Dear Members,

You might recall a few months ago I posted some info about new Replica Guidelines adopted for the site. You can read the post here: http://www.airfighters.com/forums.php?m=posts&q=1240

Recently, we've had a few uploads of full-scale models which we have denied into the database simply because they are not real aircraft and have no military history whatsoever. However, a few have crept into the database either because the uploader didn't know it was a full-scale model or the screener didn't know. I've recently been in discussion with Joop de Groot and Rinze de Vries about possibly opening up the database to full-scale models based on historical reasons. Here's what Rinze had to say and I think he has a very valid point:

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Full-Scale model (FSM)
A full-scale model only resembles the original type in shape and colour, making use of other materials and construction techniques than in the original design.
A FSM was never designed to take to the air, but intended for display purposes only.

As not being an aircraft in the true meaning of the word, FSMs have no place in AF's database.


However..........

Most, if not the majority, of the full-scale models are part of an aviation related memorial or monument. Placed at an airfield entrance, a city square or at a crash site in a distant field, they honour our Air Fighters of past conflicts and act as a reminder to us of living our lives in peace and freedom.

I would therefore strongly recommend to add a new category to the Air Fighters database: aviation memorial.

In this new category all aircraft (wether genuine, replica or FSM) serving as a monument, and not being part of a museum or aviation collection would find a place. All other would remain in the preserved aircraft category.

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I'm a little concerned with the handling of the registration and construction numbers. But, we can accommodate these models in a new category. What do you guys think? Please let us know your thoughts.

Thanks,

Ray

This problem could be solved by entering just the main aircraft type and serial and leaving c/n blank. In the monument has no serial applied, than '***' would do, I think.

Joop

I would say no and would prefer to stay with the old Replica Guidelines.
In my opinion there are already too many warbirds on the site, and this new category would open even more doors for things that are not really "airfighters".

Go out and do not look for memorials, go out and look for new active military aircraft to shoot! ::thumb_grin}

Andreas