Cockers and Snipers. Nowadays its Piranha? this isnt a piranha...they were brass...

sorry about your stuff. I've had my car broken into at the slope and lost a stack of CD's, but never anything too valuable. Gotta hide it in the trunk I guess.

edit: low margin, near threshhold,almost sort kinda could cursin'

[kryptoniteRxn]

this is the reason why they designed locks on your doors. But yes, i have sympathy for you, and i am against stealing as well.

[john_miln]

I am sorry this happned to you. However you live in Long Beach Cal and you leave your car door unlocked and valuables on do display? You are askiing for trouble. John

[EddieNewYork]

I then bought what I needed and proceeded to my car, as I got to my car I noticed that my doors were unlocked and as I got in I noticed that two of my $80 lithium battery packs were gone along with my charger and direct current meter.

I think he did lock his doors.

But, yeah that sucks dude. I hate thieves.

Because of them, I don't even put on my center caps to my car rims.

[Henry V]

Eddie
Your right! My doors were locked, but they were able to stick there skinny litle arms through my driver side window that was cracked opened about a 1/5th down

[jumpy]

I agree. I think the Saudi's have the right idea. CHOP THEIR HANDS OFF!

[flybaby2000]

I just invested in an alarm system for my new workshop that takes digitial photos of the perps as they enter the door and sends them to your mobile phone via the internet , im sure that someone out there makes one for cars also , as in recent months i have had many people ask me about my planes , but as the old x-file goes "trust no-one" except if they have a ring on thier finger and two kids to you!

cheers
doug

[rotccapt]

sounds good to me

this hobby is not for the faint at heart or the pocket book

[swatson144]

Sorry to hear that. Everybody even thieves hate a thief.

I usually don't lock mine :) . I figure any thief has a center punch to get through a window and I'd rather them help themselves than me try to find a window for an 83 dodge.

I have to say now that my truck is a 22yr old brown POS it seems to stay below thieves radar. I don't haul RC gear around any where but to fly and don't stop coming or going, because the stuff is a punk magnet.

[mhale71]

http://www.ronlund.com/crook_stories.htm

:mad: :mad: :mad:

mike

[Lv2Fly]

Thats sucks!

Sorry for the loss of your goodies, as this Hobby is expensive!

Just goes to show what kinda of parent those kids have!

James

[dserratt]

There is a saying, If your not watching your stuff someone else is.
Plan for the day when you catch these jerks.

[dgfisher2004]

A few months ago at my LHS I had bought and paid for 6 HS-81 servos and a Phoenix 35. I had them in a bag at the front counter after I paid and was chatting it up. I went to the other side of the store with an employee to look at some radio stuff and when I came back 2 kids that were in the store walked out with my bag. There was probably 6 other people in the store. And 2 other employees. After everyone in the store heard me storming out to catch them, most of the guys knew who they were. They were long gone by the time I went outside.

Luckily the owner didn't make me pay for the stuff. He gave me a refund and sold me a few more servos.

Those dumb kids aren't allowed in the store now and have probably ruined their chances of ever being a part of the R/c community here now. Not worth a couple servos and an ESC if you ask me.

[Motions]

I remember back in the day around late 80's when the only people in this hobby were serious about it and were good people. It seems these days there are more cheap toy type models coming out which is bringing the kids and the punks into the hobby.

Well, I guess I can't blame it on cheap models, crime in general worse now than 20 years ago.

Sorry bout the loss. The one thing that makes me more mad than anything else is some punk stealing what it took hard work for someone to earn. It's happened to me several times and I just couldn't do that to someone.

[surfimp]

What a bummer. Hard to know for sure who did, since you didn't see it get taken. Regardless, you're out the stuff and the money to replace it. That sucks!!

If there's any silver lining, just think of the karmic retribution the thief(s) have coming... stealing lipos can only lead to an explosive discharge event for the bad guys, at least in my way of thinking... :D

Steve

[InTheLift]

Dang Henry!...sorry to hear that...totally sucks! :(

[The Other Dave]

People suck.

Unfortunately this is why I lock my car at the flying
field when I am not actively getting stuff in or out.

And I never go anywhere else w/ modeling stuff in
my car unless it is locked in the trunk.

[Arbo]

I know a few hobby shops in different states I've lived in that kept getting stuff taken by shoplifters. Eventually they grew tired of it and got rid of the RC car stuff, as that was the problem... the younger kids that were into it kept stealing stuff. Once the stuff was gone there was never another problem.

[jbourke]

This thread was cross-posted to several forums. I've merged the threads and have moved the combined discussion to Electric Plane Talk.

Jim

[Skrogg]

My LHS had color secuirty photos posted of 2 guys that had stolen a nitro car..
And the Guy behind the counter was watching me like a hawk hahahaha
I felt like telling him , its hard to get a plane kit under my shirt..
We had a kid here at my store with a big shopping bag ripping off my Duracell battery display , i went out to confront him he looks at me with a grin and says BUSTED dropped the bag and walked out.. When i tallyed the bag he had over 180 bucks in batterys!!!?!?!?!
Who need 180 dollars in disposable batterys?
And the icing on the cake! He was pushing a stroller with 2 kids in it...

[tridim]

Just a thought.. Did his friend buy his stuff with a credit card? If so, you might have a lead. Ask the hobby shop if they know the kid's names.

[Silent]

... :rolleyes:

[AvHound]

Wouldn't ironic justice be for them to not be experienced with lipos. They charge them wrong and burn their house or car up ;)

[The Other Dave]

Wouldn't ironic justice be for them to not be experienced with lipos. They charge them wrong and burn their house or car up ;)

One can only hope they have them in their front pants pocket when they go off.

[is300zx]

Sorry to hear that. Everybody even thieves hate a thief.

I usually don't lock mine :) . I figure any thief has a center punch to get through a window and I'd rather them help themselves than me try to find a window for an 83 dodge.

I have to say now that my truck is a 22yr old brown POS it seems to stay below thieves radar. I don't haul RC gear around any where but to fly and don't stop coming or going, because the stuff is a punk magnet.

That's funny cause a few nights ago someone broke the window on my brother's 15 yr old integra and didn't even take anything. They didn't even open the doors to take a closer look inside. We ended up paying $160 to pay for the stupid window.

[Usta Bee]

And the icing on the cake! He was pushing a stroller with 2 kids in it...

When I worked in retail we had a young couple in their early 20's steal a VCR/DVD player combo by sticking it under the baby's blanket in a baby stroller. The stupid kid salesman I was working with at the time wasn't paying attention to what they were doing.

Needing money for drugs will make you take chances, like stealing from retail stores. I once caught a group of guys trying to steal a car stereo out of our display board, and I grabbed the one kid by the back of the coat and pushed him out the front door of the store. He actually had the nerve to say he was gonna call the cops on me for harrasment, after dropping a few expletives on him I told him to go right ahead...needless to say he left. A few months later he came back with another guy, and we recognized him, so I picked up a claw hammer out from under the front counter and stood holding it in plain view at the front of the store while I watched them like a hawk. Whenever we knew someone was trying to steal merchandise we'd follow them throughout the store, and made sure they knew we were watching them too.

[Henry V]

What a bummer. Hard to know for sure who did, since you didn't see it get taken. Regardless, you're out the stuff and the money to replace it. That sucks!!

If there's any silver lining, just think of the karmic retribution the thief(s) have coming... stealing lipos can only lead to an explosive discharge event for the bad guys, at least in my way of thinking... :D

Steve

ALthough I did not see them...there action inside the store were questionable..There are more details to it, but I rather not go there... I was also able to look at the video that was recorded inside the store and I'll just leave it at that.
BTW there were other valuable stuff inside my car that was not taken such as a PS2 and other stuff....they new exactly what they wanted...just put 2 and 2 together....

[Henry V]

BTW, I just want to clear something....I didnt mean to affend anyone by discribing their ethnicity...besides, I'm filipino so I guess you can say that Im asian too:)
Henry V

[Bigfoot21075]

I fly at a small club field that has pavillions with tables set up in and it is right next to the flying field. I left my equipment on the table and one of my Apogee 2400 batteries, went to fly for about 15 min. Came back and the battery was gone. This field is not open to random passerbys for the most part either.

This person is lucky I did not see it happen......

I feel your pain!

[Skrogg]

Hey Henry did you file a police report?
The CC idea was a ok but it was probly a stolen credit card :)
However me thinks you'd have to sue him in a civil court without a police report..
Working Retail its better to just let the crooks go, i'm with you ustabee but I have no interest in going to court for batterys or anything else in the store..
Thats just the way it is...
Cost of doing bizz i guess
I was closing out and my coworker calls me and says I was just taking out the trash, i think someones in my car! So i grab my maglight and run out to the parking lot..
The monkey stole my buddys car battery , cut the cables and off he went...I know better than to chase someone in a dark parking lot for a 30 dollar car battery, mabey if it was a drycell optima :)
Anyway we had a party to go to and I said lets just leave the car and pick it up tomarrow its not going anywhere without a battery..next night diffrent monkey was tring to hotwire it,.
Anyway Karma was with us and Secuirty caught him this time , the guy bailed out of the car and this crazy secuirty gaurd hit him with the truck.. knocked him flat and he slid across the parking lot on his belly, got up and kept running Secuirty let him go also..
We can't do anything without getting in trouble, so we don't
But if they break into my car or house when i'm not at work they are in trouble..
yes stealing a car without a battery in it...

[Popsflyer]

I keep a sawed off shotgun behind the counter at the LHS I work at. No one has ever gotten away with stealing anything without leaving a DNA sample in the process. :eek: J/K ;)

We have had people attempt a snatch-n-grab before (usually r/c car stuff). With licence plate number(s) in hand and survellence video ID, the Police had no problem tracking down the thieves (who said crooks were smart) and bringing them to justice.

Personally, I like the shotgun idea better.

[Skrogg]

I keep a sawed off shotgun behind the counter at the LHS I work at. No one has ever gotten away with stealing anything without leaving a DNA sample in the process. :eek: J/K ;)

We have had people attempt a snatch-n-grab before (usually r/c car stuff). With licence plate number(s) in hand and survellence video ID, the Police had no problem tracking down the thieves (who said crooks were smart) and bringing them to justice.

Personally, I like the shotgun idea better.
So does your hobby shop have a scrach,dent and blood sale?
Shot guns are over kill for defence :) well anything over number 6 bird shot :)

[Azarr]

I remember back in the day around late 80's when the only people in this hobby were serious about it and were good people. It seems these days there are more cheap toy type models coming out which is bringing the kids and the punks into the hobby.

Well, I guess I can't blame it on cheap models, crime in general worse now than 20 years ago.

Sorry bout the loss. The one thing that makes me more mad than anything else is some punk stealing what it took hard work for someone to earn. It's happened to me several times and I just couldn't do that to someone.

When I first started in business I'd go to a fly-in, leave all my stuff sitting on the tables while I went and flew. No more, I lose something at just about every show I attend now. Even though I'm there, it's pretty hard to be attentive while waiting on customers.

Azarr
www.ecubedrc.com

[ImaBiggles]

Anybody want to buy a couple of high cap lipos and a charger for $20 - Long Beach area only pls - cash.

Just kidding, couldnt resist - oh well, live and learn, no reason to get that upset about it.

[ImaBiggles]

I keep a sawed off shotgun behind the counter at the LHS I work at. No one has ever gotten away with stealing anything without leaving a DNA sample in the process. :eek: J/K ;)

[

LOL, shoot someone with that sawed off shotgun in CA and we will see who goes to jail!!! I bet you that you will get 5-10, and the thief sues and ends up running the store.

[fly_boy99]

I've got a topper on Usta.

I used to work in Stock at JC Penny's let's say alonggggggggggggg time ago.

I worked somewhat closely with the security folks there because of my size and sure enough my buddy told me to watch the security camera because this guy was going to pick up a Microwave and walk out with it. This was back when Microwaves were HUGE!!!

Sure enough he did and we busted him...

Plain as day too!!! Yep you gotta watch folks with strollers as they are the most devious ones at times...

[Usta Bee]

LOL, shoot someone with that sawed off shotgun in CA and we will see who goes to jail!!! I bet you that you will get 5-10, and the thief sues and ends up running the store.

The key is disposing of the body sucessfully....no victim's body + no witnesses= no problems. ;) :rolleyes:

[Skrogg]

I've got a topper on Usta.

I used to work in Stock at JC Penny's let's say alonggggggggggggg time ago.

I worked somewhat closely with the security folks there because of my size and sure enough my buddy told me to watch the security camera because this guy was going to pick up a Microwave and walk out with it. This was back when Microwaves were HUGE!!!

Sure enough he did and we busted him...

Plain as day too!!! Yep you gotta watch folks with strollers as they are the most devious ones at times...
HAHAHAH BACK WHEN?
U fart dust!
:) Did you ever own a beta max?
I was just reading threw the gas fourm and sounds like those dudes get their entire trailors ripped off...

[Henry V]

Anybody want to buy a couple of high cap lipos and a charger for $20 - Long Beach area only pls - cash.

Just kidding, couldnt resist - oh well, live and learn, no reason to get that upset about it.

Can I take a look at them? Were shall I meet you ;)

[fly_boy99]

Then theres the time with the crazy guy in Safeway who tried to cut his own throat with a box cutter....

Turned out he had Hep C...

I've seen things... ;)

[sgtdirt]

a guy in my club forgot his ammo box full of lipos at this school we were flying at that day. he asked everyone who was there if they had picked them up. nope....lost.

fast forward 4 months.
i was in my favorite hobby shop talking about flying at that school yard. a customer who was buying a model tank was standing next to me. he asked "do i know anyone who had lost some batteries?"
yes, i do! i answered.
long story short, my buddy got his lipos back and the good simaritan got a nice R/C plane kit as a reward.
i am a huge believer in "what comes around, goes around". that's why a don't steal and i try to treat everyone as nice as i possibly can.
who knows, someday i may loose something.

[scratchandbash]

There is a statement about these guys that needs to be corrected. They are NOT into this hobby. They are a couple of young wanna be dweebs who are trying to be cool, flying helis. My definition of someone who is really "into" this hobby, is a person who has scratch built a number of well engineered planes, without even having plans. That type of person has a level of respect for the hobby, where they would not want a sigle screw on one of their planes to be of stolen origin. Its called pride. Builders have it, kids that fly cheap ARF helis often don't.

[LuckyArmpit]

I have a great deterrent for items inside my 3/4 ton Dodge truck. Usually take Brutus with me most places and he stays inside the truck. Brutus is my Rott, all 115 pounds of him and he's still growin!!! Nobody comes within 10 feet of that truck. He don't bark or growl unless you touch the truck. Its funny to see the looks on people that walk past.

Dave...

[Popsflyer]

LOL, shoot someone with that sawed off shotgun in CA and we will see who goes to jail!!! I bet you that you will get 5-10, and the thief sues and ends up running the store.

Just so you know (J/K) "Just Kidding".

[bicmedic]

There is a statement about these guys that needs to be corrected. They are NOT into this hobby. They are a couple of young wanna be dweebs who are trying to be cool, flying helis. My definition of someone who is really "into" this hobby, is a person who has scratch built a number of well engineered planes, without even having plans. That type of person has a level of respect for the hobby, where they would not want a sigle screw on one of their planes to be of stolen origin. Its called pride. Builders have it, kids that fly cheap ARF helis often don't.

I've never scratch built a plane, in fact, I've only flown a Beaver and an estarter. But I have a great love of the hobby and aviation in general. That doesn't make me a potential thief! I've never stolen in my life. Just because you're new to the hobby doesn't make you suspect, it's a character thing.
(just my 2 cents, no offense meant to u scratch.

[P-38J-Lightning]

I have only partiely scratch built a plane and own a trainer but i also love the hobby. im also a KID! and Motions, What is wrong with Kids getting into the hobby!? not all of us are "Punks" :mad: and i have not stolen anything in my life either. dont Stereotype us!
Happy Holidays!
Joel

oh. No offense meant in any of this but please edit your post! you were a kid once too!

[bicmedic]

I have only partiely scratch built a plane and own a trainer but i also love the hobby. im also a KID! and Motions, What is wrong with Kids getting into the hobby!? not all of us are "Punks" :mad: and i have not stolen anything in my life either. dont Stereotype us!
Happy Holidays!
Joel

oh. No offense meant in any of this but please edit your post! you were a kid once too!

There you go. I may not be a kid anymore but this "kid" is right. Don't assume someones a punk thief because of age. There's idiots in every age bracket.

[SaMx]

There you go. I may not be a kid anymore but this "kid" is right. Don't assume someones a punk thief because of age. There's idiots in every age bracket.
exactly. I'm 17, and I've actually been in a store and had one of the people who works there follow me around, like I'm going to steal something. Just because I'm a teenager!
Hey Scratchandbash, I also started with an ARF, does that mean I steal peoples stuff?

[scratchandbash]

I've never scratch built a plane, in fact, I've only flown a Beaver and an estarter. But I have a great love of the hobby and aviation in general. That doesn't make me a potential thief! I've never stolen in my life. Just because you're new to the hobby doesn't make you suspect, it's a character thing.
(just my 2 cents, no offense meant to u scratch.
Highly offended, as a reader of your post would assume I made those statements.
Not the point. Have no clue where youre deriveing those assumptions from, as there were no references like that made whatsoever.
As you gain years, you will understand how to take people. The point is that a person who is truly into this hobby cannot be a thief. The personality types are complete opposites. You are right about one thing, it is a character thing.
MY POINT WAS TO DISCREDIT THOSE THIEVING BUMS AS NOT BEING INTO THE HOBBY. They don't deserve that level of recognition.

[Tram]

How high in years must you be to understand that your post sounded like:

"Unless you have scratch built a number of well engineered planes, without even having plans, you are not IN this hobby.."

I can see where your post would be misread to mean exactly what you typed...

[scratchandbash]

Not sure what's wrong here, so its all gone.

[P-38J-Lightning]

...My definition of someone who is really "into" this hobby, is a person who has scratch built a number of well engineered planes, without even having plans...

well now your just trying to provoke something, there are you happy? thats what you said, looks the same to me. the rest is what you inferred get it straight.
Happy Holidays!
Joel

[scratchandbash]

Man, these new mods are pretty good. I didn't even report that one. Mr. Bourke is doing a good job.
The problem here is obvious. My response was a consolation to Henry V. Its his thread, and not any body else's. Apparantly the sensitivity level here is out of hand, when people insist on taking comments personally that are not directed at them.
Ask yourselves the question, is your name Henry V?
No, I don't think so.

[tommyeflight89]

I will try my best to word the following so it has no offensive content

Dear scratchandbash and all:

Scratchandbash, you said the following

TRAM, IS THAT A QUOTE FROM ME? You are apparantly not bold enough to post my name above it, because it is not what I said. Definitely are attempting to give that idea, however. Remember, lying isn't good for the reputation long term.

Trams so called quote was actually not yours(that maybe why your name is not above it). He was simply saying what your post sounded like to other readers(including me and P38 J Lightening). Tram is a respected member of RCGroups, and would not lie on this Internet community. He definatley adds to the reputation...
Thank you for your time
Tommy M
Ontario, Canada

[tommyeflight89]

Man, these new mods are pretty good. I didn't even report that one. Mr. Bourke is doing a good job.
Are they ever! Do you understand my point though?
:confused: :confused:
The problem here is obvious. My response was a consolation to Henry V. Its his thread, and not any body else's. Apparantly the sensitivity level here is out of hand, when people insist on taking comments personally that are not directed at them.
Scratch: You made all of this by personal going straight out and calling Tram a liar (which he is clearly not)

[scratchandbash]

Are they ever! Do you understand my point though?
Not at all. Putting quote marks (that's these things "") around the words inferrs they are mine. If they are not mine, thus a lie. Same reason you just got a warning with all that inferred attacking. At least the mods saw it that way.

[Popsflyer]

Don't assume someones a punk thief because of age. There's idiots in every age bracket.

How true.

Though it seems like the Adults (criminals) are even better at it, as they've had longer to practice the art of stupidity.

[tommyeflight89]

Scratch: I felt that Tram made it pretty clear that those were not your words. Your name was not clearly above it, and he also said right there your post sounded like..

[scratchandbash]

Man, you really take this last word stuff seriously. Right now, the only person who cares about it is you. I've just been having fun with all this for a while myself.

[Tram]

Let's see... I wasn't an English Major in college.. but the English language is a bit familiar to me..

You said..

My definition of someone who is really "into" this hobby, is a person who has scratch built a number of well engineered planes, without even having plans.

See, I quoted you. :)

Which, let me see if I can interpret this...

By the word MY you mean, your.. so.. by YOUR definition someone who is really "into" this hobby, is a person who has scratch built a number of well engineered planes, without even having plans...

Did I sum it up? Or, did I misinterpret it?

You may be superbly intelligent but your people skills suck.. ;)

Trolling? Yes, right.. Let's start a poll and see who's the troll around here.. Eh? :D

[tommyeflight89]

I my self have only completed grade nine and ten english( currently in Gr.11) and am almost positive you summed that one up!

[scratchandbash]

Man, you really take this last word stuff seriously. Right now, the only person who cares about it is you. I've just been having fun with all this for a while myself.
Didn't feel like retyping this, so I just re-quoted it

[Tram]

I don't think anyone takes the last word stuff so seriously, I for one do not..

However, if you want to continue to come off as pompus and arrogant, that is totally fine with me.. You made an arrogant statement, someone called you on it and then you tried to back peddle out of it..

I'm sure your not here to make friends or anything, but if you were.. that's not the best way to do it.. :)

[scratchandbash]

Man, you really take this last word stuff seriously. Right now, the only person who cares about it is you. I've just been having fun with all this for a while myself.
One more time!

[Tram]

Me thinks it is you who needs the "last" word..... Get over yourself buddy.. Life will be much easier that way...

[scratchandbash]

Word!

[Henry V]

WOW! This thread has certainly gone off course..In my deffense, the words punks and kids is not to target a certain age bracket, but it is basicly a DISCRIPTION of those individuals who stole my stuff . This is how I felt about THOSE kids not all youngsters....Gez relax guys we all love this hobby as I can see. The intial purpose of this thread was so that if THOSE kids read it, it would hopefully make them think of what they did. Besides I too started this hobby when I was 15 and now 34, but still 15 at heart...aren't we all. Get over guys...I found that arguing over the internet is pointless, pointless because no one wants to ever give in:)
Henry V.
BTW lets get back to the topic

[theKM]

There is a statement about these guys that needs to be corrected. They are NOT into this hobby. They are a couple of young wanna be dweebs who are trying to be cool, flying helis. My definition of someone who is really "into" this hobby, is a person who has scratch built a number of well engineered planes, without even having plans. That type of person has a level of respect for the hobby, where they would not want a sigle screw on one of their planes to be of stolen origin. Its called pride. Builders have it, kids that fly cheap ARF helis often don't.

I'm also with Tram on this. This above quote is as straight as it comes in the way of intent. If you really were joking, then you don't know how to participate in this online forum properly. There are vehicles that help you express sarcasm and things like that on the forum so people don't take things the wrong way, and everyone remain on an even keel. Other people use these to great effect... like the "rolleyes" emoticon and such like.

And please, don't try to attack Tram. Tram really does define the high moral standard that most people should aspire to in these forums. He was merely trying to highlight that any misunderstanding started at your post.

[Usta Bee]

.....

[TeamJRAllen]

i have just one thing to say "A lock is only meant to keep a honest man out"

[snowcrash75]

first and foremost, sorry to hear about your loss, although i did learn to fly under the motto, "don't throw anything in the air that your not willing to say goodbye to." unfortunately, this is not a "i crashed it, its my own stupid fault" type of loss...

on to the issue of integrity and participation in rc flight, and whether the two are mutually exclusive...
i might be doing some loose interpreting here (and this might be dangerous considering the last 2 pages of arguments about what quotes are, and whether or not they are being used correctly;) ) but here's another take...
MY definition of someone who's really "into" the hobby is someone with some energy and time (=money, pretty much) committed. arfs, rtfs, and scratch builds all cost something, which means that person probably invested some time to acquire the funds as well as bench time to get it up in the air. unfortunately, there are people out there who see the ease of shortcutting the "acquiring funds" step of the process by replacing it with the "harvesting the fruits of someone else's labor" step. unfortunate but true.

all we can do, as individuals is do our best to change the hobby one action at a time. maybe in the future, posts could look something like this:

"my definition of someone who is really 'into' this hobby is someone who has taken the time to answer the questions of a totally new unexperienced potential member of the community, or someone who is having trouble with their first build or second repair or whatever it may be, just spreadin the love around the community."

feel free to completely misquote me, i don't think my message can be misconstrued.

[savydad]

"my definition of someone who is really 'into' this hobby is someone who has taken the time to answer the questions of a totally new unexperienced potential member of the community, or someone who is having trouble with their first build or second repair or whatever it may be, just spreadin the love around the community.".

Well said, I've found several people of this nature here and at the clubs. That is how I continue to be into this hobby, helping out as I got helped out. I've started with my niece and do so with anyone who shows an interest while I'm out myself. They are the bread and butter of what keeps this hobby alive.

Henry, I'm sorry to hear about your loss...I've had so many things stolen from me than I care to remember. I've never had hobby items stolen, but my car has been broken into about a dozen times, and often with costly repairs/replacement. This is a big reason I got out of custom cars and sound systems and came back to r/c...not so much a "thief magnet" With my beaters now, and keeping the expensive stuff out of sight, I hope I can continue to enjoy it for much longer than a thief would. They will get what's coming to them. I like the karma idea someone had about them being inexperienced with lipo and burning up their car/house. That's true justice.

Todd

[Henry V]

Thanks Todd. I do strongly agree with helping out also cause I too was helped out when I got started...and I still get help from fellow hobbiest, and I guess thats why these forums exists:)
Henry V

[Popsflyer]

Guys;

Remember it doesn't really take any "Type" of person to get into the R/C hobby, all it takes is a wad of cash. Also just because they stole R/C equipment, one doesn't have to be into the hobby to be a low life thief.

[Henry V]

What :confused:

[SaMx]

how 'bout this. Someone who would steal other peoples stuff is not really "into" the hobby because they are unwilling to spend the time and money that is neccesarry.

It has absolutly nothing to do with scratchbuilding. I scratchbuild some stuff out of foam. I do it bacause I don't have lots of money, and it's cheaper that way. Am I more "into" the hobby than someone who flies ARFs, or even kits? obviously, it has nothing to do with scratchbuilding. THATS why people got mad, most people don't scatchbuild, and you basically told them they aren't really "into" the hobby, and by association, would be more likely to steal stuff.

[SaMx]

sorry, the arguement is dead, I just wanted to say my part. you guys have to post while I'm at school, and then I don't get to argue with you! :D

[Ron H]

I can certainly see the OP's point, as well as the others that have added. I have to save money to make even a small purchase, stolen items would be devastaing to me.

Are kids now raised wth no thought toward the outcome as they become adults? Karma works for me, but I wouldn't steal anything from from the LHS or customers, or Wa-mart for that matter.

Unfortunately, Karma only works if the thief has a conscience.

[scratchandbash]

Once and for all, the statement was intended to belittle the thieves. An ABSOLUTE OPPOSITE COMPARISON used to not accept them as "into this hobby", since thieves can't be. DOESN'T MEAN THAT ALL OTHERS ARE NOT INTO THIS HOBBY!
How people take statements personally that were not directed at them is beyond me.
My new definition of everything is nothing at all, in this communist community. Apparantly, no opinions are allowed here whatsoever, without offending the crap out of people.
I've been ripped off before too, so I guess I'm not allowed to vent.

[Tram]

scratchandbash, I dunno what your deal is, perhaps your... eh, man.. I don't even know.. Maybe you need to get out some..

See.. here is your problem and you hit on it with your post.. You spoke of pride.. There are many ARF guys who take PRIDE in their ARF... You simply stated that unless you've built something from scratch, your not into the hobby.. So, what you did was dink some peoples pride, why they would care what someone on the internet thinks of them, I don't know, but still.. it could "thump" their pride...

On the other hand, your totally allowed to vent... Vent away man.. However, if your vent is going to be a complete blanket statement about anyone but scratch builders, then be prepared for someone to respond to your vent, afterall.. this is an internet forum with many readers...

Your statement was pretty obvious - unless someone has built a plane from plans, he is not in the hobby.. That was the gist of your statement... Which, by your definition, I am INTO the hobby.. :)

You didn't include thieves or anything of the sort... You also went as far as to talk about how "Its called pride. Builders have it, kids that fly cheap ARF helis often don't." which says nothing about thieves or anything of the sort..

All it says is "builders have pride, those who fly arf's don't.." Which, I doubt anyone is seriously taking this statement too serious, but it was a total blanket statement.. Covering again, anyone who has not scratch built.. How this is beyond you to comprehend, is beyond me, maybe they didn't teach that sort of thing at PSU in 1991 to a Physic's major, eh? I mean, what I don't get is how you jump into a thread and just rant about your Christmas wish, when your wish includes something you, yourself just did.. Sorta like "I want to get rid of all the pet chincilla's in my neighborhood" and yet.. You've got 2 chinchilla's...

Which leads me to think that it seems to me that what your looking for is... somewhere that you can slam your opinion around and have no one rebut it.. Which, heh.. welcome to the internet, that ISN'T going to happen.. You want YOUR opinion to STICK but no one else can have one, is what it happears your looking for.. Your a physic's major - which you have already touted very nicely, which obviously, your not an idiot when it comes to physic's.. but for all i know you need a roommate to tie your shoes in the morning.. I've seen your attitude many times - very "learn-ed" people don't want to learn anything.. they have achieved a "peak" in what they are good at and are not taught anything else very well.. What they think.. goes.. no if's and's or but's.. Take an Md.. He has his own practice, he has 15 nurses working for him, people take what he says as "the Bible" and no one questions him.. I see it all the time very... very smart individuals.. They are smart, have Phd's, doctraits,or have PSU Class-o-91 diploma's, etc which is no small feat and it means a great deal, however, it does not make you "top-o-de-mental-giant-food-chain.." what is does, is often times make you a jerk..

You may know how to run a nuclear facilty in your sleep.. but can you start a PT6 turbine?
You may know how to start a PT6 turbine.. but can you make a bowl on a wheel out of clay and water?
You may know how to make a bowl out of clay and water... but can you interact with people without sounding like a jerk?

It is a blend of all this that makes a person.. well rounded.. and that is better than any freakin degree hanging on your wall..

Wow.. that was supposed to be a small quick post.. which turned in a babblefest.. read it if you want.. or don't.. All it was supposed to say is..

If you want to get all in a furball about someone responding to your post, then maybe you should stop posting? ;)

[Usta Bee]

(insert grumpy old man voice here) It's those dang kids with their Zagis, and their loud music and pimped out cars, is what it is !. The hobby's goin' to :censored: in a handbasket !. Same thing with those jubilant delinquents that run R/C cars too ! :rolleyes: :p

[Tram]

Zagi Gangsta's... I wonder if Tookie Williams flies a Zagi?

[Silent]

...

[SaMx]

Once and for all, the statement was intended to belittle the thieves. An ABSOLUTE OPPOSITE COMPARISON used to not accept them as "into this hobby", since thieves can't be. DOESN'T MEAN THAT ALL OTHERS ARE NOT INTO THIS HOBBY!
How people take statements personally that were not directed at them is beyond me.
My new definition of everything is nothing at all, in this communist community. Apparantly, no opinions are allowed here whatsoever, without offending the crap out of people.
I've been ripped off before too, so I guess I'm not allowed to vent.
Yes, you belittled them by saying they're not scratchbuilders. you also said that people who scratchbuild would never steal anything, because they have pride in thier work. Not neccesarily true, I said I scratchbuild some cheapo foamies for monetary reasons, so technically wouldn't I be more likely to steal things?

The reason people take these things seriously is because they were in a way directed at them. After all, you said, quite clearly, that by your definition people are not into this hobby unless they scratchbuild well engineered plane with no plans. If they don't scratchbuild anything, then you just told them they aren't really "into" the hobby. People tend to get mad when other people tell them what thier interests are, or should be.

Anyway, This whole thing is really stupid. Clearly, (as UstaBee so wonderfully implied) Scratchnbash is just a crotchety old guy. "this hobby's going to heck ina handbasket if you ask me! all these crazy whippersnappers with thier crazy planes that they didn't even build!" (Just kidding Bash, don't freak out, it's just jokes ;) none of this matters)

[P-38J-Lightning]

sorry, the arguement is dead, I just wanted to say my part. you guys have to post while I'm at school, and then I don't get to argue with you! :D

lol same here. try to catch them during the evenings!! :p

[P-38J-Lightning]

Man, you really take this last word stuff seriously. Right now, the only person who cares about it is you. I've just been having fun with all this for a while myself.

obviously if me and Tram were complaining about it we care too... :rolleyes:
Happy Holidays!
Joel

[Tram]

Hehe.. I have been so sick lately, I haven't been able to get out of the house.. only thing to do is tool around on the 'Zone.. :D

[P-38J-Lightning]

that sucks, get well!! what do you have BTW?

[chuxtruk]

SaMX,
I,m trying to decipher yor azatar-- what it be?
Well, sincr I'm asking questions, what are you pimping?
Chuck
Sorry to be off subject but, I'm curious.

[chuxtruk]

WOW! Did I really type that? I think I need a new keyboard.
Chuck