Welcome to The Shop's Web site!

The winches, retrievers and turnarounds I build today are a compilation of the many I have used and built over the past 35 years.  Many safety features built into the equipment come from experience and injuries received over the years.  While by no means do I claim I “invented” any of the technology used on these machines I have incorporated many of the ideas of the real inventor into my designs.

In the past I have always believed in the “builder of the model” theory but with the introduction of the molded planes I have transgressed into that type of flying.  I still enjoy building and flying my own planes but I have learned almost nothing flies as well and one of the new design molded sailplane.  I enjoy the designs from the 70's and 80’s and have many plans available to build during the cold months.  I have completed a Meteor, Grand Esprit , Druex V and an Icuras  and will start a Sagitta 900 this winter.  I currently fly a Sharon Pro and a Shadow, but not well!

I have been a member of the AMA on and off for over 50 years and at one time had an opportunity to join the LSF with single digit member ship number but at the time felt it would never “fly”.  At least I had the forethought to join when the membership numbers were under 1000 (918).  I have completed lever IV and am currently working on level V for the second time.