Calling all model kit fans - she's finally done

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Cycleops

Legendary Member
Location
Accra, Ghana
Yes, sometime in the mid eighties. It was my first ever R/C build.

I don't know if you'd want to tell us which model shop you ran, but those I used were Radio Active in Upminster, Al's in Hainault, Colin Bliss in Elm Park and Beatties in Romford.
It was Hobbystores in Chelmsford which was owned by Ripmax and had other branches in the south, all closed now of course. Ali Machinchky still has his shop I think.

On the subject of Tamiya I bought the Toyota Hi Lux 4WD in Hong Kong years ago and was surprised to find whilst working at the shop that they are sought after. Someone gave me over £500 for it!
 
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Drago

Legendary Member
Never made a model, but I'm thinking of building maybe an Alvis Stalwart or something to pass the time.
 

classic33

Leg End Member
It was Hobbystores in Chelmsford which was owned by Ripmax and had other branches in the south, all closed now of course. Ali Machinchky still has his shop I think.

On the subject of Tamiya I bought the Toyota Hi Lux 4WD in Hong Kong years ago and was surprised to find whilst working at the shop that they are sought after. Someone gave me over £500 for it!
Almost certain it's been re-released in recent years.

Had a Celica that's not on any list as being issued.
 

Cycleops

Legendary Member
Location
Accra, Ghana
IMG_0736.JPG
I've always wanted to fly an RC powered glider
Well, you're never too old to learn. I used to fly a few gliders, some powered but what I found most relaxing and satisfying was Slope Soaring, just using the lift generated by the slope. The pic is Buster Hill in Hampshire, is that near you? http://www.slopehunter.co.uk/5.html
The model being flown is a Zagi, made from EPP foam and covered in tape, almost indestructible, a bit tricky for a learner but great fun.
If you need any more info let me know, powered or unpowered.
 
Almost certain it's been re-released in recent years.

Had a Celica that's not on any list as being issued.
I've still got a Celica that I built nearly twenty years ago. The chassis sometimes gets a Honda bodyshell on it, depending on my mood. I removed the drive shaft to turn it into 2WD, more fun to drive and noticeably quicker in a straight line.
 

classic33

Leg End Member
I've still got a Celica that I built nearly twenty years ago. The chassis sometimes gets a Honda bodyshell on it, depending on my mood. I removed the drive shaft to turn it into 2WD, more fun to drive and noticeably quicker in a straight line.
TA-01?
 
From that picture yous is a different Celica to mine, I've got the road version. My favourite (Fairly) recent build was this -

top.jpg

The major problem was the drive gear was exposed below thew chassis, and being so low to the ground the slightest bit of grit picked up would jam it and stop the car in it's tracks. Nice fast model though and I could get some spectacular looking rear wheel drifts through the bends. I sold it a few years ago when I had a clearout.



My all time favourite R/C model was this -


toyota.jpg


1/12 scale Tom's Toyota, built it over thirty years ago but stupidly sold it. They are collectors items now.
 

classic33

Leg End Member
From that picture yous is a different Celica to mine, I've got the road version. My favourite (Fairly) recent build was this -

View attachment 341979
The major problem was the drive gear was exposed below thew chassis, and being so low to the ground the slightest bit of grit picked up would jam it and stop the car in it's tracks. Nice fast model though and I could get some spectacular looking rear wheel drifts through the bends. I sold it a few years ago when I had a clearout.



My all time favourite R/C model was this -


View attachment 341981

1/12 scale Tom's Toyota, built it over thirty years ago but stupidly sold it. They are collectors items now.
Still have most of mine. Bar the bodyshell for the Celica. Now a Ford Focus.

The four wheel drive F1 Ferrari, I lost when Beatties went bust.
 
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