When I read David Ashby's decision to close the thread, I too interpreted it the same Paul, that Graham Ashby (RCM&E editor) has better things to do with his time, than read the threads to gauge what is popular and what isn't and it was purely coincidental that Phil had made some of the last posts. David is suggesting contacting Graham directly by email, so that the information comes directly into his inbox and he hasn't got to do anything to find it. He is probably correct as far as Graham is concerned, but I think we have lost something as I used to quite enjoy reading the banter, even if I did not participate.
Some of the later comments were getting a bit narrow minded and seemed to be intolerant of anybody who did not share their "niche" of the hobby. Which is a shame as many (most?) of us do participate in many different niches of the hobby. Beside vintage/retro models and radio's I fly thermal, slope and dlg gliders, edf, indoor 3D and classic aerobatics. Oh and ordinary club models (whatever they are) like Acrowots and Hangar 9 Pulse XT. It must be a nightmare for Graham Ashby to decide what columns help to sell RCM&E, but I would have thought that Shaun's column appearing every other month is well justified.
And I'm afraid that many branches of our hobby are getting niche, as they are getting quite specialised and in many cases costly. We have to accept that not everybody has the skill set to make a S/C transmitter and fly it (though Phil has made it as easy as possible to get started). While there were 150 people at Ponty, many there were flying "SAM35" type models with shiny new Spektrum or Futaba transmitters with rudder, elevator and throttle, so the true figure is probably 20 or 30 who were actually flying S/C. And I'm knocking the SAM35 lads, as I too was flying some multi models, albeit with a converted Skyleader from the early 70's and a Graupner Variophon from the 60's. But there was enough interest for 150 people to turn up for a retro and S/C meeting, either flying or just watching. And there are not many events that get that many people, the only ones that come to mind are some of the Old Warden weekends and the Nats. I went to an aerobatic meet last year and there couldn't have been more than 20 people there, yet aerobatics gets a regular column in RCM&E. And the cost to compete was eye watering, £1000+ molded airframes, 12S lipo's or a YS200CDI engines and £100+each digital, brushless servos. At least retro is affordable!
So we should all email Graham suggesting we enjoy the retro content and with a few new idea's. Hopefully this will ensure we keep Shaun's column
Mike
