These Mik Mickelson portraits of David and Hilda Baker are apt reminders that a majority of model airplane enthusiasts in Great Britain will have heard of David and in the world of vintage aero modelling, I expect there to be a much larger proportion still. As for the vintage free flight community, all modeller’s, world-wide, would know of him, unless they are beyond the gravity of our particular universe or only very recently attracted towards its centre.

Whichever, they surely know of his thriving legacies, SAM35, SAM1066 and the 1066 Middle Wallop Vintage Free Flight European Championships. Unsurprisingly then, after a long illness, bravely borne, when David passed through his last earthly portal, an air of universal sadness descended upon fellow hobbyists on New Year’s Day 2009.

Inexorably, time passes, and practicality signalled its urgent demand on the space occupied by the vast array of flying models residing at 24 Pine Trees. What to do?

Well! The answer was as surprising as it was generous. Read or download a PDF of how the story unfolded here:

The Dispersal of David Baker's Vintage Model Airplanes - 4th April 2009

Click here to read how the vast array of David Baker's Vintage Model Airplanes were Given Away to the UK Vintage Free Flight Community

Click on any image to enlage

If you wish to add a personal tribute, you can Email it to me and I will upload it to these pages.

Click here to go back...................................................................Click here to read the Dispersal Story