Hi folks
There are strong points to be made on either side of the BOM debate. While I beleive in retaining BOM I cannot dismiss ALL the opposing POV. Still, (as Tom N pointed out) there will be consequences. None of us has a perfcet crystal ball, but based on what is happening in other areas it is pretty easy to make a couple reasonable predictions about CLPA cottage industries post-BOM:
* Top Flite introduced their ARF Nobler and Flite Streak in a BOM world, and they have been successful enough that they followed up with the Score & Tutor-2. BOM has proven not to be a barrier. Brodak keeps bring out more ARF's, and ARC's to get around the BOM. It is hard to discredit their success with both newbie and experienced CLPA'ers. Other manufacturers are rumored to be ready to get in the game. Without BOM - it could encourage the "big" companies to jump in even deeper with more CLPA choices. Frankly that don't sound all that bad to get a nod from the big players. Problem is I do not see it advancing the state of the CLPA art. Is that important?
* Here in the midwest I have witnessed that in RC one of the growing "cottage industry" is people who commision experienced modelers to build their ARF for them; that is assemble it, install the engine & radio and maybe even test fly it. In CL we have some reasonable ARF's available, but they can be made better - rounding off the leading edges, fortifying the control systems, clipping the flaps (you had to know that was coming
) and the like. Not hard to imagine my small cottage industry in the post BOM future "dennis-izing" even an entry level ARF for folks who were unwilling or unable to assemble one, or who wanted one they thought I could modify/improve. LEVEL 2: Customize the ARF (actually ARC) with a new one-of-a kind color scheme of your choice - for a fee of course!
* Until recently I was active in RC Sailplanes. "Over there" they crossed the $2500 per airplane barrier several years ago - moldie airplanes are now the norm. In most cases their techniques and methods are directly applicable to CLPA birds with hardly a stretch. The ariplanes are well made, accurate and durable - not a bad investment - IF you have $2500 (plus engine) lying around! In my new cottage industry why bother with a few dozen $100 laser short kits if I can sell a $2500 moldie?
* Don't beleive it? Have you visited Windy's website where he will sell you $400 CF fuselage to use on your new $1100 composite wing?
* Of course, CLPA has a strong subjective element. As such those who buy expensive birds are going to be percieved as really out there. The top of the line birds will be all composite, with plug in wings and stabs for shipping. Those who own and fly these will be PERCEIVED as being the best, whether they are or not. Those who persist in "old school" methods will be seen as dynosaurs and will NOT be competitive. If you doubt that last statement then re-visit what is happening today when people who fly classic designs in regular CLPA are always at a disadvantage REGARDLESS of their performance. Another example as old as OTS when it was contemporary - how many people have you seen get more points because of their engine used - not their flying. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. The point is the subjective element exists, and those who buy expensive also are buying subjective points.
BTW, be prepared to be smoked because your 3 month old $2500 bird has now been obsolesced by the newest $2600 bird that is now the class on the block....
I dunno guys, the non-BOM people have good points to make, and frankly I can make money in a post BOM world. I just do not know if that outweighs the consequences...