As a boy growing up in Harlingen, Pat Reilly was enchanted by the sights and sounds of the Confederate Air Force show featured annually at the city’s airport.

Reilly’s home was located just a few miles away from the airport. Looking up to the skies, he could see the vintage World War II airplanes fly overhead during the CAF’s hey days at the Harlingen airport in the 1960s and 1970s. He would go on to be a pilot in his own right, and while he hasn’t flown in years, Reilly has never lost his love for airplanes. 

He is today the president of the Small Model Aircraft Society of Harlingen. The organization of aviation enthusiasts got its start in 1985 and is described on its website as one to “enjoy the fellowship of others who share our love for the sport of model aviation.” The sport may not have a wide following nationally, but with the development of new technologies and electric power systems, it is more accessible than years past.

“It’s a big hobby,” Reilly said. “The sky is the limit when you get into it.”

‘Anyone Can Do It’

Reilly started out in the old days of the sport when the models were built from balsam wood kits.

The really old-school planes were hand-launched and glided without a power source. Remote-controlled balsam wood planes would come along later. The old wooden planes were prone to crash given their lightweight construction and vulnerabilities to wind gusts. Reilly looks back on those days fondly. It was trail and error, and going back to start from scratch to assemble a new model.

It’s far different today. Model aircraft clubs such as SMASH, the acronym for the Harlingen organization, use what Reilly calls “foamies,’’ which are electronic-powered model planes made of foam. They are purchased largely ready to fly with radio equipment built in. The technical skill and knowledge to fly the foamies are not as challenging as keeping the old wooden planes in the air. 

“Now anyone can do it,” Reilly said. 

Still, he adds, learning to fly the foamed model planes is not a simple task.

“It’s not like learning to ride a bicycle,” Reilly said. “These foamies have electronics that help you keep the wings level. It’s something you have to work at.”

‘Love Of Airplanes’

SMASH utilizes two main air fields for its flying space.

One is in Rio Hondo on South Arroyo Boulevard, in close proximity to the Arroyo Lift Bridge. The S.M.A.S.H Airpark in Rio Hondo features an 800-foot runway and lots of open space at a large green space nearby the Arroyo Colorado. The other flying space goes back to Reilly’s roots of loving airplanes via the CAF at the site of its original headquarters on Mile 2 E Road in Mercedes.

Events open to the public include picnics hosted by SMASH in Rio Hondo as the models take to the skies. The organization meets monthly in Harlingen and members discuss event planning, field improvements and tech tips. The meetings are also a good time “to bring your latest creation” and share it with other members during a “model of the month” segment.

It’s all good fellowship and camaraderie in sharing a common interest and love of flying.

“They come in all shapes and sizes,” Reilly said of the models flown. “It keeps things interesting and what we all share is a love of airplanes and flying.”