RE: Beware of Horizon Hobby
When something goes wrong with customer service of course, we blame instantly the company. Well, it might not be always the case. Somethimes you get some an employee with a bad attitude or that is miserable with his/her life, or that is having a bad hair day, and they make your life miserable. Example: Had a problem w/the phone company. After I was moved out to my new home I get a bill for the phone calls of the new owner because they did not cancel my number, as I had requested, and the new owner was not succesfull at canceling my number either. Well, the persona I talked to was rude, and said I had to pay the new owner's phone bill, period. I asked for her supervisor, and she said she was the supervisor. I hang up, called again, and another operator solved my problem. Dell: Their customer tech support was (might still be) in India or somewhere in Asia. You call for help, and a very knowledgable, trained person did take care of you. BUT some are difficult to impossible to understand. Solution: hang up, and call again until you get one with better knwledge of English... You can have Einstein on the line that if he does not speak your language, you are doomed... In other words, sometimes it pays just to get of the line, and try again a couple of minutes later, and talk to another person... My 2 cents. I have complains about some ARF purchased from Horizon time back, but their Customer Service was good:-) Gerry
Posted on: 10/21/2009 7:04 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9191713

RE: Why can't we dicipline our kids anymore.
[quote]ORIGINAL: Krawlin [quote]ORIGINAL: HJJFFFAA However, I do not believe in spanking or hitting kids under the age of about 6 or 7. In my opinion that is just screwed up, at that age they are still learning how to socialize with others and learning manners and and learning about what is an isn't acceptable to society as a whole, they will make mistakes, but you don't have to smack them for something you think they shouldn't do. But after about 7 years old, if they haven't figured it out by then, then yeah, it's probably alright to do something about it. And like HJ said, not all minors act bad. I may give my parents some gruff now and then, but I respect them and all other adults, and I do have manners and I am polite. I only got in trouble in public once that I can think of, and same with my brother. [/quote] I did read your age, and your comments are very mature. You say "but I respect them and other adults", and this is the key issue. In this country people just seem not to know that respect is earned. Look around, when you see an out of control parent with a brat, what you see is a brat with an idiot. If the best they can do is hit a child, well, that parent has a lot to learn. And yes, no 2 kids are alike. We have 3 boys and each was (as kids) very different from his siblings. Nothing wrong with that:-) Many grownups that (unfortunately) procreate, had idiots for parents and well, of course do not know better since they themselves are not the sharpest tools in the shed. Thay just cannot see that the "model figure" they had (their parents), is not really something they want to follow. If you hit a child that is 6 or 7 years you are an imbecil. Sorry... and many peole will tell you "My parents this, and that, and I turned out OK". True, many people turn OK anyway, but do not credit bad parents for that:-) There are examples you do not want to follow... Gerry
Posted on: 10/15/2009 10:57 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "Off Topic Forum - Cars, Trucks, Buggies and more"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9176895

RE: Is there more to AMA than paying your money and flying your model airplane?
[quote]ORIGINAL: bradpaul Yes the AMA is much more then ''toy airplanes'' Brad [/quote] I agree entirely with Brad, besides I never heard ANY modeller EVER call his models rc or not "toy airplanes". Makes you wonder about the person that posed the question in the first place... Gerry
Posted on: 10/15/2009 2:41 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9175678

RE: AMA competitor launches! Sportfliers.com $20 per year
[quote]ORIGINAL: TURBINATOR Has anyone seen how the extended car warranty companies work? This has to be the same way they are making money. They take ur $20 and find a reason not to cover you when u file a claim. [/quote] That's not fair! They pay a lot of money to very smart lawyers so they pick and choose what is covered and what is not. Then they write it clearely in tiny unreadable font at the bottom of the contract (have no microscope to read? Your bad!). All the stuff that rarely ever go busted, is covered... Gerry
Posted on: 10/1/2009 2:25 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9138973

RE: AMA competitor launches! Sportfliers.com $20 per year
<<<Heck, if you get insurance & a donut for $20 its a good deal >>> Not if you are paying $20 just for a doghnut... I pay more in insurance than mortgage (medical (15K just there), professional, homeowners, term life, long term care, etc.) But the first thing you look before buying insurance is who you are buying it from, their history, rating, etc. In this case, it is like buying insurance out of somebody's truck at the Walmart parking lot! I respectfully pass... Gerry
Posted on: 9/30/2009 11:34 AM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9135788

RE: Would you pay $78.00 a year for AMA if they offered PRIMARY insurance?
I, for one, would not. Life has risks. Nothing you do is free of risks. Vaccination has saved thousands of lives, same as the hospitals, and doctors, but some patients did not fair that well. I also pay the IMAA fees because I like to fly at Giant Scale Meets in our area, and it is a requirement. So, if I add IMAA and AMA yearly dues, it still is less than dinner out with my wife. I am surprised people whine about dishing out this cash and I wonder how much do they have invested in this hobby. Since most are not new to the hobby I have to assume: a lot of cash:-) I never had to use the insurance, and, let's face it, the chance you will have to are like hitting the lottery. Very slim. OK maybe not that slim, but you get my point. I agree with the person that said thet he is an ATA member because to fly at the local clubs you have to be a member. And quite frankly do you like to fly alone? I do not, it is not as much fun, nor can you learn as much. As far as the AMA magazine (or any other RC magazine) being boring. I know many people that think that way, and guess what, they have other hobbies... If you think it is boring, perhaps you shoul look into another hobby. My 2 cents. Gerry
Posted on: 9/30/2009 8:17 AM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9135338

RE: Remembering Carl Goldberg Models
[quote]ORIGINAL: cd_webb What's really scary is that Tower, slowly and very surely, is going to have the last say as to what kit builders are able to build - or even if there is anything TO build! I don't know what everyone else is going to do, but the plans of these kits that I love are going to be copied, carefully stored away, and pulled out for kit cutting occasions only. If I can't buy the kit, I'll have the parts cut (or cut them myself) and STILL build what I want. I may be a hybrid kit-scratch builder before it's all over! Tower and everybody else can take their ARF's and stick 'em! Kit producers like Goldberg one by one will go the way of the Dodo and it's a shame. Glad now that I bought that Chipmunk I didn't think I could afford! [/quote] With all respect, I think you are arriving to the wrong conclusions. What will decide what you will be able to purchase in 10 years from now is not Tower, it's the market. If there are enough kit builders left, they will keep them coming. If nobody buys a particular model, guess what? My favorite kit supplier is Balsa USA, and I do not think they will go out of business before I do:-) As you accurately point out, if a kit stops being available, we always will have plans:-) I do have a lot of plans left over from 30years+ in the hobby, I just never felt the need to go and build one, but if the day comes, I will be ready! I had 2 eaglets and a couple of j-3 (aniversary edition). Now I have a 1/4 scale Super cub (BUSA) and a 1/4 scale clipped wing Sig J-3, both gas powered... I think Goldberg had an edge over Sig (at the time) because their kits were much easier to assemble than the Sig ones. Gerry
Posted on: 9/22/2009 5:11 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9115891

RE: Why the AMA is not growing...........
Wow! 35 pages of messages on the subject. Obviously the AMA is not growing because people do not spend time at the fields or building models anymore, they stay on line talking about it:-) Gerry
Posted on: 9/22/2009 1:26 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9115387

RE: Beautiful Trainer
[quote]ORIGINAL: Cyntec PS. I forgot to mention another reason I want a trainer even though I can fly a Cub... I don't have my wings yet (I only get to fly one month in the summer, when University is out for vacation) so a slow trainer would probably be a piece of cake to pass my test with. [/quote] It is always good to have a trainer in case you want to teach someone. My current trainer is a 6 foot electric Telemaster. Flies great in the wind, no setup time, slow as you want it to be (specially w/flaps). Relaxing like a valium... Good luck! Gerry
Posted on: 9/17/2009 12:42 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9103216

RE: Why the AMA is not growing...........
Why is the ATA loosing members? I know many of you also participate in full size aviation. Those of you know that do, know that in our country we are loosing active GA pilots like it is going out of style... Maybe there is a link between general aviation and model airplanes. In my world, if people loose interest in general aviation, it makes sense to see people loosing interest in model aviation (regardless of what the ATA does or does not do...) I guess it is a sign of change. Many of you, just like me, when we hear an airplane above we just have to look up, and most likely we will have identified the type before even seeing the thing... My guess is that there are less people that just have to look up when they hear a plane... Gerry
Posted on: 9/8/2009 5:57 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9079534

RE: What do you expect from a warbirds event
[quote]ORIGINAL: da Rock More than half the warbird flyins around here are 80'' or over. And the value of that is???????? Is there ANY worthwhile reason to exclude anybody? [/quote] Around here all the meets I attend are IMAA (giant scale). Since that's the segemt I am interested in, I'm cool. If you fly foamie warplanes, I guess you are welcome at all the electric meets... Of course there are excellent reasons to exclude people:-) This is a very specialized hobby. Jet pilots have their meets (and need spceializad fields in some instances), electric meets are a lot of fun if you fly electrics, and if you love 1/4 scale models, nothing beats a 1/4 scale meet, same with seaplanes, choppers, 3D, you name it. My club has fun-flys where you fly what you want (or have). I did read about non-1/4 scale warplane meets. I believe in free market, if there is a need, somebody will fill that need... In this area we have meets for all the tastes:-) Gerry
Posted on: 9/3/2009 3:46 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9067456

RE: What do you expect from a warbirds event
Why are spectators important? Many got into the hobby after attending a Warbird meet. Let's face this birds are attractive:-) I attend a couple of meet (all giant), WOD (Delaware), over Quackertown and one in Jersey, and Reinebeck for the WWI warplanes:-) There is no shortage of pilots in any of these meets. Many spectators do not own a WB, but fly RC... Music if from the era, it is OK, but not blaring. After all, for that, there is guy on the microphone:-) If I have nothing to fly I attend anyway, you can learn a lot about the plane you are building, or narrow down your next "winter projet". Raffles, 50/50 are OK, and you raise money for next year's event. I always donate for the parking in 2 of the places I attend, to help the club raise some always needed funds. I thinks people that lug out their "queens" (and sit under their tent like a lump) and do not fly are having fun, same I think of the spectators (just take the time to talk to people, and you will agree with me), and of course those that fly are having a blast... No choppers needed, no 3,4 or 5 D needed either. My 2 cents. Have fun, life is way too short. Gerry PS: Only planes that actually did fly qualify for a trophy
Posted on: 9/3/2009 1:35 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9067160

RE: Lost Bandit
Carlos, it happened to us 2 times. In one instance a member with access to a full size plane was able to overfly the area and find the downed aircraft. In the other case, a member that was taking helicopter lessons did overfly the area w/his instructor and spotted the plane. With the instructions from both pilos the members found and recoveres the planes. Apparently from above the wrecks are very visible... Te deseo buena suerte Gerardo
Posted on: 9/3/2009 9:57 AM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9066645

RE: An ARF Nation
[quote]ORIGINAL: kcdog There are other hobbies that we see this ARF way of life occurring too.  For instance, amateur radio has become an appliance hobby with easy test to pass and then it is just a matter of how much money you have to invest. No one builds there own equipment anymore and the old timers that took pride in building something and making it work is fast becoming history. The hobby has lost 50,000 hams in the last 6 months. The ARF of cell phones and computers is here to stay. The art of building something and see it fly or building a transmitter and sending RF into the atmoshere has become old fashion. The software geek rules now and I sometimes wonder if we haven't created a void in our lives ?  That art of creating something with our own hands ?  Hmm - I wonder.     [/quote] You are right, hams are being lost, and it is a real shame. Hams can communicate when others can NOT. Remember 9/11, remember New Orleans? What was the first thing gone? Exactly: Cellular communications. A high price was paid for being "incommunicated", specially the police and the emergency response people. I am afraid (I hope I am wrong) that that loss fill be felt in the future... Gerry
Posted on: 8/8/2009 9:11 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9000746

RE: An ARF Nation
I think our country has been polarized to the extreme. Everybody is an extemist, everybody has THE only way of doing things right. Everybody else is wrong. Peolle demonize people becuse they do not gree with their ideas. We are a dying nation because ARFs are the dominating factor in this hobby? Well, I think some builders are a dying breed, and to a minute to soon. Ignorance and intolerance is manifested everywhere (Rcuniverse is not exempt) in this country, it is an ambarrasment, sad to say. I own my business, no I am not a union person, but to deny what unions have done to help workers in this country in the past would be silly (like dome misminformed soul posted earlier). There was a time when our good old USA (old is of course a misnomer) was a melting pot. Well, it is not melting anymore... Funny thread, I admit. Gerry
Posted on: 8/8/2009 9:04 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9000734

RE: Hwo do you keep spider webs out of your jet?
The problem is not the plane, the garage is the problem. I had some little ants come into my "hangar", and I use a "flogger" can from Home Depot. Warning, wait actually 24 hours before gong back in! I went in to get a tool like 12 hours after shooting the flogger, and the stuff is strong! Asfixiating strong. Also: Ventilate before going back in after waiting 24 horus... Good luck! Gerry
Posted on: 8/8/2009 2:13 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9000002

RE: How did you come to love Warbirds?
What's there NOT to love: they are very fast, extremely noisy, and dangerous! Follow the link, cranck up the volume and hear a Corsair and a Merlin starting! (also flybys) Enjoy: http://www.aviationshoppe.com/Sounds1.html Gerry
Posted on: 8/6/2009 1:54 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8995145

RE: Anyone Else Having Trouble With Super Monokote?
Will try to post again the cub pictures... Gerry
Posted on: 8/5/2009 3:19 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8992574

RE: Anyone Else Having Trouble With Super Monokote?
I hate Monocote, Ultracote is far superior. I use 21 Century Fabric to cover, and trim with Ultracote. Jus finished re-doing my 20 year old Supercub. The Ultracote can even be applied to the fiberglass (cowling). Gerry
Posted on: 8/5/2009 3:17 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8992567

RE: All I see is boring planes and boring helicopters
I belong to a small club, and really only some models flown there are inspiring. Two of our old master builders passed on... So, what do I do to get "inspiration". I go to 1/4 scale meets. I live close to Philadelphia, and I go to 2 warplane meets in NJ, and one or 2 in PA, and also to Warbirds over Delaware. I try to go to Rhinebeck when I can. This year I missed Warbirds over Delaware becuse I was in Hilton Head Island, but I will attend Rhinebeck the 12th of September. I also attend regular 1/4 scale meets (nott warplanes) in NJ and PA. At these meets, if you are dreaming of building (or if you are building) for axample a DVII or a Nieuport 17, or a DVIII you get to see them close up, and talk to the builders. Also, you get to see a lot of other masterpieces that can get your juices going:-) I also like to go to aeronautical museums every time I travel, and to full size airshows. I find all this inspiring:-) Good luck Gerry
Posted on: 8/2/2009 2:14 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8983879

RE: *Help me locate stolen jet!*Seeking buyer of AD F-16/p-120 in May from Orlando, FL hobby shop
[quote]ORIGINAL: 5487 [quote]ORIGINAL: GerKonig Get an attorney, you need legal counsel. If you would have a pain in the neck, would you post a question on a board? No, you would visit a MD. Well, this moment is when you want to visit a Lawyer and get sound advice. Good luck Gerry [/quote] The OP may need legal counsel soon, perhaps to defend himself against a slander suit by the hobby shop
Posted on: 7/25/2009 10:52 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8963870

RE: *Help me locate stolen jet!*Seeking buyer of AD F-16/p-120 in May from Orlando, FL hobby shop
Get an attorney, you need legal counsel. If you would have a pain in the neck, would you post a question on a board? No, you would visit a MD. Well, this moment is when you want to visit a Lawyer and get sound advice. Good luck Gerry
Posted on: 7/25/2009 10:06 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8963758

RE: Glow vs. Electric. Let the discussion begin.
[quote]ORIGINAL: Gooseman240 Wow, got me thinking why do retailers offer lipo-sacks...WOW!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3o_2mwRPdw Glow/gas for me any day!! Not bashing electrics, but think of all the harmful chemicals compared to glow you would be breathing if your battery took a turn for the worst. I would say way more cancer causing agents in a lipo fire. On the up side, nothing compares to a colorful crash to a P-51 with a lipo fire [:D] I like that maintenance required to keep your plane pristine (spot problems sooner, loose screws, stress fractures I guess for some peeps), and the sound of pwr when the plane flies by on a high speed pass. Like a biker riding a Harley. [/quote] Most people do not think that the battery they place right next to their ear is a lipo (used in cellphones), and so is most likely what powers your laptop computer (if it is a recent one). They have a great record fo safety (in the most part), nothing is perfect. Gerry
Posted on: 7/3/2009 8:12 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8904464

RE: Glow vs. Electric. Let the discussion begin.
To those that need noise. Perhaps you have a goos sound system connected to your computer. If so turn it up and go to: http://www.aviationshoppe.com/Sounds1.html The flyby and starting sound (pure music) of a P-51, and a Corsair are priceless. Now as far as your powerplants.... That is not airplane noise... My 1/4 scale gassers sound like fast moving weedwackers (I love them), but the sound is not airplane-like unless youi never heard an airplane. To the best of my knowledge only one model powerplant sounds kinda-like a real airplane powerplant, the 4 stroke radials that cosrt 3K and up:-) Gerry
Posted on: 7/3/2009 1:30 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8903710

RE: Glow vs. Electric. Let the discussion begin.
[ They showed a clip of a Sonnex taxiing, and they showed a clip of one in the hangar, but they didn't show any of the plane in flight. What is the range of this POS? How minutes of flight time? Bill, AMA 4720 [/quote] You do not have sound on your computer? I saw the cli, they said one hour. I saw the plane at Sun and fun last year. My take is that this is the firt proof of concept of a practical electric powered airplane, and it flew one hour. I wonder how long the first proof of concept gas powered plane flew? Seconds, minutes?
Posted on: 7/3/2009 9:18 AM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8903253

RE: What do you think of the term
Minds are like parachutes, they only work when they are open. I did read the thread, and I can tell there are quite some members "freee falling" like it is going out of style. There is a difference between "grow" and "grow old". Many say that you keep growing when you keep an open mind, and keep learning. If you find yourself deeply set in your ways (my way or no way), well, I bet you are just "growing old":-) Gerry
Posted on: 6/29/2009 3:44 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8891475

RE: 2 Stroke vs. 4 Stroke
[quote]ORIGINAL: -pkh- 4-strokes: Sound more scale-like More fuel efficient More torque - spin larger props 2-strokes: Higher power:weight ratio Higher rpms for more speed Cheaper, simpler. [/quote] I think you hit it on the spot. I would also add that 4 strokes are more complicated and expensive. Also, they are heavier. I got rid of all dirty and oily nitros, and only fly electric or gas. The only important thing is to remember is: The best powerplant is the one YOU like:-) Good luck Gerry
Posted on: 6/7/2009 9:08 AM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8832197

RE: Well I just read Dave's article on the new FAA proposals.
[quote]ORIGINAL: Tired Old Man Is it possible that people have a greater desire to argue than to work towards what should be a common goal? [/quote] I will quote a Governor: You betcha! Gerry
Posted on: 5/29/2009 4:17 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8809380

RE: Electric v. Glow?!
[quote]ORIGINAL: P-40 DRIVER Its getting to the point where you don't have to do anything in this hobby anymore except spend money and go fly. A bit boring if you ask me. I will stick to building my planes and glow motors for now. [/quote] Yes, there are builders that are not good pilots and barely if ever fly what they build. If "go fly" is boring, I guess it makes sense to stay home building and tuning nitro stuff that will rarely fly anyway. Gerry
Posted on: 5/28/2009 5:25 PM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8806768

RE: Electric v. Glow?!
No more nitro messy oily dirty planes for me. I have 3 gas powered planes (and a 1/4 scale DVIII almost done) and also electrics that range from a Wingo to a 1/4 scale RV. A 5000ma X 6 zippy costs less than $100. I enjoy both (gas and electric). I also have a 40 size electric Telemaster I use a lot. Batteries, controlers and motors have came down a lot in price. Heck my first 4000 x 3 lipo did cost me over $170 if memory serves me well. Whichever you like the most, is the best for you. The problem, too many planes, too little time:-) Even the chargers are dirty cheap. You can get a great one that chages 6 cells at once, with balancer for about $40 from Hobbycity Good luck Gerry
Posted on: 5/28/2009 11:54 AM by Author "GerKonig" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8805895