Hobbies

As anyone who visits my sign shop can tell you, I'm into radio controlled model airplanes. I own and fly several 1/4 scale miniature airplanes modeled after real life aircraft. These are powered by gasoline or glow power fuel and are controlled by hand held radio transmitters with 4 to 14 channels for operating the airplane's control surfaces and throttle. The receiver inside the airplane receives the transmitter signal and sends the information to the battery operated servos, or small geared electric motors, which in turn operate the aileron, elevator, rudder, flap (air brake) and throttle.

I build these models in my spare time, usually evenings, and fly them during the warm days of the year at my club, MARKS, in Fruitland, MD. I learned to fly RC on a flight simulator using Windows 95 back in early 1999. I bought my first trainer soon after that, and was immediately hooked. As of July 2009, I have plans to build four more scale models, bringing the fleet total to 10.

Giant scale RC is not for everyone. It can get somewhat expensive depending on what you build. As well, you need to develop flying skills which enable you to fly from the ground to 300 plus feet above your head, perform a string of aerobatics, and land safely. On the other hand, many small scale electric planes made from light balsa wood and/or foam are available on the market and are easier to fly. They are also much more affordable than the larger gas models.

I encourage anyone interested in learning to fly radio controlled model airplanes to click on the link below and visit the MARKS website. Click on the map then visit the field to see me or any of the other fine pilots demonstrate what it's all about. The club has a friendly attitude and is willing to teach anyone who wants to get started and hopefully remain in this fun hobby.

	AT-6 Texan hanging from sign shop
At a mall show in Salisbury, MD with MARKS club
	Full scale and quarter scale comparison

My airplanes - Cessna 182 Skylane
	My airplanes - Cessna 188 Agwagon
My airplanes - Clipped-wing Taylorcraft
	My airplanes - Piper J3 Cub
My airplanes - Piper Supercub
	My airplanes - PT-19 Fairchild
My airplanes - Super Decathlon
	My airplanes - Piper Pawnee rear view
My airplanes - Piper Pawnee
	My airplanes - Piper Pawnee PA-25
My airplanes - Piper Pawnee PA-25
	Some of my fleet
Winning an award, but not for art!
	Working on my Stearman
Don't be fooled! That Stearman is really a remote- controlled model airplane that I built. I reduced my size to 18 inches using computer software. The plane's wingspan is almost 90 inches.



MARKS club field from the air

Radio Controlled Model Airplanes