A humble dedication to a Tamiya fan...

[Hibernaculum]

G'day,

A dedication to my Dad - a very brief history of a life, and a man who loves the RC hobby dearly.

The reasons for my post are included at the end, and I hope as always that the read will be worthwhile.

My Dad has always been a tremendous fan of Radio Controlled cars, and in particular, Tamiya.

He was not a hugely avid hobbyist initially, but he always had a love of technology and all things mechanical. Early in life he had studied to be an engineer. Even earlier, as a child in a poor family in Europe, he had made his own toys out of wooden pieces and scraps. They were so well liked by other local children that he occasionally had offers to swap them for similar toys bought from the village store - much to the dismay of other children's parents. He was certainly a budding scratch-builder.

At around age 20, unrest in his home country forced him to escape with only the clothes he was wearing, to a new life elsewhere. He eventually was welcomed to Australia, where a post-war injection of skilled migrants were hoped would revive the economy, and he slowly rebuilt his life here from nothing, and eventually fell in love and married my mother.

He always had a love of Hobby related things, and when I was born, I think it afforded him the luxury of taking me to Hobby stores and Tandy stores and sharing the enjoyment with his little son.

So from an early age, we made the occasional visit to these stores, and my love of Radio Controlled cars was kindled. He also loved model trains - he had an appreciation for the craftsmanship of any aspect modelling, but particularly things that moved and worked. And the more we saw, the more we wished and believed we would get to own some of these great things one day.

When I was 7, he instigated that Santa should leave me my first Radio Controlled car under the Christmas Tree - after much excited browsing of that years Tandy Christmas catalogue. It remains, as such things often do for people, my favourite gift ever.

When I was 11, we got a couple more Tandy cars with similar performance, and used to race them all around small dirt tracks that we made near the house. Around this time I had a foot operation and I was bed-ridden for weeks. As a surprise Dad made me a whole new track outside that I was able to see when I could walk again.

When I was 12, I got my first Tamiya (a very old Hornet) and we poured over it's impressive construction. We were also wowed by it's speed on the front lawn, as it scuttled across the dewey grass one morning following the first (highly anticipated!) recharge of an old 1200Mah battery it had come with.

When I was 16, we answered an ad in the paper offering old Tamiya cars in exchange for musical instruments. We swapped two old guitars for an old Hotshot in much need of repair. The mechanical speed controller was worn - a small oval shaped hole on the plastic square backing had poked through because it had been moulded as a tiny separate piece of plastic (no idea why Tamiya did this - experience Hotshotters may know what I speak of) and it caused the moving wiper of the speed control to fall into this little oval hole and get caught - jamming it's movement. Fearing, with my inexperience about parts availability, that this could be the last standard speed controller left in the country for this ancient but beautiful buggy, we felt we had to repair it or else never be able to see a Hotshot running.

Dad, an absolute wiz at repairing anything, delicately filled the hole with a resin material without getting any on the metal points. Setting it with a piece of cardboard on either side. The resin hardened - filling the hole. And with more buffing, cleaning and tuning, the old speed controller eventually worked. And we saw our Hotshot in action. Dad was so impressed by it - nothing beats Tamiya over-engineering. Is there anything cooler in the universe than that longitudinal rear shock absorber mechanism at the back? []

We visited many hobby stores over the years, and it became something of a search mission to find any scraps of vintage Tamiya parts or cars that were quickly disappearing from the Hobby store shelves of the mid 1990s. We bought many, and left some behind (that we would later regret). NIP complete Wild Willy tyre set for AU$15, Buggy Spike rear tyres for $10. How stupid could I be.

Over the years, my RC collection grew and grew, and I shared every moment I could with my Dad. My knowledge of the cars quickly grew beyond his, but his technical advice was always worthy. And his love of the build quality of Tamiya, and the scale model qualities of any of my cars (Tamiya or Tandy) never waned. "Amazing" he would say over and over, as he looked at the scale suspension, gorgeous little rubber tyres, general materials quality, "torsion bars" and so on. He would listen to me rave about various cars, and show him old catalogue pictures of them, until the wee hours of the morning. It was he who had had the foresight to keep many old catalogues and things in a safe place - which were a treasure trove to me later.

When eBay arrived, a whole new world was opened up - we could actually own a Frog! Or a Supershot! I spent a lot of money fulfilling childhood dreams, and Dad was thrilled to have a chance of seeing these classic cars in the flesh, and never failed to marvel at them - whether built or unbuilt. Always aware of the importance of his video camera, he even took videos of my NIB kits - one by one on the kitchen table back in 2001 - as a historical record just in case I built some of them later (which I did).

Until July last year, my Dad had been in good health. At age 68, his only complaint was an occasional sore back from a back injury due to a workplace accident some 25 years earlier. But he'd learned to pace himself and deal with that. He ate fruit every day, and he had endless

gardening work he wanted to do, and he was generally very strong. He remained my best friend - we would sit up late debating life topics with one another, we built a trainset together, and (with Mum) we even helped save our house from a bushfire together. He nursed my Mum back to health after she was diagnosed with Brain tumor 5 years ago. He had an infinitely keen interest in the world, his family, and he had decades left in him.

Then in August last year, he was diagnosed with Mesothelioma - a cancer caused by exposure to Asbestos, around 20-30 years earlier in life. It turned out that right around the time I was born, his work as a fitter and welder had exposed him to asbestos in the workplace.

Extraordinarily, this disease takes years to manifest itself, but your fate is usually sealed from the moment you are first exposed to the deadly asbestos dust.

At the time of his diagnosis, he was given 9-12 months to live. As testament to his original good health, he has lasted 16 months as I write this. But last friday he was admitted to hospital yet again and deemed unlikely this time to be allowed to return home. The pain has reached such a high level, that the medication and morphine needed to control it has been increased and it is now very strong - causing him to rarely be coherent when he speaks. And he spends most of the day asleep.

Only last week, he and I watched War Of The Worlds on DVD together (Sci-fi movies were another love we always shared), and we watched an old 1980s Paris Dakar Rally video, and he watched me fix one of my old RC cars - and he enjoyed it all. He was very tired and weak, but otherwise himself. But for the coming weeks, he will be clinging to life.

I have done all I can to enjoy my time with him so far. He's my hero, and I have him to thank for teaching me a gentle appreciation of all working things, and introducing me to my favourite hobbies.

For Christmas, he has bought me as one last gift, a sealed, NIB Mugen Bulldog II.

It was a car we had both always wanted but never dreamed we'd ever find. By a fluke, I found one, and he wanted to buy it for me, just before his sudden descent last friday into a pain-level and a state where he is no longer able to comprehend much of what is going on.

If he makes it to Christmas, and if by some miracle he's in a coherent state of mind for a moment, then we'll look at the Mugen in the hospital together.

I've posted this here simply as a dedication to a fellow Tamiya/RC fan, which I thought everyone would understand.

My Dad is a very shy, private and caring man, but my ultimate point is: he would be SO honoured to know that he was ever mentioned here - on the internet, among master hobby craftsmen and engineers as yourselves.

I hope everyone here cherishes their time enjoying the hobby, particularly fathers and sons, and particularly during the Holiday Season.

cheers,

H.

[InetRC]

I'm confident your father is very proud knowing he raised such a loving son rich in sensitivity, warmth and compassion. It's evident in your words and truly hitshome. I hope your father recovers enough to get to share some of the sentiment his present has given you, even though I bet he already has. My sincerest best wishes to you and your entire family.

-Alex

[crispy]

Warm wishes, stay strong and thanks for sharing your story. I wish you and your family the best. I hope you can share some of the joy of the Mugen with your hero.

Rich

[Shodog]

My Dad passed away in 2001 from cancer and so did my Mom last November. I wish you all the best but you know what the ultimate outcome will be. Say all the things you need to say. Be with him and let him know you are there. Eventhough is only only coherent for a short time, your presence is worth more than you think.

[WillyChang]

Our thoughts are with you. [:I]

[kontemax]

I'm moved until to tears. I never shared something with my father cause we always had communication problems between us. Now he is old and I'm trying to resque the time lost. I think when he will leave us I'll cry a lot for this. You has been very lucky to have a father like yours.

Cheers

Max

[akemag]

My thoughts go out to you, and thanks for sharing this very personal story.

[Scorcher Champ]

Hiber,

very sorry to hear about your Dad. He definitely seems like the ideal Dad for anyone that was ever interested in this great hobby of ours.

Like someone said earlier... Enjoy your last moments with him and even though it may seem he doesn't understand you by his body language, he can hear you no matter how incoherent he may appear.

I watched my best friend since childhood's mother go through something similar recently and the day before she passed he asked her if he understood everything he has been telling her to show a sign and she took every bit of strength she had to squeeze his hand and smile. She had not moved for weeks before that incident. Even if he doesn't have the strength to acknowledge you, he hears every word your saying.

Good luck with everything and stay strong.

Bob []

[DJTheo]

My thoughts and wishes are to you and your family, your father must be very special as he made you also such a great person, don't worry, your dad will always be with you and be proud and admire everything you do, every car you get or build.

All the best

Theo

[Festerfly]

reading this has made me think alot about how i am with my dad as i have a very similar story. Also it has made me think about how i am to be wiht my daughter and my yet unborn second child. (2 months to go and counting).

Can i just say that what you wrote was very moving and if i was your father.. the pride i would be feeling upon reading this is too difficult to put into words.....

I wish you and your family the best and that the pain can heal quicker in time. I also hope that you father makes it through christmas so that you can spend the time together sharing something that means so much to you both.

Lee

[vtecboost]

I would like to extend my thoughts and wishes to you and your family. Family is the whisper from the lips of God.

[larbut]

My thoughts and wishes go to you and your family.

I have gone through the same thing over the last 18 months, my father died of cancer last May.

Spend your time with him now, it is the best you can do.

And, thanks for sharing that very personal story.

Lars

[XanderP]

Your words nearly brought me to tears. You and your dad seem like such great, kind men.

Thank you for sharing this story with us and Remember to stay strong mate.

Best wishes

Alex

[gozone]

What a great man your father sounds like, i must say..

All the best to you, your father and the rest of your family also.. Hope both of you will have the chance to admire the sight of the Mugen together..

I have also just recently gotten 2to know" my own father, after my mother passed away, nearly 7 years ago from cancer. Now we have learned, what it seems you and your father has always known.. It is very important for father and son to have a good relationship. unfortunately, the one i have with my father has only started, and he is now 62 years old.

He sound quite a lot as your father in the way of being extremely good with his hands. My father has had his own machinist-workshop since 1971, which also has made way for lots of "strange" gadgets over the years, and also finding great joy in mechanical stuff.

Finally, i want to send you my best wishes for the season to come, and, of course, also to your father..

Hope for the best, always....

Kind regards..

Michael

[modelmaniac]

Like many others have said, thank you for sharing such a moving story.Your dad really sounds a great guy, who any son would love.

Its also great to hear of your dads natural interest in everything you do, i would love to be like that when i am a father.

May i also pass on my sincerest best wishes and hope that you and your family keep strong through this sad time.

All the best mate, and kindest regards.

Craig (Modelmaniac)

[Jackson]

Reading this brought me to tears. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Reading this reminds me of my father and I. I am currently 17 years old, and my father have been into RC with me since I was around 10. I feel very lucky to have a father like him. I think for this Christmas, I will build him something special since he loves his RC's, but he is always tired from his work.

Thank you for sharing this personal story with us. Best wishes to you mate.

Jackson

[Martin71RS(2)]

H,

Please tell him I whish my dad would have been just a bit like him! (luckily my stepdad is)

I hope for the best and whish you and your family strength for the coming period.

Take care,

Martin

[stulec52]

wow.

Initially, I found this pretty tough to read, my Dad also has cancer, and is really starting to struggle against the effects of it, worse for me though is that he lives thousands of miles away so best I can do is call him.

But, after reading all the replies, all the similar stories out there, all the other people have are going, or have gone through the same things, it really gives you strength and hope.

[bomba]

G'day H

I know you wanted this to be read worldwide and it has been read with admiration from across the globe. Your dad would be very proud of you! I'm a fellow Aussie and I'd like you to know my thoughts are also with you and your family through this tough time. Your dad sounds as if he'd be my hero too and I feel sad that I will never have the chance to meet such a well loved man. Maybe one day we could meet and have a race in his honour! I certianly will be thinking of him and the many other great fathers who have initiated and helped our passion for R/C cars the next time I take out one of my pride and joys.

Best wishes

Chris

[Gixer Jay]

Touching story. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your dad.

I hope all the best, Jay

[steviedee]

respect man, i wish my dad was half as interested, your a lucky bloke, who sounds like hes got a top dad. my thought too are with you i can only imagine how you must be feeling, i'd do a resto in hommage.

[Hibernaculum]

G'day,

Just a quick note to give my sincerest thanks to all of you guys - on and off the forum. I was not expecting so many replies, let alone such understanding and kind words. Without doubt, my Dad would be honoured by this. And I myself have felt boosted by the support, and have been reminded of how fortunate I've been.

Thank you all for taking the time, and my regards to those of you who have experienced similar times in losing loved ones.

I don't mean to dwell, or bump the topic though - because Christmas is fast on it's way and (whether you celebrate or not) the end of the year is a time to be positive, relax, and have hope for the future.

I look forward with a glad heart.

I am also grateful that I put so much effort into Christmas last year with my Dad, when his health was still at about 80%. In the week before Christmas, I was up until 3am every night after work, building him a Tamiya Yamaha 40EX Yacht kit - (this one). Lovely piece of work. He had no idea - and he got the surprise of his life that Christmas morning. []

It's true what they say - the memories never die.

cheers,

H.

[Dave.B]

I don't really ever post here, but would like to thank you (as many others have) for posting your very personal thoughts and feelings. I too have shared many RC related moments with my dad, and we continue to do so across the 6000+ miles that are currently between us. It definitely sounds like your father is a true man, and a true human. Be well, and be strong.

[Shermanator2]

My thoughts and wishes go out to you and your family as well. You are very lucky to have a Father that shares your hobbies and happiness together. I pray that everything you share will not diminish. God bless you and your family.

[Live Steam Mad]

Hi,

I feel a bit odd bringing myself to post this in the forum (a bit personal) but I wish that my dad had of been even 10 per cent as nice a human being as you and your Father sound like being. He was a chain smoker, bad tempered, and had not much like at all for me. I was only 21 when he died [that was 10 years ago, 30th November 1995, I am 31 now](he was 59, died from smoking related stomach cancer and a blood clot in his leg that fed back to his lungs and filled his lungs with blood and he passed away in the chair when I was out at university 10 miles away - I went there daily) and I know what it's like to loose your father, it's a very strange feeling. Still, at least my Mum is an angel. Best Wishes to you and your family. We are all thinking about you on TC. I personally value your comments and posts on TC very much, we seem to have the same taste in R/C !

Cheers and I hope that the New Year brings positive things for you.

Regards,

Alistair Gutcher (Live Steam Mad on TC)