Radio Controlled model aircraft have
been part of my life since my Dad took me to a paddock near Adelaide (Broadview
before it was built on!) where a group of fellows flew Free Flight aircraft.
I was about 6 years old, and I remember a big blue biplane that was giving
trouble, but it was decided to leave the bottom wing off, and give it a try........The
trick worked, because it was the last I saw of it, and a bunch of guys took
off after it. Anyway, the experience took root, although I didn't see much
point in building a plane, then heaving it and chasing it. That would have
been in the 50's, and it took until the 70's to get good radio gear available.
If you consider that aeromodelling started last century, it's taken a long
time to get good control of our aircraft, and those pioneers were something
special. 
I fly both power and gliders, with a trend towards the larger models lately.
They are much more pleasant to fly. I have flown my share of .10 to .40 sized
planes, and they are great if you want quick responses, but many times someone
has asked for a fly, but there is no way they would handle a twitchy plane.
I think the main reason I like flying now is that my mind is fully occupied
while I'm flying, not worrying about other things.
While not really a BIG model (8 feet span),
the Senior Telemaster in the pics is pleasant to fly, and can be given to
someone else to have a go, as long as the aircraft is flying 3 mistakes high.
This kit was pre-built, but still took a bit of assembling, and required a
lot of lead in the nose. The rear fuselage is heavier than the plans specified
in the 70's. But it's solid, and flies well. The take-off run extended to
the edge of the green grass, so it doesn't leap off the ground, and it must
be flown right through the landing. It's a very realistic model.
These shots were taken on the maiden flight day, note the length of the shadows.
(What....me procrastinate?) My next project will be a bit bigger, with a 120
four stroke in it for glider towing. The Telemaster has a .60 in it, and I
have seen one fly with a .40, built from the plans. I guess my biggest problem
with this hobby is the space taken by "retired" planes. That's genuinely
retired, not crashed.