The Albuquerque Model Marine Association was started by a group of local model boating enthusiasts with a common interest in R/C boating. In the beginning the club was a home for virtually all types of boat modeling. Soon, the membership began to grow, and because members' interests were so varied, the club split into 3 basic sub-groups; Scale Boats, Sailing, and Fast Boats. Since we all shared the same pond, and because the pond was rather small, it was difficult to run all three types of boats at the same time, so we got together and worked out scheduling that was pleasing to all. The end result is a good group of modelers, all able to pursue their main area of interest, and still get together for plenty of good running time.

    The clubs once again joined forces as a whole with sufficient membership numbers to approach the City of Albuquerque in hopes of obtaining our own dedicated pond. The City cordially agreed to hear our proposal, with club providing guidelines for the basic design. Eventually, plans were drawn and the decision was made not only to build  the pond, but also to renovate the entire Tingley Beach complex, open to fishing, recreation, and, the dedicated boat pond. The facility was "open for business" in July of 2006.

    Meanwhile, with our old pond closed for renovation, the local boaters were without a place to run. So once again, the clubs gathered together and asked if we could have access to the small pond in the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens complex in the interim. Before permission could be granted, we were invited to give a demonstration of the kind of boats we would be running. As it turned out, the patrons of the park who saw the models running commented on what a nice touch it was having the boats on the pond, and as a result we were given permission to use the park during regular business hours.  And as our way of saying "thanks" for the use of the pond, the club donated our time running our boats for special events, and with a fireworks show put on by Fred Keulen during the Christmas and 4th of July celebrations.

    For more information about the Tingley Beach complex, visit the web site here;

AMMA Schedule

The pond is open to the General Public 7 days a week from daylight till dark, with the only restrictions being that the boats must be either sail or electric powered. Because of local noise abatement, no wet fuel is allowed. The pond is located on the south west corner of  Central Ave. and Tingley Blvd. The Boat Pond is located on the North end of the Complex.

Saturday Morning - Scale boats. This is when the AMMA gathers for our weekly boating fix. At a typical gathering you'll see everything from Tugs and Trawlers to Chris-Craft Runabouts to Military boats, and even an occasional Sailing Ship.

Saturday Afternoon - Sail Boats. If you enjoy sailing, you'll love this. The Duke City Yacht Club gathers weekly for racing several classes of sailboats, and even a bit of leisurely running. For more info on the Yacht Club's weekly activities, visit their web site here.

Sunday Mornings - The Race Boat Guys gather for some good natured racing and a bit if zipping around the pond.

The AMMA is basically a group of scale boating enthusiasts, and the photos below represent the wide variety of boats that you might see on a typical Saturday morning at Tingley Beach. If you live here in Albuquerque, or are visiting in the Albuquerque area, come join is for some good old fashioned relaxing fun.

For more information on where to obtain kits, plans, or Ready-To-Run boats and supplies, visit the page here at Pat's Custom Models