Show Notes
In this episode, Dave kicks things off with the story behind his April Model Aviation article, “From Trash to Treasure,” and finally shares the full tale behind the project that inspired it. From there, the guys dive into a wave of new releases hitting the RC world:
Dynam’s E‑2C Hawkeye with its rotating radar dome
E‑flite’s latest lineup — Beechcraft D18/RC‑45J 1.5m, V1200 1.2m, 2m Conscendo, and the new HobbyZone Trojan
Motion RC’s Flightline P‑51
HobbyKing’s Tundra TPX 3D profile plane and the Durafly Brewster F2A Buffalo V2
Banana Hobby’s massive JetRuler 1/9 F‑22 Raptor 2.1m composite turbine jet
The conversation takes a reflective turn as the crew talks about Dumas closing its doors after 75 years — a tough loss for the hobby, especially for fans of their classic rubber-powered airplanes and iconic boat kits. Then it’s on to swap‑meet season. The guys recap the Eli Swap Meet and why the small shows still deliver some of the best surprises and deals. With Toledo right around the corner, Ron shares the fleet he’s bringing to sell — from the V‑22 Osprey and UMX Beast to the Freewing F‑35, FMS Explorer, and more — and debates whether it’s finally time to pull receivers now that prices have dropped again.
More from RC Plane Lab
Tom is home, and Ron and Dave had no idea he was about to walk through the door. Once the surprise wears off, the guys talk about AMA’s investigation into suspected radio interference and Piper’s Halloween projects on the laser cutter. Dave has joined the turbine club with a $600 Boomerang Intro, complete with an older Jet Central Bee and a long winter to-do list. Ron also explains why he’s starting over on his Ka-8B’s covering after finding Karl Striedieck’s N1000Z and hearing the story behind its 1968 record flight. There are project plans, a UMX Viper launch mishap, and plenty of grief to go around. In This Episode: 00:29 – Tom’s surprise homecoming05:42 – AMA’s radio interference investigation13:08 – Piper’s Halloween laser projects16:09 – Dave’s $600 Boomerang Intro turbine jet46:18 – UMX Viper launch trouble58:00 – Ron’s Ka-8B and the story behind its scale finish Links and Resources: AMA’s announcement about the frequency-interference committee Send a suspected-interference report to AMA: [email protected] Karl Striedieck — National Soaring Museum Hall of Fame Torcman FES drive systems Ep 159: The Basics of Fabric Covering RC Airplane Covering and Finishing Guide RC Airplane Radio & Receiver Setup Center If you have a question, a topic you’d like us to cover, or just want to get in touch, visit RCPlaneLab.com.
The AMA is considering an opportunity involving its Muncie property, and we've got questions. In this short episode, Ron, Tom, and Dave read the October 9 member email and talk through their reactions. Would selling the property make sense? What should members be told, and should they have a say? The discussion also comes back to the recent Executive Vice President candidate interviews and why Ron feels a little hoodwinked. Nobody has all the answers yet, but there's plenty to talk about. In This Episode: 00:00 – Why we recorded a separate episode about Muncie 01:09 – The October 9 member email and AMA’s statement 03:36 – Our first reactions: the property, the hobby, and what happens next 04:57 – Why the communication has left us uneasy 06:14 – What members get from AMA beyond the buildings and grounds 08:20 – Questions about the numbers, the process, and member input 09:28 – The EVP interviews and feeling hoodwinked 10:22 – Who started the discussion, and why the confidentiality? 11:42 – Revisiting the candidates’ answers about transparency 13:04 – Why the decision and the way it is handled are separate questions 14:24 – Tell us what you think Links and Resources: AMA’s October 9 statement on the Muncie property Ep 219: Randy Gibson, Candidate for AMA Executive VP Ep 220: Phil Tallman, Candidate for AMA Executive VP Ep 195: Greg Stone, Candidate for AMA President If you have a question, a topic you’d like us to cover, or just want to get in touch, visit RCPlaneLab.com. Until next time, may your landings be gentle.
Ron and Dave catch up after a busy couple of weeks. They talk about the separate interviews with AMA Executive Vice President candidates Phil Tallman and Randy Gibson, why members should hear from both candidates, and how easy it can be to overlook the election information and ballot. The ballot must be postmarked by November 6, 2026.
Ron talks with AMA Executive Vice President candidate Phil Tallman about the Academy of Model Aeronautics and the challenges facing model aviation. They discuss declining membership, the value AMA provides, support for local clubs and flying sites, communication and transparency, competition and recreational flying, advocacy, and the financial decisions ahead. Tallman shares examples from his work as an AMA district vice president and outlines what he hopes to bring to the executive vice president position. This conversation is part of RC Plane Lab’s interviews with the candidates and gives AMA members a chance to hear directly from each of them.
Ron talks with AMA Executive Vice President candidate Randy Gibson about the Academy of Model Aeronautics and the challenges facing model aviation. They discuss declining membership, the value AMA provides, support for local clubs and flying sites, communication and transparency, competition and recreational flying, advocacy, and the financial decisions ahead. Gibson shares examples from his work as an AMA district vice president and outlines what he hopes to bring to the executive vice president position. This conversation is part of RC Plane Lab’s interviews with the candidates and gives AMA members a chance to hear directly from each of them.