The Haught Corner
Generational Shift
For some time now, I've felt that we're in the midst of a generational shift in modeling—where the reins are being passed to those of us in our 30s and 40s from those in their 60s and 70s. A recent letter to Rob Kurek illustrates one of the hazards of being a relatively new kid on the block:
"Now I'm (and I'd be a lot of other AMAers) bored silly with the mouthings in 'The Haught Corner.' When Mr. Haught, with due respect, gets old as—oh, Bill Winter, Walt Good, Hal DeBolt, me, etc., then maybe he'll have something worthwhile to listen to, but right now I'd rather see either a reader forum or blank pages!"
It's not realistic to expect hearts and flowers all the time, but this is a little strong, especially considering that the mail is about 15:1 in favor of this column's topics and content.
However, this column is like any other part of the magazine in that reader response determines its fate. If enough readers want it out of here, we'll replace it in a heartbeat—with surveys or white space or whatever. Fair enough?
I do wonder about the idea that age and wisdom are directly related. After all, Messrs. Winter, DeBolt, Good, and the other modeling "pioneers" were not always in their 60s or 70s, or whatever their present ages may be. At one time, each was 39 years old (as I am), and I'd bet they had worthwhile models and opinions/theories on modeling even then.
Just as important, I have profound respect for these men and their accomplishments. Moreover, I have studied a fair amount of modeling history, and there is nearly a century of great modeling accomplishments and stories.
For example, Frank Zaic recently sent me a copy of one of his old Year Books, which contained a narrative of the trials and tribulations of his JASCO business. I found it to be a fascinating account of the development of a landmark modeling enterprise. I don't believe I'm too young to appreciate what happened, even though I didn't live the experience as Frank did.
"We stand on the shoulders of giants" is a phrase I've heard several times recently. I believe it's particularly relevant to everyone involved in aeromodeling.
I feel honored to occupy a position similar to that of:
- Bill Winter
- Carl Wheeley
- Don McGovern
- Walt Schroder
- Larry Conover
and many of the real giants of modeling publications past. I studied their work when I was younger and have absorbed some of their "style" into my own, for better or worse.
No, I don't consider myself anywhere near the level of these men; they are legends, and in some cases, my heroes. They have been, and always will be, the greatest. That doesn't mean there is no room for new faces and new ideas, or that we can't respect the past while living in the present with an eye out for the future.
I make no claim to their throne, and don't want to. As time passes, I'd simply like to be able to contribute enough to warrant the same kind of respect that I have for those who have stood the test of time.
There is a surprising lack of awareness that the "new AMA" and the National Center for Aeromodeling are both under development and in progress—they're not finished works.
Look at the good things that have happened... and I think you'll see that we are pointed in the right direction.
The staff has made huge strides in the past year to maintain member services while doing considerable on-the-job training. Consider that we had roughly 85% new hires last year, and project how well your own business would have adapted under such circumstances.
Many of the new employees were hired locally, and only a few have modeling backgrounds. Thus modeling isn't a 24-hours-a-day "affliction" as it is for the rest of us; it can be an 8-to-5 job like any other, and there's nothing wrong with that.
It may seem simple to process sanctions, handle membership applications, administer championships, or publish a magazine; but with the sheer volume of our membership, these things are not easy at all.
It often falls to those of us with some "association memory" and/or modeling background to help out with questions from anywhere in AMA. I believe we are all willing to help, but a bit more understanding of the complex tasks performed here would go a long way.
It's easy to fill out one sanction application, or insurance claim, or contest report. Multiply that by several thousand, however, and the sheer enormity of the task can be overwhelming, especially to those new to aeromodeling.
The National Flying Site and Museum is another "work in progress." The initial museum displays have been completed, but they represent perhaps a third of the final museum capacity. Time, money, and the occupation of AMA HQ prevent completion of the museum for the foreseeable future.
We have just opened the museum as this column was finished, and the early reviews are excellent. I was on duty in the museum for the balance of Homecoming, and there was much good feeling about how it has been organized and presented. Many who visited needed more than one walk-through to prevent sensory overload.
The flying site is coming along, too. New launch areas are being developed, crops have been cut (at a loss of revenue to AMA), and a Site Management Team is formulating policies and procedures for its operation.
No, the site isn't ready to host the Nats just yet, but eventually it will be. With the right approach and planning, it won't be too much longer before a Muncie Nationals will be workable, and perhaps inevitable.
So I'm asking you to consider these things when you call, write, or visit. Look at the good things that have happened to the site, museum, and staff over the past year, and with a bit of vision, I think you'll see that we are pointed in the right direction. Rome wasn't built in a day, and the "new AMA" won't be either. But when we're done, startling improvement will be obvious across the board.
Jim Haught Managing Editor
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
