It was a disaster…. 'Because I put in three or four months of hard work building that plane and it crashed, and was destroyed in about 10 seconds flat.”

Oh, the disappointment and humiliation. A 2.5 metre glider launched with a bungee and great hope, and reduced to smithereens in no time.

But it wasn't a game-changer, it was a minor setback that further fuelled Dean Hill's curiosity and fascination for aeronautics.

'There I was, building a model aeroplane and thinking I could fly it. Then I suddenly realised I needed someone who knew what they were doing to teach me.”

He found that ‘someone' at the Tauranga Model Aircraft Club.

Dean was just 17.

Now, 38 years later, he's still buying, building and bartering bits of model aeroplanes. He loves it, it's his passion.

In his blood

'Flying is in the blood. Dad was in the RAF and repaired Hurricanes and an uncle was in the RNZAF and flew a fighter escort for American bombers during World War II in the Pacific.”

Dean hankered to be a pilot.

'Looking back I would have loved to have done that.”

But life conspired against him. So instead of flying things, he just flies things. Big boys' toys. Model aeroplanes at the 77-year-old club's airstrip at TECT All Terrain Park, just 30 minutes out of town.

Dean Hill has 10 model aircraft but wants a Hawker Hurricane like his Dad worked on. Photo: John Borren.

Dean's story is really a pitch for the Tauranga Model Aircraft Club's auction which was held at Classic Flyers today Sunday, June 25. There are model aircraft amongst retired aircraft.

It's an opportunity for model flyers to upgrade, or sell down, their equipment including aircraft, engines, radio controls, something called servos, ground support, tools and more. It's also a chance for like-minded people to gather, swap stories and enjoy things aeronautic.

Dean's there, not that he needs to be. He already has a considerable investment in model aircraft. Like how much?

'Ooooh! That's a bit like asking a woman how much she weighs...”

He has 10 model aircraft, or thereabouts.

'I'd hate to think how much it's all worth.”

But what value do you put on passion and pleasure?

And after Dean's inauspicious start 38 years ago, he's now flying aerobatic aircraft like a 1.7m Extra NG.

'But I have got my eye on a Hawker Hurricane like my dad worked on. That would be a few grand.”

It can be expensive. Some guys are flying turbine jets worth $30,000.

'But that shouldn't scare people toying with the idea of getting into aero-modelling,” says Dean.

'You can start out very economically – you can get into flying second-hand for under $1000, all ready to go.

'A brand new glider could cost less than $1000, but a powered aircraft could cost twice that. You just grow as you get competent and confident.”

The Club's auction was held at Classic Flyers at 10am,and those who wanted to pick over what was on offer, were able to be there by 8.30am.

Dads and lads invited to join the club

The club is encouraging Dads and their lads.

'If Dads get into model aircraft, then their sons pick up on it. Several guys are flying internationally because they followed their fathers. It's a world stage when you get good.”

Which reminds us of Paul MacCready, one of the hobby's famous fathers, who once uttered that anyone not interested in model airplanes must have a screw loose somewhere.