I have been making working models since I was seven.
I began with freeflight and simple radio controlled aircraft ( Keilkraft models, mainly ) - and the odd radio controlled boat...
When I realised how much wood was actually in the kits, I began to design and build my own R/C aeroplanes...
I've been making those - and gliders, boats and yachts - for many years.
My first R/C car was a Mardave Marauder.
I bought it second hand with its box and an Attack R radio set - in 1983
My dad reminded me that I got that before the Grasshopper that I bought new in '84...
I then got a Hornet, then a Hotshot ( which was much more technically challenging ), and with that, I won an odd heat at local race meetings...
I also got myself a Frog - which was brush-painted green - and a March BMW racing car which I got cheap, when the local shop in Burnley ( Windmill Models ) was having a sale of the older Tamiya kits on their shelves...
I believe that most of that model ( 58013 ) is at the back of one of my cupboards - in bits...
I got a few other kits before getting married - then I had a rest from R/C cars and concentrated instead on 'proper' R/C model planes for around fifteen years.
I have recently got back into playing with my cars with our youngest son, Adam... Along with those models which I kept ( I had sold some now and again to afford 'plane bits' ) I have also bought a few bargains on eBay to add to the 'collection'.
Of this collection of Tamiya cars, only the Grasshopper is a non-runner at the moment - as it has no receiver fitted.
ALL my model cars, trucks and buggies are ballraced...
Adam's TL-01 is the only one that is not - and that's because he wont let me take it apart !
Right now, the model aeroplanes have again taken a back seat due to my prolonged ill health - and so I am spending my time building 12-inch long radio controlled yachts ( Footys ) - as well as playing with the Tamiyas that we have.
