I can certainly relate to the fear factor...I was inactive for almost 15 years before I started getting back involved this year. I have felt that same fear you mentioned. I have spent many hours on Real Flight over the summer and when I finally had time last month to join a club and get to the flying field, I was scared. I had a club instructor fly my plane on a check ride, and then it time for me to go. I delayed for a while and finally realized if I didn't fly I would be very disappointed in myself, sort of like getting back on a bike after a crash. So I took some deep breaths and went ahead and did it! I was able to take off, fly around for while, and land, without crashing. But one thing I noticed is the adrenaline surge that happens when I went to move the throttle up for take off speed. There was a physical reaction that I was unable to prevent - the adrenaline rush. It wasn't until after I landed that the adrenaline was able to subside. I suspect you might have something similar going on. I'm pretty sure this will level out with more experience.

The other thought I had was regarding the fear of crashing a model...in my case, these models were not ones that I spent a great deal of time building...but in your case, you might want to look at a foam model that you can slap together in a few hours and then the worry about crashing should go way down because the foam models are almost indestructible - especially if you want to get into some more aerobatic moves.

The suggestion to get with a group and stop doing it on your own is probably the most important one, IMO. You can really talk yourself into some holes if you do this all by yourself. Contact a local club, let them know your situation; I can't imagine them not working with you. The friendship is a huge part of it. In the 15 years I was out of the hobby many things changed...the most obvious being these online communities where we can ask questions and have others give us feedback and support.

And if you have too many models built and you want to build some more, consider selling some of them to others...this forum provides a market for buying and selling.

Thanks for sharing your feelings...you are not alone...and there is hope...and thanks to all the others who have offered advice on this topic.

-Mike