I started modelling when, at seven years old, I built the Kielkraft rubber powered series of models. Some plastic Airfix kits were built but they never gave the excitement of seeing a model fly for the first time.
As the years rolled by my free flight modelling continued until I entered service in the RAF. An earned income meant that I could now try radio at last although this was single channel. Multi-channel reeds followed but it was the use of Galloping Ghost single channel that gave the abillity to fully control a model via proportional rudder, elavator and progressive motor control. Eventually true multi-channel proportional control became available and the sky was the limit.
An unbroken run of 50 years modelling has brought an enormous amount of pleasure and the chance to meet some great people in the process.
Always on the look out for a challenge I have flown all types of aircraft from scale, aerobatic, twin, bi-plane, thermal soarers, slope soarers, helicopters, autogiros and acted as test pilot for a friends scratch built model Chinook. This is probably the ultimate model experience as flying a model helicopter where the swept area of the twin rotors covers the equivalent of an eight by four piece of hardboard and the sound of the two rotors just has to be heard.
An interest in model boating over the last few years has led me to model hovercraft. having tried this type many years ago without a lot of success. As with my aircraft modelling it is the unusual that catches my eye hence my interest has been in submarines and fast electric units. The hovercraft has been the most challenging in that there is so much to research and electric power provides an even bigger challenge.
Welcome to the site and I hope it helps you to obtain as much pleasure from model hovercraft as I have.
Enjoy.
Tony Middleton