An Honor to be Weird and Wonderful

The Academy of Model Aeronautics and National Model Aviation Museum are honored to be a part of Minnetrista Cultural Center’s “25 Weird and Wonderful Reasons to Love Our Community” exhibit celebrating Minnetrista’s 25th anniversary.

The exhibit features 25 mini-exhibits about places and things around Muncie and surrounding communities.  These top 25 were chosen after a year of surveying residents to find out what they like best about living here.  Other places showcased in the exhibit include the Cardinal Greenway, the world’s largest ball of paint, Pizza King, and Lowery’s candies.

The AMA’s mini-exhibit features five model airplanes, pictures of the AMA, and a flight simulator.  The models all were chosen because of their colorful and fun nature, as well as their ability to explain model aviation to novices.  The models are: Ted Patrolia’s Cobra FF model, Luther Hux’s RC model skydiver Chris, Ronald Sears’ CL Boeing Stearman PT-17, Gail Jacobson’s RC Pylon Racer Little Toni and a RC hot air balloon designed and flown by Norman Hupp.

The Cobra FF model, RC model skydiver Chris, a CL Boeing Stearman PT-17, Little Toni RC Pylon Racer, and a RC hot air balloon are exhibited at Minnetrista’s Weird and Wonderful exhibit.
The Cobra FF model, RC model skydiver Chris, a CL Boeing Stearman PT-17, Little Toni RC Pylon Racer, and a RC hot air balloon are exhibited at Minnetrista’s Weird and Wonderful exhibit.

The museum was also asked to provide a 1/16th scale 1903 Wright Flyer to include in the portion of the exhibit dedicated to the Wilbur Wright Birthplace and Museum

1/16th scale Wright Flyer shown off amidst items from the Wilbur Wright Birthplace and Museum.
1/16th scale Wright Flyer shown off amidst items from the Wilbur Wright Birthplace and Museum.

The completed exhibit is a quirky and condensed look at what makes living in Muncie a unique experience.  It is up until March 2014, so if you get a chance, you should visit. Then go find a good pork tenderloin sandwich.