For more than 40 years, Martin Fardell has been an unsung pillar of the Scale R/C community.  He is a prolific designer and builder of Scale R/C models, often of unusual prototypes that others wouldn’t attempt, and a regular competitor who has mastered the art of injecting realism into Scale R/C flying.

Martin is held in very high esteem by his colleagues and, what sets him apart as a competitor is his willingness to advise and encourage newcomers and share his considerable expertise, which includes many articles on scale construction published in the model aeronautical press.

Appreciation of his skill and success as a modeller, however, would be failing to recognise the vital contribution Martin has made and continues to make in the organisation and running of the UK scale competition program, where for decades he has regularly provided essential support as Contest Director. He is also a highly respected Scale Judge for both Static and Flying, often stepping in at short notice and giving up the opportunity to compete in order to ensure the smooth running of Scale events.

Martin was for many years a member of the Scale Technical Committee where his wisdom combined with a pragmatic and common sense approach were fully appreciated by all those who worked with him. As PRO in the pre-internet era he personally edited, produced and distributed regular newsletters to keep the scale fraternity advised of competition programmes, results and other practical information.  He also managed the contest programme for many years and his persuasive skills were responsible for negotiating access to many of the club sites that continue to be vital to our regional events.

Acknowledgement of his selfless and unassuming contribution to Scale modelling has never been adequately demonstrated and nothing short of a Fellowship of the SMAE would be sufficient recognition of a lifetime’s contribution to our sport.