A Kit Stop for Model Collectors

Sunday’s 25th annual Kit Collectors Exposition and Sale is more than just a gathering of model Corvettes and World War II fighter planes. The items range from the predictable (aircraft, ships, armor) to the unexpected (frogs and trout). More than 150 serious collectors/dealers will be on hand with vintage kits (some 40 years old and never unwrapped) as well as the latest models.

Parents will find kits they might have built as children. Now fetching top dollar, some collectors buy these and keep them in their unfulfilled state while others recapture a bit of childhood by opening them up and going to work.

The best-sellers these days are custom and stock cars. Snap-together kits are suitable for children 7 or 8 years old; glue-together versions for slightly older kids. With thousands of kits to choose from, there’s sure to be a selection for every skill and taste level (there are even Batman kits).

The expo will be held at the grand ballroom of the Buena Park Hotel, 7675 Crescent Ave., Buena Park. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $3; children under 12, free. Information: (714) 826-5218.

Models of a different sort--radio-controlled power boats--will compete this weekend at Legg Lake at Whittier Narrows Park in South El Monte. Legg is the only lake in L.A. County that permits these power boats so it is busy most weekends with enthusiasts honing their skills.

The races begin at 8 a.m. today and Sunday and run until 4 p.m. There will be four races for children--an endurance contest for the most laps (the youngest entrant is 5). Information: (818) 368-5217.