I hatched out in 1958 and started making trouble for my parents right off the bat. That they put up with my antics without trading me in for another model says a lot about their lack of sanity.

My Uncle got me interested in building models when I was in the 6th grade. I started off on the old Gillows kits. You know the ones I'm talking about. Lots of sticks, a few formers and a tissue and dope covering with a rubber band for power. I soon graduated to 1/2a power planes and flew C/L combat for a number of years. I soon learned that I was dizzy enough without spinning in circles at high speed and switched to tow line gliders. Old Jetco models still hold a special place in my heart as they were great flying planes. (Even if you did have to chase after them!)

When I turned 17 I joined the Army and while serving in Korea I got back into C/L flying since we were not allowed to operate R/C planes. I built up a Voodoo and a Spitfire stunter and had a blast with them. I ended up selling them off because I didn't have any way to get them back to the states. When I got out of the Army I moved back to San Diego and got into slope soaring at Torrey Pines. Living about 35 miles inland from the coast I had access to several slope sites that were close to the house so I was almost always flying. This lasted until I discovered Ren-Faires. Beer and Blades and women all in the same place! What more could a guy want? I still flew from time to time but not nearly as much as...Continue Reading