In the early days of the club, members flew their models wherever they could in such places as baseball fields and playgrounds, but as the membership increased, along with the general population, it became necessary to find facilities which we could use exclusively for flying. Such a facility turned up in the form of an unused baseball field along Skyline Drive between the Pagoda and Fire Tower. The City of Reading granted the Dutchmen use of this field, which is called Drenkel Field, in 1948. After considerable work to clean up the field the club used it until 1967 when it once again fell into disrepair. The club approached the City in an effort to obtain assistance in completely renovating the facility which eventually resulted in the site we enjoy today. We now have four completely paved circles of differing sizes as well as fencing, ample paved parking and spectator seating. There is a picnic area and, for those with the need to do engine testing, an area for that purpose. We undoubtedly have one of the finest model airplane flying facilities in the United States. Over the years, the members of the club have donated their time, labor and money to keep the field in good condition in co-operation with the City of Reading. We are sometimes asked why we have not gone to radio controlled models since that is the dominant kind of model activity today. There are many reasons, but foremost among them is the fact that we simply like control-line better. There is a great variety of activities within control-line flying such as stunt, combat, speed and racing, to name a few, and we enjoy the physical connection with the model which one does not have with radio control. Also, locating and keeping sites suitable for radio control is becoming more and more difficult. At the present time control-line is enjoying an upsurge in interest across the country. In 1955 we formed a Show Team which became the first control-line team in the AMA. The Show Team's purpose is to give demonstrations to clubs and civic groups. We have performed at many functions throughout Berks County as well as participating in the 1976 National Championships in Dayton, Ohio. We presently perform between ten and twenty times each year. Control-line flying is alive and flourishing in Berks County. The Flying Dutchmen Aeromodelers welcomes new members and especially family memberships. Certainly, model aviation is one of the best activities for young people as well as those not so young. One can participate at any level of complexity,cost and challenge. There is literally something for everyone within this hobby. Our membership will assist newcomers in any way we can including flying a club-owned trainer. Finally, it should be noted that we sponsor several social events during the year including bowling parties, picnics and our annual banquet. We welcome you and hope that you will become a part of our most interesting hobby. Situated between the fire tower and the Pagoda atop Mt Penn in Reading, Pa Drenkel Field is one of the best control line flying sites to be found anywhere. Getting to Drenkel Field is easier said than done, but as a rule, just keep the Pagoda in your sights and you'll eventually find 13th St or Perkiomen Ave, look for the sign with the Pagoda icon and follow it to the summit, go about 1/2 mile past the Pagoda and you'll see Drenkel Field on your right. While primarily a control line oriented aeromodeling club, some of us fly free-flight and radio controlled models. The Flying Dutchmen and Show Team is sanctioned by the AMA. Club # 1335 And Show Team # 108
