Rich Models Extra 300 30%

[Islandflyer]

As a company, PAU has refrained from getting involved in this kind of thread.
However this has gone too far in the direction of soiling the company’s reputation which is well documented in many threads as being excellent.
Prior to posting this, I attempted to resolve this situation through Flying Giants, asking them to contact East R/C to request that they retract their slanderous post; Sleepy C responded that “perhaps it's time for you to clear the air”.

So here is the reality of the situation: 2-1/2 years ago, PAU purchased all the assets owned by BME Aircraft, a Canadian company. These assets included all existing plans, designs and CAD files from BME Aircraft, and including the 30% Extra in particular.

It does happen that several US models manufacturers may share any given factory (there are few decent factories), but the models designs are definitely proprietary to the manufacturer who designed the model. Indeed, unlike mere dealers such as East R/C and many others, PAU does not simply sell models designed, tested and developed by others. In one particular case, we went through three factories and six prototypes before releasing our plane, knowing that we then had the right balance of scale looks, proper CG range, sturdiness and flight performance. This requires a very large investment of time for our design group, as well as a large financial commitment.
In the case of the 30% Extra 330L, BME aircraft refined the design with a factory that PAU no longer works with. Ken, known as “Ken H” on Flying Giants, worked with Max to test the prototype and refine the design. Ken also personally wrote the manual and provided the photos for illustration. This very manual was later stolen and used by East R/C who simply crossed out the BME Aircraft logo with a marker.
Now, when someone from East R/C posts such a slanderous, untrue statement as:“That's the problem, it is not a genuine PAU. PAU has no "Genuine" aircraft”, we have to react and restore the truth. This statement was both mis-informed and slanderous.
I am not sure how and where the 30% Extra design leaked out and was copied, pirated and sold by other, but East R/C definitely knew that they had a PAU/BME Aircraft plane when they copied the manual. Unfortunately, what goes on in the in many Chinese factories right now could be caricatured as the "wild wild East"! We will never now the truth, and we have long turned the page...until these posts turned it back.

I regret that some 30% Extra owners are caught in this situation where they are unable to purchase parts, but we have a commitment to keep parts available for OUR customers. I do not want to be in a position where I may have to tell one of our customers: “I cannot sell you replacement wheel pants because I sold them to owners of pirated Extras”. Beside, if you buy a copy of a Rolex watch from any of the many resellers, you will not get service from the genuine Rolex manufacturer. Purchasing, stock and shipping parts is expensive and not profitable, which probably explains why many do no bother doing it.

As stated earlier, PAU no longer uses that factory that manufacturer the BME 30% Extra, and we have good indications that our current factory not only keeps our designs confidential, but is also able to manufacture our planes in accordance with quality control that is meeting our always increasing demands.
We are currently working on several new designs, and are looking forward to bringing more great designs to the public.

[SleepyC]

People can speculate but at the end of the day facts are facts it's as simple as that.

Herve, your planes are really, really nice planes.
The service and support you offer your customers is excellent.
I have had the pleasure of seeing and flying many of your Edges. From the 30% to the 43%.
The quality is top notch, and the planes fly like a dream.

Your commitment to bring quality products to market and fully support them is much appreciated.

I'm sure with your current factory and your new airframe designs, PAU will continue to be a prominent force in the Giant Scale ARF market!

[scalefreak]

	Quote: Originally Posted by islandflyer2
	Mere dealers such as East R/C

Who is slanderous? I don't recall bashing your company, but now that we have a fire going, I'll be your Huckleberry.

	Quote: Originally Posted by islandflyer2
	PAU does not simply sell models designed, tested and developed by others.

According to Rich Model, the manufacturer of the airframe in argument, it was an existing airframe that was donned with BME's requested color scheme. This is what we were told by the manufacturer. Had no reason to not believe them.

	Quote: Originally Posted by islandflyer2
	This very manual was later stolen and used by East R/C who simply crossed out the BME Aircraft logo with a marker. Now, when someone from East R/C posts such a slanderous, untrue statement as:“That's the problem, it is not a genuine PAU. PAU has no "Genuine" aircraft”, we have to react and restore the truth. This statement was both mis-informed and slanderous.

You, my friend, are an *******. No one stole your manual. I doubt anyone here has ever even read it. Whatever manual was in the airplane box from the manufacturer is the one we use. End of story.

	Quote: Originally Posted by islandflyer2
	I am not sure how and where the 30% Extra design leaked out and was copied, pirated and sold by other,

C'mon man...this airplane aint "PIRATED" and you know where it's coming from.

	Quote: Originally Posted by islandflyer2
	but East R/C definitely knew that they had a PAU/BME Aircraft plane when they copied the manual. Unfortunately, what goes on in the in many Chinese factories right now could be caricatured as the "wild wild East"! We will never now the truth, and we have long turned the page...until these posts turned it back.

What East R/C know is that we placed orders with the manufacturer of the airplane.....not the distributor, for the airplane and this airplane is what we got. It's pretty basic. No science needed.

	Quote: Originally Posted by islandflyer2
	I regret that some 30% Extra owners are caught in this situation where they are unable to purchase parts, but we have a commitment to keep parts available for OUR customers. I do not want to be in a position where I may have to tell one of our customers: “I cannot sell you replacement wheel pants because I sold them to owners of pirated Extras”. Beside, if you buy a copy of a Rolex watch from any of the many resellers, you will not get service from the genuine Rolex manufacturer. Purchasing, stock and shipping parts is expensive and not profitable, which probably explains why many do no bother doing it.

Dude, seriously? If someone called us and wanted to order a 16x8 prop, should I refuse them the order because they didn't buy the engine it will be bolted onto from us? Get off your "COPIED" high horse.

	Quote: Originally Posted by islandflyer2
	As stated earlier, PAU no longer uses that factory that manufacturer the BME 30% Extra, and we have good indications that our current factory not only keeps our designs confidential, but is also able to manufacture our planes in accordance with quality control that is meeting our always increasing demands. We are currently working on several new designs, and are looking forward to bringing more great designs to the public.

I'll say this, it is likely that the guys who originally manufactured the airplane may have acted dis loyal to you guys by marketing your refined airplane. It happens often. We no longer buy from Rich and the company that manufacturers for us are great guys and honorable. If they truly reamed you guys, it's not our fault. Accusing us or anyone of "STEALING" from you does little more than ruffle feathers, because it is about as far from the truth as one could waiver. I wish you guys the best of luck in all of your endeavors and great success with new aircraft. I understand you may have a few "In"'s here at FG, so let's keep it Bi-Partisan, shall we?

Like Sleepy said...at the end of the day "FACTS ARE FACTS" and your accusations are even realted to the category of "FACT".

[B Rocka]

The title of this thread is "Rich Models Extra 300 30%". I know I don't even need to chime in here....but the bottom line is, we were FORMERLY a Rich Model dealer when we FORMERLY sold this plane. They offered it as one of their line of aircraft along with all their other planes. At the time, we didn't see anyone else selling it and had no reason to believe otherwise. Like Chris said, we never did anything with any manuals. However stuff was in the box, is how we sold it. I understand your frustration, but maybe you should read your own posts before calling someone else "slanderous".

Just FYI, East R/C is not only a "mere dealer", we also design, develop, and produce several of our own proprietary aircraft and products.

[JohnVH]

	Quote: Originally Posted by scalefreak
	Like Sleepy said...at the end of the day "FACTS ARE FACTS" and your accusations are even realted to the category of "FACT".

Herve knows the facts. Anyone with a clue could have told you where that plane came from, all the customers knew it, you really couldnt tell? I can easily show you some other BME designs that were ripped off.. I guess if you dont care where its from and who spent all the funds to make it what it is you can sleep easily.

/end thread

[SleepyC]

This thread seems to have reached a point that this discussion needs to be taken off line.