I put this in the open forum but also wanted to post it here as I believe it should be seen by not only the electric crowd but the IC as well.

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to fill everyone in on what happened to me last night. As some of you may know I had an incident" with my new SV-11(link to thread and video below). I'm a beginner but very excited about getting back into control line after many years away. I never was an Expert or anything of the sort, just flew them as a kid and had many fond memories. I've dabbled in RC but got out a few years ago. Bought myself a Vector 40, converted it to electric and was having a blast learning to fly again when I stuck that baby into the ground like a Javelin. I was a little frustrated but too excited to give up so I promptly ordered myself a Brodak SV-11. I really took my time on assembling this plane and managed to pull off a wonderful install of the electronics. Took her out to my flying spot and flew four 2.5 minute flights, just trying to get the hang of the plane and do a little trimming. I was still a little scared due to wadding up my Vector so badly so I was being extra careful and staying away from the ground as much as I could. Well, on the 5th flight it happened; a crimp let go on my new pre-built Tom Morris handle. Of course it was the up line so the plane promptly went into a series of outside loops until it finally met Mother Earth. Needless to say I was crushed. I picked up the pieces and went home vowing that I would continue, but, this turned out easier said than done. Every time I went up to my "hobby room" to try and get started on another plane it seemed as if some of the drive was just gone, actually haven't even been back up in the room for 4-5 days or so. I wasn't going to give up but I knew it would take a little time for me to get that fire lit back under my butt, well it happened last night!!

You see yesterday I had half heartedly sent a short email to Jim & Emily at CLC as I had bought the Tom Morris handle from them. I included a link to the video showing the SV-11 wreck and to be honest didn't expect much. I was surprised to see a quick reply from them stating they were very sorry to see this and would immediately be forwarding the email/video to Tom Morris. They seemed genuinely concerned. Great customer service from them, just don't see much of that anymore. So, I leave work and head home and upon getting home call my wife and she says; "A really nice man named Tom Morris called for you, he sounds like he's very upset that his product failed and wants to talk to you ASAP so here is his number, call him". So of course I do.

I dialed the number and Mr. Morris himself answered the phone and as soon as I told him who I was he said "ok, go ahead and let me have it, I'm ready for a full 5 minutes of a butt chewing", not his exact words but they were to that effect. I told him I wasn't upset with him at all, things happen. I was surprised at just how concerned Mr. Morris was, he was VERY humble, kind and apologetic and then get this, he said; "I'd like to build you a new plane John. I'm going to get a quick build kit and modify it to accept your electronics and send it to you". I could not believe it! I was floored, who offers that type of service? Who would go that far to "make things right"?!? I mean really, I thought I was going to get a "Hey man, sorry to see what happened. I'll send you a new handle and from now on you need to pull test them", but boy was I wrong! This man is going to have to purchase a new ARF SV-11, and build/modify it to accept electric power and ship it to me! I CANNOT say enough good things about how I've been treated over this accident. Jim & Emily were incredible and on top of the problem very quickly, and Tom Morris?? Holy Cow man, what can I say-just incredible that this man would offer to do so much over a little $20 handle!! Unbelievable.

I know I'm being a little long winded here but I feel that these people deserve recognition for their customer service which goes well above and beyond what some would call "good customer service". Though I never intended or even hoped to get a new plane, much less one built for me, out of this I have to admit that I am happier than you can imagine that I will soon be flying another SV-11 built by none other than Tom Morris himself!   I am now pumped! A new fire has been lit under my butt and I cannot wait to get in the air again! The failure of the crimp on that handle would not have stopped me from buying from Control Line Central nor would it have stopped me from continuing to buy Tom Morris products but I can tell you this; I will now damn well go out of my way to spend my money at CLC and fit any Tom Morris products into my plane that I possibly can. You just cannot ask for better treatment than this. So, I want to offer a HUGE Thank You!!! to Jim & Emily at Control Line Central for bringing this to Tom's attention and a HUGE Thank You to Mr. Tom Morris for stepping up to the plate and hitting a Home Run with/for me!! THANK YOU!!!!

Here is a link to the thread where I mentioned what happened;

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=21338.0


Here is a direct link to the video of the SV-11 crash;





Sincerely,

John Prator

John
Now that is AWESOME   
Later.

I have to have met Tom.  Believe it or not he lives in North Alabama.  One of the nicest men I have ever met in the hobby.  Be careful though - flying one of his models could rune you for life - nothing less will ever do!!!