JAY SMITH: How did you become involved with model aviation?
LEE MCDUFFEE: My dad had an old Ringmaster U-Control [Control Line] airplane hanging up in the basement from when he flew with his brothers before I was born. That Ringmaster, which we later restored, was my first introduction to model airplanes.
As a young teen, I started building stick-and-tissue Free Flight models. Dad and I built a Ringmaster Jr. as my first serious model, followed by a single-channel Goldberg Skylane in 1970, and I haven’t stopped since.
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
LM: It’s been my primary passion since I was a teenager, and although I enjoyed golf, bowling, and softball (among other distractions), they all took a back seat to modeling. My career moved me around the country, and my models kept me sane through all the moves!
When I first met my future wife, I took her to a meet (the HAWKS 4-Cycle Rally in Hamilton, Ohio), and she didn’t object to my hobby. Helen and I married 30 years ago, and she still travels to events with me!
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
LM: My primary modeling discipline is RC Dawn Patrol events—Scale models of pioneer and World War I airplanes in a noncompetitive setting. I’ve been hooked on that era since two movies from the 1960s introduced me to it. The Blue Maxand Those Magnificent Menjust struck a chord with me!
Since 2003, I’ve worked with the Dawn Patrol Rendezvous (held at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, and relocated to Springfield, Ohio, in 2024), and I help coordinate the RC portion of the event, along with Contest Director Doug Cox.
Models split time with full-scale replica World War I airplanes, along with period reenactors, antique cars, and such. We’ll be doing it again in September 2026.
JS: What other hobbies do you have?
LM: I like watching sports such as football, baseball, and, especially, NASCAR racing, and I also enjoy movies. I’m also returning to the piano after several decades. I grew up with an old upright in the basement and I could play for several hours without looking at sheet music. I’m getting some of that back now.
A handful of years ago, Helen and I bought an RV and I’m kicking myself for not getting one much earlier. We enjoy the freedom we have when we travel in it.
JS: Who or what has influenced you the most?
LM: Besides my dad, I’m forever grateful to everyone I’ve flown with these many years, from my time as an instructor with the HAWKS, a decade spent in RC Aerobatics competition in the Midwest in the 1970s and ‘80s, and all of the Dawn Patrols and other RC events I’ve attended.
I’ve been fortunate to fly with some talented builders and pilots, and I’m still learning from them!
JS: What advice would you give someone interested in attending and flying at Dawn Patrol events?
LM: MCI compile a list of Dawn Patrols by going through the Event Calendar on AMA’s website, as well as Facebook pages such as RC Dawn Patrol, Balsa USA Builds, The Blue Max, and such. Last year, there were at least 20 Dawn Patrols in the US.
Acquire or, even better, build a WW I model. We’re fortunate that there are some nice WW I ARFs available, and even more kits. I’m currently flying a Pfalz E.I built using a Balsa USA 90 Eindecker kit and I am preparing several other models for this season.
It also helps if you’re a morning person—we do fly at dawn, after all!
Comments
Add new comment