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LBJ
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Joined: August/21/2012
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| Posted: March/26/2023 at 11:11am |
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I think it's really the same as decades ago in that there are builders and there are flyers. Yesterday, flyers had to find planes built by someone else, but today they have the ARF's, no building just assembly. Builders have always been builders because they enjoy creating something from a pile of balsa and plans. Hard-core builders are still called scratch builders. Me, I got hooked on building control line and balsa and tissue jobs in the 60's because I loved the aroma of Ambroid and Butyrate. Ha. Lane
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LBJ Fort Worth, TEXAS
There are always TWO sides to every story. Proverbs 18:17
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Slowflight
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Joined: December/02/2010
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| Posted: March/26/2023 at 11:12am |
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Quote: Alan I think that part of the reason for the change, is the current need for instant gratification. <br>That, I believe is a big reason for the ARF products. <br> <br> Those of us that have been building models for a long time, understand that the Journey is just as important as the Destination. <br>Having the space to build is also something that is not always available. <br> My current club has close to 100 members ,but to the best of my knowledge there is only one other builder. There are several members that assemble and fly Turbine jets. JMTC. Alan<br> <br>
So similar to my club, we have I think at the moment 300 members , maybe 6 are builders, I always laugh when the jet guys are assembling a jet and call it “I started a new build” . We have about 25-30 turbine fliers the rest ARFs and Foamies.
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Roger
South Florida
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Alan
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Joined: December/10/2003
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| Posted: March/26/2023 at 12:04pm |
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Yeah!
It used to be "The Builder of the Model", now it's "The Assembler of the Model" 
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Alan
Woodway, TX
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Sparky
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| Posted: March/26/2023 at 12:14pm |
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In talking with those non-builders I always make it a point to say "assemble" vs "build" in my discussions.
As a builder I have been offered numerous minor crashed ARF airframes that could have easily been salvaged and returned to flight status.
Sparky
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Admin
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Joined: July/22/2003
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| Posted: March/26/2023 at 12:23pm |
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OK folks, the discussion has wandered off topic. Let's get back on the original topic. 
Thank you!
Mike
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PeterOZ
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Joined: April/04/2009
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| Posted: May/01/2023 at 6:02pm |
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last conversation I had with Daniel was as others pointed out lack of raw materials but also he was having major issues with his machines and they needed serious work and cash to get them sorted.
Even with raw materials he may struggle to produce. When you add in the proliferation of people getting 3D printed parts such as the MGs, pilots etc his market will be shrinking a lot. End of the day he has to see if their is a viable ROI and he can make a quid out of it.
Lets hope he can. Here in Oz there is a very large WWI flying & building community where there is constant demand for those speciality items. Most are now turning to suppliers of 3D parts.
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Alan
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| Posted: May/01/2023 at 6:37pm |
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I think the only way Dan could compete today, would be to produce his inventory as 3D printed parts. That is also an expensive start -up
His machinery, as you say,is outdated and would need a lot of expensive upgrades to be productive again
I am doubtful we shall see Williams re-started.
Hope I am wrong, but I think that is the reality today.
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Alan
Woodway, TX
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jollyroger
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| Posted: May/13/2023 at 6:38pm |
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Sorry to hear that Dan is having such problems trying to keep the business alive. Seems like a failing endeavor. Too bad, Williams bros. offered up a good selection of items that any modeler whether scale or not could use. Now sadly, it looks like this one may be doomed to history. At least for now other such companies like I Fly Tailies has a good inventory.
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Jollyroger
Central lake, Mi.
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