District III
Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
One area of our hobby that is growing is the swap meet/flea market/auction events. On March 18, 2023, AMA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tyler Dobbs and I were invited to attend the Mad River Flying Association Swap Event at the Champaign Air Museum at Grimes Airport in Urbana, Ohio.
The museum welcomed modelers to set up swap tables among the full-scale aviation artifacts in the museum. A few of the museum aircraft include a fully restored and flying B-25 Mitchell Champaign Gal and a B-17G Flying Fortress that is under construction named Champaign Lady.
It was fun to work your way around to see the model items for sale among the museum aircraft and artifacts on display. The event was well attended and at 11 a.m., I kicked off a District III meeting and spoke about events in the district, and Tyler updated everyone with government relations activities.
Following our presentations, the floor was open for questions and answers. I agree with the club advertising that stated, “this event is the most unique venue you will ever attend.”
Just one of many vintage aircraft surrounded by modelers selling at the Urbana Swap Meet.
The National Association of Scale Modelers sold raffle tickets for a P-47, with proceeds helping to fund the US Scale Team in world competition.
The following Saturday, March 25, 2023, I attended an RC Flea Market & Auction held in Delmont, Pennsylvania, hosted by the Murrysville Area RC Society. This event has been going strong for many years and this was my first time attending.
District III Associate Vice President Dave Chisholm lent a helping hand and introduced me to many of the modelers in his area. The selling activity was busy and the club began a successful auction mid-morning.
After the auction I was asked to say a few words to the crowd about all that is going on in the district and at AMA.
Thank you to the Murrysville Area RC Society and the Mad River Flying Association for all your hospitality. I’m looking forward to attending your events in the future.
Until next month, stay safe and fly safely.
