2025 Flite Test Forum Challenge: Build-ruary Contest

[FoamyDM]

Time for some Devils Advocate:

Firstly, build difficulty/complexity should be considered with the build points awarded. More points for complex designs, less points for simple planes. Yes?
But then there is the counter-argument asking if there is a difference between folks building laser-cut/needle-cut/SB kits vs those of us who don't have access to that and have to template out the plans and cut everything out by hand? Sure, that can be done in January, but it's still 10 hours of work we need to do instead of 10 seconds filling a cart and waiting on delivery of pre-cut parts... Where is the line drawn? I can't afford to buy any Master Series planes, as the shipping and customs fees will cost me a divorce from my wife. Sooooo, not worth it... Or is it worth winning the contest?

Secondly, are bonus points added for own designs vs. using existing designs? Surely my own creation is worth more points and a existing design that I build? Or not?

Thirdly, if I do then create my own design, and create accessible plans for others to replicate my awesome creation, then I should obviously be rewarded with a bonus point or two. Or not?

For example: Two years ago, I created a complex little EZ-plane called the Un-EZ Bronco, which took much longer than a normal FT design build, most likely closer to a MS-build time-to-complete due to having to problem solve and rebuild the plane dozens of times and make it a complete 'product'. I created a complete and detailed skin for that plane. That's an easy 15 hours extra work right there.
Then, high quality beta plans of this design were then posted on the forum (add another 10-15 hours work that's not seen). Worth bonus points? Definitely. Or not. I don't know... I just enjoy the idea of others appreciating and building a design I created for themselves. That's my real reward. So here's a question to you: Is your reward for building a Master Series plane the complexity of the build, completing it in the month and then having a great plane to fly this year; or to win the contest?

Personally, I expect that my Un-EZ Bronco will be a much-more rewarding project than any of the EZ planes I anticipate making this year. But my plan for this year is to just get more EZ planes made, as I have a few packs doing nothing and those EZ packs that are currently in planes are looking ragged and in need of replacing.

Should this year's Domino's EZ Plank get the same amount of points as a completed Master Series build or my Un-EZ Bronco from 2023? I think not. Or maybe yes...? They're both planes I won't have had made had it not been for the Build-ruary contest/event.

In the end, I'm building the planes for myself, and the contest is a secondary (and awesome) objective. The Plank here is to try help another forum member with a predicament he's facing. Again, all my choice and if I get dinged points for the 'simplicity' of it, I'm OK with that. My primary reward will be if I can get a pizza box design to work with the EZ pack to help another community member with his STEM class. Surely helping kids get in the air for the first time in their lives using an EZ pack and a 'free' airframe is worth more points than a build just for my own use. Yes? No? Again, where's the line drawn?

We all have our reasons for what planes we build . I like EZ's because they're great for indoor flying, and having on hand to just take out and fly, without the need for proper battery management. I almost exclusively fly only sub 250g planes, so that means I can't build a MS-style plane, unless I choose to build something such as one of @MiniacRC's awesome designs. I've made a few of his planes in the past, but that's just not what I'm keen to do this year for my Summer flying hopes. Should I be punished points for what I need for my 2025 flying inventory?

Yes.
Or no?

I think the primary focus is Build-ruary is to motivate us to use this quiet season to build planes for when the weather gets warmer.

I'm conclusion, I am keen to hear what everyone has to say about this, though. We have a great hobby and a great community! Let the building commence!

I will look at this when I have time later today. And give my weigh in

 

[Flying Cherokee]

I will look at this when I have time later today. And give my weigh in

Personally, I do not think there should be deducted points for doing an EZ of your own design or someone elses, due to the fact that they are WAY more finicky than MS or Swappable planes. And I think that Master series should not get extra points due to the fact that if someone else does not have access to build large planes with expensive electronics they would feel that it is rigged for master series builders. And let's say that I decide to design my own design of plane, that is a lot of work, and it takes time to figure out all the kinks in the design. Should I get extra points for that? In my opinion, No, because ultimately it is your choice whether you do a master series, or an EZ, or a Swappable, or design your own. I feel that the point of doing the Buildruary contest is more of getting more people interested in RC planes. And that is ultimately my reward, sure it would be cool to get first or second, but even if I don't that is perfectly fine, that is not why I am doing the contest. I am doing the contest because I am getting interested in 3d Planes, and possibly in doing several 3d planes it will get more people interested in them. That is my prize in this contest.

To sum up what I am saying: The less rules and points making it more complicated deters people from wanting to do the contest.

This is just my opinion, I would be interested in hearing what you have to say.

 

[L Edge]

First al all, I want to thank @FoamyDM and his "stuff he tinkers with" where he inspired me to look at the FT EZ Power Pac. According to the build-ruary, I am starting(minus 70) for the score. I am having a ball tinkering with FT EZ.

Foamy has contributed much to the forum by inspiring many to participate in past build-ruary's, but it is very hard to please everyone with the rules like @AgentC and @Flying Cherokee discussed.

Maybe the simple answer is either join based on the rules or maybe join another build-ruary called "GET IT DONE" should be incorporated where @foamy gives a thumbs down, 1/2 thumb up, or big thumbs up to each participant who joins. He makes the call where the member join states what he is going to do and did he accomplish it. How many "thumbs" up are you getting?

That's fair.

 

[FoamyDM]

I appreciate the feedback and interest in keeping this contest fair and approachable. There are some good ideas. And this contest evolves every year a bit. It started before EZ kits, master series, 3D printing, and simple FPV and the like were a thing. I’m gonna have to turn our focus back to the original purpose, which is getting people to see how simple and easy
The Flite Test system is to get into RC. And as long as you are engaging in the hobby we all win!

The two purpose of the contest is to have fun friendly small community while getting planes ready for the season. I recognize that everybody is motivated by different things which is why there’s a prize, but in the years that I’ve done it most of the feedback has been just joining and being part of the challenge is more of more worth than anything else that could come from it.
I thought about reducing the prize to a logo and bragging rights for the year.

The scoring points are there so that I can compare apples to apples at the end without being as subjective. If I need independent view points, I’ll get third-party judges if need be, but most years it’s really clear who stepped out in front. I want this to be possible for noob and RC veteran alike.

I think this group is going to be building and having a lot of fun this month. I’m excited to see everybody in one of building coming up this month. Details pending.

 

[FoamyDM]

My build table has be sequestered for repairs!
View attachment IMG_5964.jpeg

 

[Mr Man]

My build table has be sequestered for repairs!
View attachment 247900

What is that MS style wing?

 

[FoamyDM]

What is that MS style wing?

The not- assembled one?
The little one in front, or the on to the right of that?

 

[Mr Man]

The not- assembled one?
The little one in front, or the on to the right of that?

Yes, the non assembled one. The one on the far right corner of the table.

 

[FoamyDM]

Or was it the hot-wire cut kits? Those are mostly gladiator Kits from windcatcherRC

 

[Mr Man]

Or was it the hot-wire cut kits? Those are mostly gladiator Kits from windcatcherRC

No, foamboard.

 

[Mr Man]

This one.

 

[FoamyDM]

That one is the foam board wing set of a private concept plane making waves 5 years ago. The synergy. I have the fuse formed looks like a football

 

[Mr Man]

That one is the foam board wing set of a private concept plane making waves 5 years ago. The synergy. I have the fuse formed looks like a football

View attachment 247904

Cool!

 

[Flying Cherokee]

It looks interestin‘ I kinda like the box wing planes.

 

[Flying Cherokee]

I changed My mind on my EZ plane. Instead of doing a B2 I am going to try to do a tupolev tu-160. Extended wings style

 

[Mr Man]

I changed My mind on my EZ plane. Instead of doing a B2 I am going to try to do a tupolev tu-160. Extended wings style View attachment 247905

Hmmm, why?

 

[Mr Man]

Still cool though.

 

[Flying Cherokee]

Hmmm, why?

I noticed that @L Edge made a b2, and I don’t have enough power to overcome the wing area. This will be easier for me to achieve, and it is something not many people have heard of. I also wanted to add a vertical stabilizer because I noticed that it was drifting in the air.

 

[FoamyDM]

It looks interestin‘ I kinda like the box wing planes.

I may just build from existing on that and finish the project🤠

I thought about making a Prandlt EZ somehow.

 

[FoamyDM]

If I’m not careful, it will be very hard to make any headway 😊