Death of Colin Hutchinson
Sadly, with Colin’s passing, we have lost a rare example of a complete aero-modeller. His interests ranged across free-flight, indoor and outdoor, RC, indoor and outdoor, and control-line, and all the power systems, including rubber, CO2, electric and I.c. He was particularly keen on the unorthodox from Magnus effect machines to man-powered aircraft models. He was a very skilful RC pilot, as can be seen from his results in various SAM35 competitions. Particularly impressive was the way he flew a relatively large three channel Avro Avis, built by the late Rex Oldridge, in the confines of the Trinity Sports Hall. This was the first known flight of the model.
Please see: - https://youtu.be/LE06kpcW90w.
In addition to his model flying activities, he was very much involved in promoting the hobby. He was editor of SAM35Speaks for nearly twelve years, taking over from Ron Knight in 2014 and updating the process of producing the magazine. Unsurprisingly, he claimed that this editorship took a month out of every year. He also found time to compile the recent SAM35 Yearbook, number seventeen in the series, which was first published in 2025.
He will be much missed by his fellow model flying enthusiasts.
His G-28-powered Rambler and Rex Oldridge's three channel Avro Avis are illustrated below.
Taking advantage of the cold snap to fly a Keil Kraft Gypsy - Jan 4th 2026, Bethesda. Photos: John Charles and Martin Pike