It takes Donald Milligan two hours to walk through Couchiching Beach Park. It's not because he's slow, it's because of how often he is stopped by people who want to check out his radio-controlled (RC) cars, trucks and bikes.
Milligan, 47, says it makes him feel proud when people stop him to take pictures and shoot videos of his vehicles. He has had a passion for RC vehicles since he was six years old and says it’s a hobby that has brought him joy throughout the years.
“It teaches you a lot about mathematics,” he said of his long-time hobby. “It teaches you about gear ratios, electricity, and how batteries work.”
The Red Deer, Alta., native has owned, built and repaired hundreds of RC vehicles over the past 41 years.
“I used to have 80 at one time,” he said. “I love building them and taking them down to the park every couple of days.”
Some of Milligan’s vehicles cost up to $2,000 to build and modify.
“It’s an expensive hobby,” he admitted. “It’s also a damn good one.”
Milligan is supported in his hobby by his six children and, for the most part, his wife.
“I buy, sell and trade, so it doesn’t affect me financially,” he said. “As long as I break even all of the time, it’s all good.”
Due to early retirement from his home-renovation career due to a heart condition, Milligan estimates he spends 40 to 50 hours a week on his RC vehicles.
“I walk 10,000 steps a day, no problem. It’s a very healthy hobby,” he said. “Some people walk their dog; I walk my RC truck.”
He has lost 30 pounds in the past four months while walking with his RC vehicles.
“My health isn’t the greatest,” he said. “This keeps me active, which is important.”
Milligan hopes to start a club where people who are passionate about RC vehicles can meet in local parks and enjoy the hobby together. He already has 250 members from around Simcoe County who have joined his Facebook group.
In his younger days, Milligan used to race RC vehicles for Amazing RC Store in Mississauga.
“I came in first place and won some races over the years,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, and I’m not really in it for the money; I’m in it for the passion.”
His racing days are over, and his goal now is to make someone’s day every time he walks through the park.
“Nine out of 10 people who walk past me comment on how cool they think it is," he said. "I enjoy being able to make those smiles.”
