Chris Chianelli

Background

Chianelli was born in Mineola, New New York

Career

This Web television series is produced by Air Age Media and broadcast biweekly on www.rccaraction.com and www.modelairplanenews.com, and covers all aspects of R/C cars, boats, planes and helicopters, with information ranging from the basics of R/C to tips for the most seasoned prosecuting In addition to his hobby work, he was active in several charities, including Make-A-Wish, Habitat for Humanity, and Saint Jude"son Chianelli also served as the editor-at-large for Model Airplane News magazine and hosted a Model Airplane News blog.

He also made guest appearances on National Broadcasting Company"s Today show and graced the covers of special-interest magazines.

Since 1982, Chianelli was a frequent contributor to the industry"s top-rated R/C magazines, including Model Airplane News, Radio Control Carolina Action, Backyard Flyer, Radio Control Helicopter, and Radio Control Boat Modeler, all published by Air Age Media. He was a founding editor of Radio Control Carolina Action and helped to revitalize Model Airplane News.

Chianelli was an internationally-read author of pieces on topics that included R/C aircraft, race boats, cars, trucks, and his specialty—internal combustion engine-performance evaluations. He was dubbed the "R/C Guru" because of his unparalleled knowledge of the R/C hobby.

Chianelli was an internal combustion miniature-engine expert for both 4- and 2-stroke engines, as well as a master model builder and scale trains enthusiast.

Chianelli’s experience also included stints as creative director for R/C manufacturer Megatech International, which marketed a line of ready-to-fly R/C aircraft with Chianelli’s name and caricature on them, and as a writer for Hobby Merchandiser, a hobby shop industry magazine. His love of modeling began in early childhood with toy trains and slot cars. He bought a used aircraft radio in 1971 and said, "Ever since that fateful purchase, I"ve never had a boring moment in my life.

So many models, so little time."

Chianelli was also a fan of full-scale cars and was often photographed in his red Excalibur Series III. On January 20, 2009, Chianelli died of natural causes.

Achievements

• In 2005, he received the Hobby Ambassador of the Year award from Hobby Outlook magazine and HobbyTown United States of America for "Outstanding Efforts to Expand the Reach of Hobbies" and for his charitable work.