25/08/2026
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
