Author Topic: Randy Smith Aero (Read 4830 times)

Guy Markham · « **on:** May 05, 2025, 08:39:35 AM »

What is the latest info?

Mark Romanowitz · « **Reply #1 on:** May 06, 2025, 11:38:56 AM »

I called Randy a few weeks back when I noticed his website was down, and I had heard a rumor he passed away. He is still with us but having significant health problems. He told me what they were, but I don't feel comfortable sharing because I'm more of an acquaintance and not a close friend of his. His site is down. He said it's because he can't maintain it any more. He said he doesn't have anything to sell any more. He seemed pretty down (understandable), so those of you who know him better, give him a call and see if you can boost his spirits some.

The fact is we are all getting old and we all have a limited shelf life. It's hard to see the decline in others, and I feel it in myself as well.
Time is fleeting and marches on, so I try to savor the hours I have with friends.

Brett Buck · « **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2025, 02:03:30 PM »

Quote from: Mark Romanowitz on May 06, 2025, 11:38:56 AM

I called Randy a few weeks back when I noticed his website was down, and I had heard a rumor he passed away. He is still with us but having significant health problems.<<snipped>>

The fact is we are all getting old and we all have a limited shelf life. It's hard to see the decline in others, and I feel it in myself as well.
Time is fleeting and marches on, so I try to savor the hours I have with friends.

I would also add that Randy has forgotten more about stunt that most people will ever know, he's one of the classic stunt "good guys".

Brett

Dan Berry · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2025, 03:44:02 PM »

Randy became the source for the TT props. Does anyone know how we could get some now?

Martin Quartim · « **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2025, 04:38:22 PM »

It is sad to see a Giant like Randy in this situation. :'(

Hope the best for him!

Martin

Rusty · « **Reply #5 on:** May 06, 2025, 04:48:17 PM »

Sad news. He is a honest and helpful guy. I pray he recovers from his illness.

Rusty

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #6 on:** May 19, 2025, 04:07:32 PM »

Quote from: Dan Berry on May 06, 2025, 03:44:02 PM

Randy became the source for the TT props. Does anyone know how we could get some now?

Mike Hazel (ZZProp) makes a CF copy of the TT 11x4.5 and some other stunt sizes, FYI. He is a member here at SH.

And, best wishes for Randy Smith's comfort and improved health.

Steve

Steve Dwyer · « **Reply #7 on:** May 19, 2025, 05:55:57 PM »

I contacted HRP Distribution who use to sell Thunder Tiger Props. They suggested I seek out the source on Service@thundertiger.com which plugs you into a contact in Taiwan. I would think someone that knows Randy well enough could get more regarding a source. These are nice props that are very spinner friendly. It's sad Randy is backing away, I always enjoyed chatting with him.

Steve

john e. holliday · « **Reply #8 on:** May 19, 2025, 07:12:36 PM »

It is sad to hear this about Randy. Hope he doesn't suffer like some have. I only knew him from different venues and here.

RandySmith · « **Reply #9 on:** May 20, 2025, 01:32:17 PM »

Quote from: Guy Markham on May 05, 2025, 08:39:35 AM

What is the latest info?

I came down with Parkinson's in 2021 , I have had this for going on 4 years now I am still active selling some things and get out most days, still work at the things i can do, it has slowed down on things that require a lot of dexterity in the fingers, but still many things i do, it is not got my brain..yet but that may come at some point. Doctors treatment are working pretty well so far.
For people wanting CYclone TT props i still sell them , pipes are still being made , but by another modeler who bought my tooling. Still have many CF props and about 50 engines OS FP LA TT PA McCoy FOX Tower BB Merco Enya Magnum K&B AVIASTAR ' SUPER TIGRE and many thousands of sheets and blocks of balsa wood just to name a few.
I plan to be here for a long time , but that is not up to me

regards
Randy

Curt D Contrata · « **Reply #10 on:** May 20, 2025, 06:12:41 PM »

Randy,
Thanks for returning my call this morning and for providing everyone here a “proof of life”!

Great speaking with you today and for sharing memories.

Stay in touch,

Curt

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #11 on:** May 20, 2025, 06:24:41 PM »

GREAT to hear from Mr. Smith himself!

Steve

Martin Quartim · « **Reply #12 on:** May 20, 2025, 08:50:45 PM »

Hi Randy,

Glad to hear you are still active. I have a friend with a PA-75 and he has been waiting to get a pipe for a long time. Can you supply him a pipe or should he contact this other person that bought the pipe tooling?

Hope the best for you and God bless you for all the help and knowledge you have shared with us!

Martin

Leonard Bourel · « **Reply #13 on:** May 20, 2025, 09:04:09 PM »

Hi Randy Many thanks for all you have done for this hobby and all the things you continue to do for the hobby.
PS that PA 61 pipe you made for me worked flawless at last summers Nats and at the world champs. Thanks and hope you get well all the best LEN

M Spencer · « **Reply #14 on:** May 20, 2025, 10:09:51 PM »

Good to hear your up and running .

Jim Benzinger · « **Reply #15 on:** May 20, 2025, 11:23:44 PM »

Martin,

I believe that Derek Barry is producing Randy's pipes now. Contact Derek now.

dennyleo · « **Reply #16 on:** May 21, 2025, 01:49:12 AM »

Randy, it's good to "hear" from you - Thanks for the great stuff you've provided (along with patience) - all the Best to you and those Bulldogs!

Dennis

Joseph Lijoi · « **Reply #17 on:** May 21, 2025, 08:44:05 AM »

Quote from: RandySmith on May 20, 2025, 01:32:17 PM

I came down with Parkinson's in 2021 , I have had this for going on 4 years now I am still active selling some things and get out most days, still work at the things i can do, it has slowed down on things that require a lot of dexterity in the fingers, but still many things i do, it is not got my brain..yet but that may come at some point. Doctors treatment are working pretty well so far.
For people wanting CYclone TT props i still sell them , pipes are still being made , but by another modeler who bought my tooling. Still have many CF props and about 50 engines OS FP LA TT PA McCoy FOX Tower BB Merco Enya Magnum K&B AVIASTAR ' SUPER TIGRE and many thousands of sheets and blocks of balsa wood just to name a few.
I plan to be here for a long time , but that is not up to me

regards
Randy

Best of luck to you Randy. Parkinsons is a difficult diagnosis. It is different for everybody and doctors can't predict the outcomes, which makes things even more difficult.

Hang in there. May God bless you and your family

RandySmith · « **Reply #18 on:** May 21, 2025, 04:31:09 PM »

Quote from: Martin Quartim on May 20, 2025, 08:50:45 PM

Hi Randy,

Glad to hear you are still active. I have a friend with a PA-75 and he has been waiting to get a pipe for a long time. Can you supply him a pipe or should he contact this other person that bought the pipe tooling?

Hope the best for you and God bless you for all the help and knowledge you have shared with us!

Martin

hI Martin and thank you Derek Barry is now producing AERO PIPES He can make a pipe for him

Randy

Chuck Fabo · « **Reply #19 on:** May 21, 2025, 05:24:16 PM »

🎯🎯🎯💯💯💯💪💪💪

Derek Barry · « **Reply #20 on:** May 21, 2025, 05:33:35 PM »

Hello Everyone,

I didn't want to hijack this thread about Randy's health, but since it is out now.... I purchased Randy's pipe business and I am making AeroPipes to the exact specifications that Randy developed. If you would like to purchase one you may contact me directly at:

Derk2121@hotmail.com
Or 706-833-9110

If you wish to use my phone number, I prefer text messages.

Derek