Among comments made about January youth/beginner issue several expressing questions about reaching out youth maintaining interest after initial contact What need seems underlying question caused reflect own time coming through ranks may some benefit looking helped Dad taught basics model building flight trimming developed interest areas modeling different Dads result much help could get home Fortunately other modelers aroundpartially through membership clubswho willing show ropes new events wanted learn about club-membership idea can vital beginner especially youth Sure some clubs cliquish vast majority welcome beginners ages open arms camaraderie encouragement groupsdont worry Ive done toocan make huge difference whether beginners modeling interest sustained learning curve gets steeper learned lot observing models and/or flying styles wanted emulate got up nerve would approach people appropriate low-pressure time explain interest Almost fail polite introduction bit praise would elicit favorable response request help Aside answers specific questions thing helped modeling simply time spent older fliers better modelers letting hang out able through form osmosis pick up sorts little things made difference Combined own nosiness/desire learn couldnt lose questions like design use ABC hardware XYZ carve/shape/sand/form Man really like new Super Bleener 485 Can get set plans beginning invited go number extra out-oftown contests guys nothing share expenses older turn behind steering wheel always ride club meetings although meant someone drove number miles out way pick up allowed contact people could did help Chancey Encounter landmark event occurred about 16 years old crossed paths someone like favorite teacher left indelible stamp undeniable positive influence almost tangible Don Chancey amazing eye design like few modelers Ive ever seen could take parameters wanted model blend championship design looked great flew better wasnt too hard build Once built first Chancey design Texas BoWeevil hooked lots ideas poor novice designer Don designed models would have talent Over over would look something designed think thats exactly what want thing helped modeling simply time spent older fliers better modelers. too tremendous success Dons designs winning national championships setting records having lot fun process designs perfect fit also true modeling craftsman combined incredible ability build models quickly could someone build fast yet well no paper tiger Don national champion several events set several national records World Championship team member 1975 Hes people competitive whatever event chooses lifelong free fighter point interest RC Soaring grew late 1970s has Texas state champion several times part story no secrets Don despite success sensed interest went far out way help times would pick up club meeting Friday evening would literally build models night take brief nap go again day Saturday Sunday Somewhere along way wed probably go flying weather permitted Sunday evening would drive back dorm 35 miles way learned much sessions C 0 R N E R Just being around someone did things much betterand could impart what knewwas inspiring picked up dozens little tips tricks improved models flying Ill never craftsman Don models adequately built now tribute what Don did models feature same red-white-black color scheme used So answer really want help youth simply spend time flying field Let see things Answer questions provide _________________ encouragement Take club meetings Let absorb atmosphere around successful modelers Show through actions terrific hobbyand people itreally Something simple few low-key words advice respected elder can go long way dont have constantly razzle-dazzle kids maintain interest once have attention immersing positive supportive environment can help ways modeling perhaps being least among lucky have number mentors like Dad Don Mike Fedor Jerry Murphy others can never thank enough time spent help unselfishly gave help todays youngsters advance beyond Delta Dart its time some rest us follow example some mentoring own Jim Haught Managing Editor April1995 11