On Miniature Wings: SITES and AMA
Caroline Carpenter & Bob Underwood
Exhibition overview
From early attempts at flying machines to supersonic jets, the aircraft model collection of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is renowned for its quality and breadth.
Beginning this October, 25 aircraft models from this collection will tour the nation for the first time in a new exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). "On Miniature Wings: Model Aircraft of the National Air and Space Museum" celebrates the rapid advance of aviation in this century and explores the diverse roles aircraft models have played during the past 100 years.
Aircraft models serve a vital educational purpose as tools for understanding aviation. On Miniature Wings will feature finely crafted, detailed scale replicas acquired and adapted from the museum's exhibitions, as well as functional models that furthered aeronautical technology.
Models featured
- Finely crafted, detailed scale replicas from the museum’s exhibitions
- Functional models that furthered aeronautical technology, such as wind-tunnel models and a large flying-boat model tested by the U.S. Navy
- Models used in aircraft-recognition programs to help pilots identify different types of airplanes in wartime skies
- Sleek, sophisticated airline-advertising models illustrating how models have served the airline industry
- Recreational and amateur models, including a 1999 reproduction of the Good Brothers' Guff (the first successful radio-control model airplane, originally flown in 1937). Master modelers in the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Exhibits Central will recreate the Guff exclusively for On Miniature Wings.
Despite numerous variations and advancements over time, these models share the common goal of projecting commercial flight — the technologically advanced, glamorous form of travel made available to the public.
Tour, resources, and educational materials
On Miniature Wings begins a 12-city tour on October 9, 1999, and will continue traveling through 2002. Each host museum on the tour will receive a Resource Kit to teach visitors about modeling principles and flight, using tools such as sample model profiles, master-modeler videography, a bibliography, and lesson plans. A Resource Guide will also be available to local teachers through host museums.
A fully illustrated companion book, written by exhibition curator Thomas Dietz of the National Air and Space Museum, will accompany the exhibition.
Sponsors and booking
On Miniature Wings has been made possible in part through generous support from:
- Tamiya America, Inc.
- The Smithsonian Institution Educational Outreach Fund
- The Hearst Foundation
- The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
To inquire about booking On Miniature Wings:
- Marlene Rothacker, SITES Scheduling & Exhibitor Relations Office — Tel. 202-357-3168, ext. 121
- Caroline Carpenter, SITES — 1100 Jefferson Drive SW, Suite 3146, Washington, DC 20560
AMA collaboration and programs
The Academy of Model Aeronautics, now 63 years young, is pleased to be working in concert with SITES on this presentation. Aeromodeling as a hobby and sport is an important educational and recreational activity that reaches hundreds of thousands of individuals, from the very young to senior citizens. In virtually every case, individuals who have shaped the history of aviation — modelers, astronauts, pilots, designers, and dreamers — tasted the thrill of flight through the world of aeromodeling long before the first pilots had feet off the ground. The Academy hopes to help acquaint thousands of others with the thrill of flight.
SITES is collaborating with the AMA to provide exciting educational family programming at each stop on the tour. Plans are being developed to present educational programs in the various cities visited by On Miniature Wings. Program goals include displays, lectures, and hands-on building experiences utilizing simple, excellent flying models.
Providing these rewarding experiences will require local support and expertise. The AMA is enlisting the aid of its membership — District Vice Presidents and Associate Vice Presidents — to help with the program. The District Vice Presidents and Associate Vice Presidents will be provided with a list of cities to be visited by On Miniature Wings and will help identify AMA clubs, chapters, and leader members interested in participating. All efforts will be coordinated through AMA Headquarters and the Education Committee.
Many program elements have been developed, but specific information regarding activities, dates, and locations is still in the planning stage. At this writing, only the first site has been firmly established; modelers in that area are being contacted for the opening on October 9, 1999.
Participation and contacts
Each AMA member and club is urged to consider participating in their communities. As scheduling is completed, information will be provided through periodic announcements in Model Aviation.
Questions regarding AMA participation may be directed to the Program Department at AMA Headquarters, or by calling:
- Bob Underwood — (314) 447-4235
Bob Underwood
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
