Today, I visited my first R/C swap meet — this one at the very nice facilities at the Ocala Flying Model Club. It was an informal event, so anybody that wanted to sell or trade stuff were set up around their vehicles.
There were some beautiful planes, but I hadn’t planned on acquiring new models –I just wanted to see what went on at these things. What I did find were some great deals on building supplies. I picked up sheet balsa for a fraction of the price and an almost new motorized hinge saw for two bucks, which was exactly what I needed.
I found Greg Stoner, the past president of our Club, showing off some very nice aircraft and sat with him for most of the event. I had brought a huge gas-powered trainer that I have had in my attic for years, and Greg had me display it with his stuff. I just want to get rid of it, but he suggested I schlep a $20 price tag on it anyway. (I ended up taking it back with me.)
These are all his:
I really was eyeing the Albatross above, but before I could ask Greg about it, someone came up and snagged it from him. What I did see was a neat little foam plane that I thought might make a great FPV platform. He gave me a great deal on it, and the “Wingo” was mine.
So, when I returned to my chair after taking the Wingo to my car, Greg surprised me with another plane that he was including with the deal. It’s kind cool, too. It is known as a “Lazy Bee”. I really appreciate his generosity.
Periodically, I’d wander around to the displays. I noticed a gorgeous Corsair at one place. It was a huge Dynam model — the wingspan was almost four feet and it was in immaculate condition. The price on this $180 model was insanely low and I couldn’t pass it up. Even though I don’t feel as confident with my level of expertise with these heavier models, I’m getting there. This is a good companion to the Dynam Hawker Hurricane that I acquired a month ago on consignment.
I’ll fly the Wingo and Lazy Bee first before getting to these big birds. I worked with the Wingo, adding a Lemon receiver — the control surfaces worked great and it balanced up nicely. The cockpit was open, and so I constructed a cover and re-enlisted my pilot from the wrecked Zero to take control of the Wingo.
It was an amazing day, and I have new things to fly.