Chucky takes toys to new heights

With his usual boyish smile, Fidel “Chucky” Lee pointed to his remote-controlled helicopter, “You see dis helicopter here; it is capable of flying at a speed of 100 miles an hour.” That mini true-to-form, model helicopter was the largest among other smaller ones scattered on a corner table of his Chucky’s Fast Food Restaurant in Aripero Village, Rousillac. He is the master chef in his restaurant, where he sometimes plies between his wok pots and the repairing of those model flight vehicles. Some of his friends call him “The Fix-it Chef.” On a visit to his home, there was a meticulous arrangement of relevant tools for his repair operations. On a platform were poised several helicopters of varied sizes and colours. He explained, “I repair, not only model helicopters but also model, remote-controlled airplanes, blimps, cars, trucks, other land vehicles and boats.”

His interest along this line began when he was seven years old, living with his parents in Port-of-Spain. He said, “Boy, since I was a little boy I was fascinated with toys; especially those with wheels, and also kites. At the age of 15 years, I got my first remote-controlled car and that was the beginning of my hobby”  His curiosity grew as he probed  the mechanism in the propulsion of the little car. The young Lee’s fascination for remote-controlled toys grew. He clinically studied the various components as he pulled them apart; then replaced them to test his acquired knowledge and skill. As he became more involved, he carefully studied manuals, documents and specs on different makes and models. Many times he attempted to fix his car but failed. The curious boy was not daunted by his failure but accepted it as a challenge to continue his probe. Nothing could have hindered his quest and determination to learn this skill. His persistence led him through fixing both fuel-driven and electric systems on those mini vehicles.

Through the years of trial and error, Lee has established himself as a self-taught technician in this field. Many have referred to him as possibly, one of a very few, if any in this country. He serves enthusiasts from different parts of the country, most of whom come from the North and South. It is interesting to note that he not only repairs, but assembles, modifies or completely rebuilds. He can also convert flight models with adaptation for aerobatics; (aerial tricks, stunts, turns and flips in the air), normal flights or competition standards. These modifications can be done according to the needs of his clients. A remote controlled, mini model vehicle was once considered a child’s toy. Today, we view it as an instrument in a fast-growing hobby for adults; including women. It has grown into a recreation or pastime. Maneuvering these RC models is not as simple as many may conceive. It takes a great amount of practice, and depending on the specified range of the controller, if or when the airplane, blimp or helicopter flies beyond its specified range, it is lost in space. 

With this in mind, Lee has set up a training scheme for new owners of RC models. In his workshop he provides an RC Flight Simulator system with flat-screen video and true-to-life audio. The on-screen video shows background scenes or flight zones of varied locations. For example, airports, seascapes, an off-shore island, desert, mountainous terrain, panoramic view of fields, lakes and forests, towns and cities where flights can be guided during practice. In the event of a crash, the flight vehicle can be instantly repaired by a reset switch. For actual, physical practice, after mastering the simulated lessons, Lee takes his clients to the Happy Hill Recreation Grounds in Rousillac or to the National Mining Recreation Grounds in National Mining Trace, Rousillac, where exercises are done on location. Often he uses the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain for clients in the North, unless they choose to travel down to the beautiful South. Lee pointed out, “In the instance of flying an airplane in real live location, a windy environment is preferable, as this assists the airplane in ascending, turning, descending and landing in quick time.”

The maximum range within which the vehicle can be safely controlled is a radius of one mile, and that is in accordance with the hand-held remote controller. Some controllers do less. Lee insists that in consideration of the flight range of these airplanes and helicopters, the speed and movements within an area, it is possible, with modification, that these can be equipped with digital cameras to spot areas of fire; sensors can be mounted to detect toxic gas in the atmosphere, as well as, for security and other reasons.  Fidel “Chucky” Lee is a simple, jovial and humble man, a man of many skills. He has shared with us a new vision in a hobby which is fast gaining popularity. His hobby of repairs and modification has taught him a lot of practical dynamics of physics, electronics, and machines. He laments the fact that “too many of our nation’s children are strangers to hobbies.” This master chef has ideas for a safer country. He is an astute businessman and consummate thinker; one who looks “on the flip side” of things. If there is going to be a “think tank” in our country, Lee should be a drop in it.