cheap models

Thanks,
Alex

When I realized that I was going to have to come up with the funding for my obsession, I got me a paper route to earn the money. My dad, unlike yours, had no interest in planes. In fact, he never saw me fly a plane to the very day he died. So you have a little bit of a leg up as he might see your interest and determination growing and anti up every once in a while.

There are, today many ways for a youngster to earn a little money. Babysitting, lawn and yard work, etc.

Still, it'll take a while to earn enough for that kit you saw, so here are some additional things to look for. Yard sales are a great source of used equpment and planes. Many are already built and may just need some repairs. Most will cost only a fraction of what the individule items would cost new. It's also a good way to learn how to do crash repairs. Sometimes you'll run into a complete, or almost complete kit at these sales.

Swap meets are good places to find some goodies as well as getting involved in a local club in your area. Many of us old timers have perfectly good planes we have retired for whatever reason and we'll often make them available to a fella like you for almost unheard of prices. An additional benifit to aquiring your plane this way is the friendships and advice you'll get from these fellas.

Another way to get the more recent planes is to get the plans and scratch build. It's not as hard as it might seem at first. I rather enjoy the process myself. It goes like this. First decide on the design you want to build and get the plans. Start collecting the wood and pieces. It might take a little time, but the costs are also spread over time, which makes it easier too. Once most everything is collected you cut out all the parts and make your own kit. The rest is just as if you bought the kit in the first place.

Welcome to the best hobby in the world, one you can still be enjoying when you're an O.F. like myself, years from now.

Best of luck,

Jim is right. Better than buying a kit would be to talk your dad out of his kit plans or a copy of them and scratchbuild the way John suggested.

If you are involved at all with the Boy Scouts, check out the Aviation Merit Badge counselers in your area. A lot of them (us) are modelers as well as full sized aircraft pilots and might be able to help as well. Merit Badge counselers are there help growing young men such as yourself achieve whatever your wishes are.

Hi Alex,

This is a tough one. Hopefully your dad will recognize that an interest in modeling is one of the finest ways there is for his son to learn a myriad of important skills that will serve you well in life. Perhaps then he'll take an interest in finding ways for you to earn the money necessary and might even chip in in some fashion...such as matching the $$$ you're able to save.

A good way to help to kindle interest is to find out if there are any active control line groups in your area. Getting dad to drive you out to where activity is taking place might well plant the seed of interest necessary as well. Let the forums know where you live and I'll bet someone will make the effort to get in touch with you.

Good luck.

Alex,in Colorado Springs

Guys, I suspect that Alex H. is the son of B. Hadley, who flies his .40FP powered Twister at 6k feet. I think B. Hadley is trying to get his 11 year old to work for what he wants in life, not be an old grump. Teaching good work ethic is a noble pursuit, as is making certain that there is a commitment to completing the project. I would also guess that the Twister plans are around, and buying a few sheets of balsa at a time would ease the sting of buying a kit. Or maybe Dad just knows that the $80 kit, whatever it is, is just too much for an 11 year old? Alex might do well to check Brodak's offerings and remember that Leonard gives a nice discount on their kits. Steve

OBTW....Doing a paper route was the way I got my first balsa plane. (Ringmaster Junior Flash)

Brian: Yes...with two daughters of my own, I know that they need to learn that nothing comes for free. Stick to it!

Alex: I am sure you can work out something with your dad to earn some money. Once you take that step, and start earning some, I think you will find him a much more willing partner in sharing things with you.

Good luck in your quest, and be sure to call Mike.

This is just great hearing about a young guy and his dad working out ways to enjoy this great hobby. Until I read additional comments on this thread I didn't put the two of you together. Now I'm certain you'll not only catch the "bug" but keep it as a team. Kind of reminds me of duos like Leonard and Matt, Bill and David Fitzgerald, the McClellans boys and their dad Gary and, of course, the clan Adamisin. There's no greater way for a father and son to enjoy a common recreation and one at which the dad's almost certain to find himself running as hard as he can to keep up with the "kid". Good luck to you both.

I strongly second or third the suggestion that you get in touch with Mike Pratt. Not only is he one of stunt's better designers and a gifted builder and flier...he's also one of our greatest parties waiting to happen wherever he goes. I guarantee you a great time.

Ted Fancher

Mikey

P.S. After a 3 year Nat's layoff I can't put into words how much I missed all of you.

I still have no idea what TREE means?