Like many parents before us, my wife and I gradually realised that as the two children grew into young adults, we had more time to enjoy.

Our son was off to University to study Biology, and our daughter was engaged in a social life that would have laid a strong man low.

My wife, Joan, was able to devote more time to her family love of gardening whilst I returned to my schoolboy hobby -aeromodelling

My second childhood began in 1985 when I built a Tyro Major, a 3 channel trainer, and I realised how much things had developed and changed since my earlier building days.

My models in the late 40's and early 50's were control line jobs with no muffler to quieten things down, Keil Kraft "Ranger" Class A team racers with ED246's, and a "Stunt Queen" powered with a Yulon 29 (anyone remember that engine?). Class B Team racing with a finger eating ETA 29, and free flight with a KK "Ladybird" and the schoolboy dream - an ED Bee. There was also a lot of A2 sailplane flying and I remember a KK "Chief", and a "Norseman", from a kit maker I have forgotten, along with a "Nord" from an Aeromodeller plan. There were numerous other models all produced at that hectic pace youngsters are capable of. My first C/L model was a Phantom Mite and it is with fond memory that the first photograph in my gallery is a shot of one built by my son, in the same colour scheme as my own all those years ago.,

As a lad all my planes carried a sequential building number on the fin, and I have continued this practice, but starting from number one again with the Tyro. I also like to stripe my rudder when possible, a practice that has become my trade mark on the flying strip.

So here are my models - if there are any questions or any help you think I can offer - please e-mail at:
alan.shipman@ukonline.co.uk