The Little World

Vs the most economical one. Which was better? Why?

The most expensive model I have ever made to date would probably have been an R/C ship I constructed in the 1970’s. It took fibreglass resin, cloth, a Futaba radio control set, several motorcycle batteries, a Taycol and then a Graupner electric motor, perspex sheeting, and literally months of unremitting toil. It spoiled a carpet in a spare bedroom and poisoned the refrigerator with fibreglass resin fumes.

It performed reasonably well, but never won a prize. But it finally convinced me that I could do anything I set my mind to, and shaped a good deal of my behaviour afterwards. It went through several paint schemes- the last being a dazzle paint job, and was sold to another enthusiast some 46 years ago. I hope it has gone to an honourable retirement.

The cheapest models are legion – people give me kits for free and I build them gleefully. Each one is a gem and they all justify their existence. No moulding is wasted. If someone wanted to produce a model in 1957, I try to complete their vision.