Went with my kids and FIL to an RC airshow today up in Goshen. I rode the bike and brought the camera. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but it was really cool. These models were BIG and very detailed.

Janus Motorcycles is also based out of Goshen. Not really my kind of bike, but my FIL likes them so we stopped by. I expected to just look at a few bikes in the showroom, but the service manger came out and gave us a full tour of the shop and their production facilities. They make everything but the motors in-house or source it locally. It seems like a great little operation staffed by awesome people and I'm glad we stopped in. Would be cool if my FIL ends up buying one.

Anyway, here are some pics of the airshow. The weather was cloudy and the lighting was kinda crap, but I had fun playing with the camera until my battery died.













Most of the planes were military replicas, but there were a few that were not. I figured V-Tail might appreciate this one:











Oops. Most of the pilots were really good, and there were no crashes in the air, but there were a couple on the ground just after landing. This guy, and a B-17 ran into a pylon and launched parts everywhere.

Those are some really nice RC planes, love the military work most seems true to form.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Those are some really nice RC planeqs, love the military work most seems true to form.

The detail was incredible, and some of them were huge...like almost big enough to ride. That Eurofighter had twin jet engines and it was insanely fast. My FIL asked a guy how much he had wrapped up in his airplanes and kit, and the guy said over $110k. You'd definitely be crying if you crashed one...

Those are amazing! Dedicating time to such a hobby certainly beats watching TV.

I had no idea those planes were so big. Very interesting hobby.

Any pics of the motorcycle factory?

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
Any pics of the motorcycle factory?

Sadly, no. My camera battery died. I did have my phone, but honestly we were talking with the guy and engaging in conversation the whole time, so I really didn't think to snap any pictures. It's definitely a neat place, though.

All their leather for the seats and bags is sourced locally and stitched by an Amish guy. A lot of the metal work is welded or roll-formed by small local shops as well, and then final assembly from the bare frame up, including paint, pinstriping, and testing and tuning happens right their in their shop. It's kinda a retro/steampunk looking bike...not really my cup of tea...but the guys were so nice and I liked her business model so much I almost wanted to buy one, lol. They're expensive, though, and I just bought an older used BMW that's a much better fit for what I'm going to do with a bike...not to mention more realistically within my price range. But my FIL is pretty enamored with them, so if he ever gets around to getting his endorsement maybe he'll get one.

Here's a pic I grabbed off their website:

^^^ Thanks! Interesting story! Not my kinda bike either, but I get the appeal of the overall story.