I joined the Junior Birdmen of America when I was around 12 or so. Started building rubber powered free flights. when I became 17 joined the Navy and became an Aviation machinist mate. After war got my first gas engine, they really were gas powered then with coil,spark plug, condenser,points. flew control line then single channel rudder only radio, stepped up to galloping ghost, reeds etc. and here I am now with Spectrum. I will say this it has all been a great experience and actually led to my profesion as an industrial model maker. Now at 83 I can still fly a recognizable AMA pattern. Have fun all.