Greenacres MAC

An end of an era, a set of skills lost to time.

Kevin John McNaughton passed away on Saturday the 22nd of August 2026, aged 76.

Sadly, missed by family and friends. But also, by the Greenacres Model Aero Club based in Aldridge near Walsall in the West Midlands.

If ever there was a world record to have, I think it should be, how many model aircraft can Kev get in to his Ford Fiesta?

Kevin was the go-to guy for any knowledge to do with model making and flying. He was known to all members was a sage and a pot of wisdom.

Such was Kev’s skill that he refused to use Rates or Expo on his transmitter. He said that these things should be built in to the aircraft and the rest to be learnt. This matters as we are losing skills and many a flyer just buys a foam model rather than trying their hand at hands on traditional building. And as the next generation steps in with know nothing of the balsa build from a plan.
Indeed, many a model shop has closed or moved on to selling buggies or foamy RTF kits.

Always ready to teach newcomers to the club on how to fly, a club instructor and examiner. No question was too silly or hard for Kev to answer and would always be generous with his time.
Never saw Kev with a beer or a fag in his hand preferring a cup of tea out of his flask.

Born in April 1950 in Walsall, Kev grow up listening about his uncle Roy of RAF Bomber Command 463 Sqn. This was the catalyst to start model making and the joy of flying.

Indeed, four years ago Kev turned up with a 12ft wingspan of a Lancaster made from scratch in his uncle’s squadron markings. Maiden'ed first go. I recall everyone applauded.

I was most proud when Kev asked me to paint his pilots for him, a chore he did not enjoy.

I bought Kev a Hi-viz Jacket with his name on it as a thank you for all his help, and the first thing he did was to put his uncle’s squadron badge on the front.

He never forgot his roots.

Very sadly missed.

Words by Nick Bradbury - GMAC Member and great friend

Only a few days to go now until the start of the Greenacres August Fun Fly!

Setup and arrival on Friday 14th August and then lots of flying on Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th August.

Visiting pilots will be paying a nominal fee. Toilet, water, burger van and all the usual great flying facilities.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the Greenacres Fly In dates for 2026.

The dates are as follows: 16th & 17th May, 27th & 28th June and 15th & 16th August 2026.

An open fun fly event for all club pilots with an A cert. All classes, styles, types and disciplines welcome.

Campers and caravans can arrive after 1:00PM on the Friday before. Water, Portaloos, raffle and catering are all available, for a small donation.

Location is WS9 0QQ, off Bosty Lane, in Aldridge near Walsall, and follow the signs onto the park.

Visiting pilots pay just £15 for the weekend flying. Spectators and the public are all free!

If you have any special requests or requirements, please contact:
Jim Mchugh at [email protected]

See you there!

Great weekend had by all at the Greenacres Model Aero Club June Fun Fly with extra thanks to the show sponsors: J Perkins, Paul Bardoe and Futaba UK

Daniel G-e Rc won himself a beautiful JP MB339 in our club raffle.

The lads from RJ Aeroteam showed off their skills using Futaba UK transmitters.

Stunning weather all weekend and absolutely no mud-bath!

Happy days!

Fancy drying your tent / awning / clothes out after Weston Park? Why not come along for a scorchio weekend at Greenacres Model Aero Club's June Fun Fly. Camping and caravans can arrive after 13:00 on Friday the 21st June, and the event runs from 10:00-ish until 17:00 on Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd June. Low pilots fees. Camping and caravan by donation. Water, Toilets, Burger Van. Raffle (hopefully) and general happiness....

Two of the best airplane schemes I've ever seen! A pair of Seagul Cassutts - Reno Air Race planes - in custom schemes based on the Reno Races and the Renault / Lotus F1 cars of the 1970's

Overall scheme design by Tom Wood and decal graphics by Joe Hampson

Spent a fantastic weekend with the nutters from the Aeroteam at BMFA Buckminster flying a selection of Futaba and Seagull Models hardware.

Cheers lads! Great weekend!