1992 IMS Show: Pasadena
The 1992 edition of the enormously popular International Modeler Show, held January 10–12, attracted about 10,000 visitors to the convention facility in Pasadena, California. While some exhibitors reported that people are being more careful about purchases, the show seemed relatively untouched by the recession. Modelers are looking for products with quality, value, and logical application, whether those items are long-standing favorites or newer offerings.
Like many such shows, IMS encompassed a broad cross section of hobby specialties, including model cars, boats, and trains. About half the floorspace was given over to RC airplanes and related products. Few to no new companies specializing in powered RC models were present; instead, the dominant new products were soaring, slope-soaring, and rocket-launched (launch-style) aerobatic soaring models — cost-effective and exciting to fly, and growing in popularity.
Slope and Soaring Models
- Sig Manufacturing: Released the Samurai Warrior, a highly acrobatic V‑tailed slope soarer that uses pitcheron/wingeron control rather than ailerons or movable tail surfaces. Pitch and roll are controlled by pivoting the left and right wing panels together or independently; opposite rotation controls roll. An alternative version of the Mike Pratt–designed model combines wingeron roll control with a conventional elevator for pitch.
- CR Aircraft Models: Showing the Turbo S and Turbo ST, high-performance slope and thermal sailplanes using wingeron control. The company reported selling 500 in the first six months of production.
- Aircrafters Research and Development (Salinas, CA): Introduced a 50‑inch‑span P‑51 Mustang slope soarer. Priced at about $100, the kit includes a fiberglass fuselage, presheeted foam‑core wings, and complete hardware.
- Aerotech: Launched the Phoenix, a rocket‑launched glider that reaches 500–1,000 feet and performs full aerobatics. Aerotech shipped the high‑performance gliders the week of the show.
- Combat Models (Miramar, CA, “Fightertown”): Showed a versatile glider that can be flown as a slope soarer or powered with a .19–.32 engine.
Helicopters and Wingless Flying
- Kalt / Hobby Dynamics: Introduced the Baron Alpha II helicopter (marketed by Hobby Dynamics). The machine offers many of the latest high‑tech features at a moderate price.
Giant Scale and High‑End Kits
- Glass Teck Unlimited (Tehachapi, CA): Offered an upscale F8F Bearcat kit (over $2,500). Features include composite construction with carbon fiber‑reinforced wing spars, mass‑balanced control surfaces, a 103‑inch wingspan, and an estimated racing weight of 40 pounds. Glass Teck is clearly committed to the emerging RC Unlimited racing scene.
- Macs Products: Introduced a new line of giant‑scale exhaust pipes for engines in the three‑ to six‑cubic‑inch range.
Power and Accessories
- Ace R/C: Introduced a power handle designed for .90‑cu.‑in. and larger engines. It features a reversible spinner cone that accommodates a range of engine sizes — a practical solution where electric starters are impractical.
- R/C City (Suisun, CA): Released fiberglass cowl and wheel pants for the popular Goldberg Extra 300, aimed at speeding construction and extending wear resistance in high‑stress areas.
Electronics and Radio Gear
- Infinity 600: A new radio that attracted interest for its user‑friendly ergonomic design.
- Hitec / RCD: Reported strong demand for Hitec/RCD platinum receivers, enabling many RC modelers to upgrade systems to 1991 AMA guidelines without major modifications.
- McDaniel R/C: Introduced a visual low‑voltage warning system and a multiuse sonic alarm.
- RAM: Showed a battery voltage monitor with audible and visual alarms, plus the RED 17 plane finder with a transmitter‑switch alarm. The plane finder is a totally self‑contained “black box” device.
Building and Repair Tools
- Steve Steel Products (Torrance, CA): Developed a lightweight, adjustable paint stand that rotates 360°, tilts to 90°, and can be attached to the engine/motor mount of most planes. Price: $49.95.
- Ideal Products (Long Beach, CA): Marketed a small welding torch that uses a propane can and rod for repairing aluminum parts. The torch is easy to use — suitable for repairing mufflers, engine cases, or other aluminum or pot‑metal items. Owner Carol Lo Cicero had sold all the welders by the second day of the show and plans to return. Ideal Products: (310) 987‑1419.
Show Observations and Organization
Show promoters Bill and Anita Northrup have developed IMS Pasadena into a real winner. Anita noted that the exhibit now fills two main rooms of the Pasadena Convention facility. Even in a slow economy, modelers are in search of new projects and challenges; however, impulse spending is down. Attendees ask lots of questions, explore new trends, carefully analyze product value, and make considered purchases.
At a consumer show such as IMS, you definitely get a feel for what's hot — and what's not.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
