(Page updated 22/04/23)

The TMAC annual auction is one of the largest auctions of model aviation items, in the country. It provides an opportunity for model flyers to sell down, or upgrade their equipment, including aircraft, engines, radios, servos, ground support, tools and more. In addition to the auction, there are tables for items sold on a fixed price basis. Frequently we have a bin of “gold coin” or even “free” items, which is always a popular spot. The auction is held in the main hangar at Tauranga’s “Classic Flyers” Aviation Museum. Food and light refreshments are provided by Classic Flyers.
The auction is a popular social event on many flyers calendar, providing an opportunity for flyers from around the country to meet and compare experiences.

I think we can judge the 2022 auction as a success. It seemed like during Covid, everyone had cleaned out their sheds and this made for plenty on offer, ranging from tiny indoor planes to large IMAC models, plus all the backup stuff – engines, radios, chargers, kits and more.  There were lots of opportunities for new entrants to the hobby, to be able to buy quality equipment at budget prices.
As usual, the auction was held at Classic Flyers Aviation Museum, which provided a great backdrop for this event. Classic Flyers also kept everyone well fed with BBQ food being served in the main hangar, and with the Avgas Café providing something a little more upmarket.
A group of 20 TMAC members assisted in teams for setup, manning the reception, registration, auction, fixed price and finance activities.
Our new cloud-based computer system performed flawlessly and we were able to give everyone an accurate statement before they left.
This year we had several estates donated to the club. This swelled our takings considerably as the proceeds come 100% to the club, instead of the club receiving a sales percentage.  We also helped dispose of estates where the proceeds were donated to local charities eg the Waipuna Hospice.

Auction Guidelines
Catalogue – we regret that we cannot provide a catalogue in advance. It is totally random what turns up on the day. If you have any significant items which you would like us to publish in advance of the auction, please respond to this email address.
Auction or Fixed price ? – You may choose whether any item you wish to sell is auctioned, or offered for sale at a fixed price. In general we recommend that the auction only be used for items which are expected to sell for greater than $50.
Descriptions– our data system can only record a limited number of characters to easily identify whether the item is an engine, plane, radio etc. If you wish the auctioneer to read out a detailed description, please tape a note to the item.
Low value items – items of low value can be donated to the club. These will be offered for a gold coin, or even as free. This provides a low administration way of passing lots of minor items to another modeller.
Deceased estates. The auction provides a means of re-purposing items from deceased estates. In many cases families of deceased relatives do not know what to do with Uncle Charlie’s collection of old engines and aircraft.  Opportunity shops and second hand dealers have no understanding of model engineering, and families will have a natural reluctance to take stuff to the tip.  The TMAC annual auction is a means of finding a new owner who will share the enthusiasm that Uncle Charlie had.
For more details contact taurangamodelfly@gmail.com.

 

Photos from previous auctions