Model aviation has been one of the greatest hobbies in my life. I had the opportunity to get involved with model aircraft back in 1969 from my Dad. I started building with my Dad's guidance, Free Flight gas models, as well as tow-line gliders. Built many TOP KICK tow-line gliders and A-class Miss America cabin gas models. We flew with the "then" SAM 1 club here in Colorado. My Dad was the driving force in my Free Flight gas and later rubber models.
Born in 1940, paralyzed from the waist down with polio in 1944 but made a remarkable recovery. Fascinated with aviation as a youngster and built many 25-cent stick/tissue/dope/rubber Free Flight models. Eventually built many Control Line semi-scale and stunt models with Fox 19 & 35 engines as the engine of choice.
I was born into a family with a father who flew the “HUMP” (in a C-46) in WW2 and loved model airplanes. He encouraged my brother and I to build simple model planes. He created a place where we could work with the scrap balsa he had. As we grew and got better, he encouraged us to repair and fly the planes others gave to him. We were “serviceable” at flying U-controlled planes and really good at chasing Free Flight airplanes. In our town, we were part of the “Mini-Air Modelers” club. Money was tight in our family, so Radio Control was not an option for a long while.
My Dad was the first in the family, along with my uncle, to embrace the love of flight! My Dad served in Korea, and after he left to come home, he had a stop over in Japan where he purchased two line control planes and then had them shipped over to the states. My uncle, who was a World War 2 veteran, would assist my Dad, not with flying them but with rebuilding them after he crashed them.
Ray submitted the following video that offers details about his life, including how model aircraft helped him stay busy when recovering from a tragic accident: https://youtu.be/rDHHt1EKzn4?si=TVQnTl6Pq5MDIOig&t=89.
My AMA story begins when I was in grade school and went to a Civil Air Patrol event in a plowed-out corn field where a remote control aircraft club flew balsa and fabric-covered RC planes. I was captivated. Later on in junior high, I had a Cosmic Wind Control Line plane, Free Flight helicopter, and glider. None made it to high school, and I took a break from the hobby until I was living in an apartment and going to school.
My father was an Air Force F-86 Fighter Pilot, then Chief Pilot for the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. We started Free Flight models when I was 8 or so. Did fly (poorly) Control Line for a couple years. We started RC with a Ranger 42 with a single channel radio. We were founding members of the Helena Montana Flying Tigers club. I got my first four channel via a Royal Classic 70 kit. Flew fun fly and Quicky 500 pylon racing.
I am a retired major college and pro coach. Played at Tennessee '61 to '64. I have a private pilot license and got into RC in 1976. Love flying and building. My latest build is now on Old School Model Works' internet site. It is a Sky Ranger 40 with a Tennessee theme. I live in Las Vegas and fly at the dry lakebed in Boulder City. Need more. Please feel free to contact me at cattanara@cox.net.
Current age 75. BSEE, MBA-Mktg. Started in modeling with small plastic WW2 aircraft. My Godfather was a bombardier in WW2 and told me many stories.
Around age 11, I learned to fly U-control with a Stuntman 23 and a BabyBee 049. Flew Ukie for about 2 years, till I discovered RC while on a Sunday drive with my parents. After that, I was at the "RC Field" behind Manville Kupper airport just about every weekend.
