Before I throw my 2p worth in, I'd like to explain where my thoughts stem from (with apologies in advance for the necessary detail)
I started racing in 1975, did a couple of races and then work forced a 9yr gap.
I returned to MPBA Multi racing in 1984 at Maidstone. I took part in many races, with some success mostly in the South.
In 1987 we moved to the Midlands and I joined Kingsbury club. I served 2 years as the Midland Area Secretary for the MPBA, followed by 5 years as MPBA Multi Secretary and 2 years as Multi Chairman.
During this time, I continued to race boats in most Multi classes, except spark ignition (which in those days was not a popular class) ending most years between 5th and 8th in the National Championships.
I also organised, with the help of others, many LARGE National championship events over both one and two days.
For reasons which I will not go into here, I left multi in 1998 and joined OMRA, which has been in existance since 1967, but of which I had previously been unaware. I have been racing all over the country in OMRA events and am still doing so.
I say all this, not to try to gain some sort of kudos, but to illustrate my depth of experience, both good and bad, as a racer and as an organiser in IC boat racing.
I am often embarassed when answering one of the inevitable questions from interested spectators that, in all honesty, there is no cheap way into model boat racing to compete nationally. I obviously try to be as positive as possible, saying things like - "once you have bought the tank, pipe, radio, mounts, they will last years" but I more often get a wry smile and a polite thankyou, as another potential racer heads into the sunset.
IF another "cheap to start and race" class is to be attempted, a number of things need to be considered. It will take a definite committment on many parts.
The organisation
1. The class must be recognised by a National Body in order that racers have the same facilities and opportunities as the existing classes into which they may well move. "Club" rules and racing does not give the same 'feel' as open competitions with members from many clubs competing individually. It does not matter which 'National body' incorporates the new class but based on my previous experience, it would be more difficult to have it accepted in the MPBA. This would also allow progression to true National Championships.
2. Races MUST be held as part of the same competitions as the other classes running under the National body. The OMRA 'Z' class is an excellent example of what should NOT be done. 'Z' class races are held on different dates and at different venues and for a different championship than the original OMRA classes. It has resulted in very few racers taking part in both 'sets' of races, further, as few 'Z' racers want to travel a long way just to race one class of boat, the way was clear to introduce another 'Z' class which meant that racers could now race two classes on the same day, thus the 'Z modified' class was born.
This has effectively split OMRA right down the middle, with few racers crossing from 'Z' to 'AA-D' classes. The very reason it was introduced in the first place.
The boat
3. A RTR or ARTR boat would be preferred by many new racers. It MUST be readily available in whatever numbers may be required and NOT rely on 'special offers' or 'here today, gone tomorrow' suppliers. If we could get a UK manufacturer to put together a ready built, or as a minimum a COMPLETE kit, plus comprehensive, easy to understand instructions to an agreed specification and price, I'm sure it would be worth their time and effort. A couple of very popular classes have been introduced in the USA based on a single RTR kit. I would prefer it to remain a UK based enterprise for ease of communication, spare parts availability, and just because it's UK!
4. The specification would need much thought as it needs to be simple, possibly using a pull-start engine, submerged drive, untuned engines, reasonable price, and designed to go at a realistic speed which would not, obviously, be as fast as any of the 'standard' classes - but this would not matter as the boats would be competing evenly with EXACTLY the same type of boat.
5. NO modifications which deviate from the original rules should be allowed. Any rule change proposed should mean the abandonment of the class. Racers who have the ability and money to make this class of boat faster should move on to the existing 'developmental' classes, leaving this class for racers who want the boats and competitions AS THEY ARE.
The racers
6. It is the responsibily of everyone who enjoys model boating, in whatever form, to try to encourage newcomers into the hobby. With new blood we will grow, to the benefit of all. It is essential that existing boaters 'join in' to promote the new class, by buying and racing them. Then as others see the fun to be had, they will want to join in.
7. It is no use having a class where only a couple of boats are bought/made. Organisers of events do not want valuable water time taken up by a couple of 'new class' racers who use all the event facilities (rescue, lapcounting, PA, OOD) for two or three boats. WE need to get the boats out there racing first. Then they will appear in articles in the Modelling press and begin to attract newcomers. It would also be worthwhile to carry out a 'photo' build/set-up which could be published to help newcomers along with such 'gems' as racing tips, problem sorting, etc.
Previous attempts have all failed, although some worse than others, because of a number of factors, many of which I've indicated above
and I know there are others, but if we could address these 'challenges', I'm sure the time is ripe for the introduction of a TRUE 'starter' class.
Danny
Author
Topic: cheap ic racing boats (Read 14858 times)