Well, I didn't get to fly, due to insanely chaotic winds, but I did take a road trip to the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) headquarters and museum in Muncie. It's about a 120 mile trip and was well worth it!

The museum has a huge collection of models spanning the entire history of model aviation, from the early free flight days, through control line, and finally early and modern radio control. There is a truly staggering number of models housed there.

Also housed in the museum is a complete mock-up of a 1950s-era hobby store, complete with dozens (hundreds?) of still-in-the-box models and other products from the era.

While in Muncie, I also met up with Jay Smith (aka Doctor Who on RCGroups) and he gave us a tour of the AMA's flying sites. Wow! There's 8 separate flying sites... it's incredible. Due to the aforementioned insane winds, no one was flying, but it was still cool to see the flying sites! I'll definitely head back there to fly sometime!

I'll leave you with pictures of the museum. An exterior shot, then a shot of one of the main areas, showing how many models are hanging from the ceiling. There are also dozens of cases full of models. Then, pictures of a couple of my favorite models.

First is a B-17, built by an elderly man who never got to fly it due to Alzheimer's disease. A beautiful model, and a shame about it's creator.

Then, an F-86 with 1500 hours of work into it. It has builder-added working speed brakes and sliding canopy, and is covered in real aluminum sheeting. Amazing model.