Norm Berger, Colorado association vice president (AVP), provided this report on the Jefco Aeromod’lers RC Club auction, Saturday, February 7, 2015, in Littleton, Colorado.
“This was the 41st year of the Jefco Aeromod’lers RC Club auction. After a few years of declining sales, we saw an increase in both participation and the number of proffered items. Several factors probably contributed to the growth. This year we missed the Super Bowl weekend, but our conclusion is that the economy is healthier and the 70° weather in February was not a bad thing either.
“About 60 members run the auction, and the hard work is done by a sophisticated computer system that uses barcodes to track every item in and out. Under the direction of first-time manager, Bruce Riley, things ran smoothly.
“More than 1,300 sale items arrived and were checked in on Friday so we were ready to go on Saturday at 8 a.m. We offer a ‘Buy It Now’ option where we list the seller’s price and a buyer can make a deal on the item before it goes across the block.
“More than 300 registered buyers filled the room on Saturday. Auctioneers were District IX AVP Tom Neff, Thomas Rooney, and Bruce Robson. Although the volume was high, we were able to get through the entire inventory by 6 p.m.
“This is the major fundraiser for the club, and helps keep club dues low while still maintaining the excellent facility we have at Chatfield State Park.”
Colorado AVP Rick McCaskill reports on his time at the Aeromodeling at the Hangar event hosted by Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver.
“This year’s hangar event was held Saturday, February 15, 2015. In its 12th year, this event introduces the public to all forms of model aviation from RC to Free Flight.
“Twenty-one clubs and several hobby shops from up and down the Front Range were represented. There were more than 250 models on display, flight demonstrations, flight simulators, and lots of one-on-one with more than 700 adults and youngsters. There were stations where all children attending could build their own airplanes, mentored by various club members and volunteers. Civil Air Patrol Cadets, Scout Troops, school classes, and teachers were among the attendees.
“The Wings Over The Rockies Museum has a great display of military and civilian airplanes and memorabilia. Many of the airplanes were open for public view or interaction. Check out the museum website at http://wingsmuseum.org.”
Let me introduce our new AVP for Kansas, Paul Frankum. Here’s Paul’s history.
“Like most of you, my fascination with airplanes began at a very early age. My brother and I started flying models while we were growing up on a farm in Georgia. I can still remember the day we got our first Kraft radio. I’ve flown RC ever since.
“I build and fly all kinds of models. This is a great hobby and the finest folks that I know, I have met at a flying field.
“Prior to my move to Lenexa, Kansas, I had the opportunity to serve as an AVP in District V. I am also a contest director for turbine events and fly with the Global Jet Club Flight Team.
“I look forward to meeting all you District IX guys out there soon.”
