Author: B. Hannan
Edition: Model Aviation - 1982/05
Page Numbers: 37, 38, 39, 40, 97, 98
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Model Books

Bill Hannan

Although some books stayed on the market for years, sometimes with revisions and updating, many more appeared only briefly and then disappeared. Often these were products of small publishers who lacked the finances (or knowledge) for proper promotion and distribution. Some were simply labor-of-love projects that never made a profit for their authors or publishers. Lacking widespread publicity or sales, many vanished over the years.

Even books printed in large quantities were discarded — especially during World War II — tossed out by thoughtless parents who assumed their servicemen sons would have "outgrown" the hobby by the time of their return home. Others were contributed to wartime paper drives, along with thousands of early model magazines. (While a young Boy Scout, the author worked on one of the collection trucks.)

Hence, pre-1900 model aircraft publications are now genuine collector's items, often commanding many times their original prices. Even relatively modern examples that are no longer in print have attracted the attention of enthusiasts and may represent a sound financial investment because of ever-soaring prices.

Continuing our series on ancient and modern aviation books, we look at reference books, "coffee table" books, and books with investment value. We even glance at magazines. Finally, we tell you where to get the publications we've talked about. Part 2.

If you are just starting to put together your own model aviation library, consider the following guidelines. Even at today's inflated prices, some books represent a terrific value. However, you must weigh their worth logically against other hobby commodities, such as kits or balsa wood. Although books may seem less directly related to model building than balsa, they can be a source of inspiration, and their contents may provide enough time-saving tips to easily justify their cost. They may also serve as excellent "proxy instructors" for those new to the game or living far from more experienced modelers.

Model aircraft publications fall into several classifications:

  • Books aimed primarily at youngsters. If you find such an item, examine it carefully; it might be just the ticket to turn some junior friend onto model aviation. Sadly, there are fewer of these offerings currently available than in days of yore — perhaps an inspirational hint to potential authors in our audience.
  • "Coffee table" books. Usually large-format and lavishly illustrated in color, these publications present a spectacular appearance but seldom offer much lasting value to the active model builder. They may end up as décor rather than useful references. If you are a collector, such books can often be found as "publisher's remainders" for bargain prices.
  • Technical publications for more serious enthusiasts. Some cover models in a broad sense, presenting information applicable to Free Flight, Control Line, and RC models. More specialized books concentrate on particular facets of the hobby.
  • Books heavy on theory versus books devoted to practical construction. Both tastes are represented in the hobby; choose according to your interest.

Aviation references

Although books devoted to full-size aircraft are slightly outside the scope of this article, they are essential to the Scale modeler. Those featuring 3-view drawings and sharp photographs are most in demand. The following volumes have proven valuable to modelers over the years:

  • Jane's All the World's Aircraft — a yearly publication from England. Expensive; more moderate-cost reprints of some early numbers are available.
  • Aircraft Year Books — published yearly by the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Their 3-views are small and simple but useful starting points in research.
  • Harleyford Books — covering a wide range of subjects including World War I aircraft, camouflage and markings, Russian aircraft, etc. Published in England (some titles in the U.S.). Many large full-page 3-view drawings and numerous photos.
  • Historical Aviation Albums — devoted to full-size aircraft; published by a professional model builder with scale drawings produced with the modeler in mind.
  • Heritage Books — titles such as The Lightplane and Acrobats in the Sky are appropriate for model builders, featuring 3-views and outstanding photographs.
  • Putnam Publications — an English series readily available in the U.S.; these books feature hundreds of small 3-views, good photos, and useful specifications (examples: Fokker: The Creative Years; British Aircraft 1909–1914; British Civil Aircraft).
  • Specialized journals: Cross & Cockade Journal (Society of World War I Aero Historians) and the Journal of the American Aviation Historical Society.
  • IPMS (International Plastic Modelers Society) publications — though aimed at plastic display modelers, they often feature reference material of universal interest.

Magazines

Both full-size aircraft and model magazines form an important class of information. Bound volumes of periodicals constitute a useful and convenient form of book. Although binding is somewhat expensive, it can greatly extend the life and increase the utility of magazines. Hard-cover binders consolidate magazines, rendering them more nearly like a book in terms of storage and retrievability.

Magazines reflect developments as they occur and often include plans and construction features that may not appear in books for some time. Good magazines include:

  • Model Airplane News
  • Model Builder
  • Flying Models
  • Scale Modeler
  • Aeromodeller
  • Model Aviation
  • Scale RC Modeler
  • RC Modeler

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Concluded here is the list of publications gathered together by the author and John L. Brown. They are categorized by author's name where known. They are all English-language editions, with a few important exceptions noted. Additions and corrections may be forwarded to: John L. Brown, 13362 Fairmont Way, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

Other publications

Another category of model aviation literature includes manufacturers' catalogs, club newsletters, and miscellaneous brochures. Although usually sparse in page count, some of these slim productions contain real nuggets of useful information that can form important parts of the modeler's library.

Foreign publications

Outstanding books, magazines, and other model aircraft publications originate in foreign countries. In some cases the language may render the text incomprehensible, but drawings and photos are a universal language. Three-view drawings, in particular, can make foreign publications well worth the price. Dedicated modelers produce material in England, Czechoslovakia, France, Italy, Poland, Germany, Japan, the Soviet Union, and other countries.

Publications from English-speaking countries (Great Britain, Australia) are exceptions to the language barrier and some are marketed in the U.S.; others may be ordered directly from their publishers.

Where to get 'em

For free:

  • Visit your local library. Many libraries have books on aeronautics and model aviation. Use Dewey Decimal numbers 629.13 and 629.133 to help locate them.
  • Ask librarians to order books through interlibrary loan. College and technical school libraries often have comprehensive aviation collections.
  • Use low-cost photocopying at libraries to copy specific pages (for example, a special 3-view) without purchasing the whole book.

For a fee:

  • Local bookstores can often order titles if you provide the title, author, and publisher. Check Books in Print at the library for obscure titles.
  • Hobby shops may stock or order publications and can often recommend titles.
  • AMA Headquarters (Supply & Service section) offers publications.
  • Mail-order aviation book firms — send for their catalogs. Watch magazines for publisher and dealer advertisements.
  • Model magazines sometimes sell books; watch their classified ads for collection disposals or opportunities to buy or trade.

Used publications:

  • Haunting used bookstores can be rewarding. Alert used booksellers to your interests so they can contact you when relevant items appear.
  • Some specialized aviation bookshops will search for out-of-print volumes for a fee.
  • Swap meets, Goodwill, Salvation Army stores, and garage sales can produce rare finds.
  • Swapping books with foreign modelers is often easier than shipping hardware; books are less likely to be damaged, stolen, or scrutinized by customs.

Storage:

  • Bookcases are the obvious solution. Buying unfinished or used cases is more economical than expensive finished units. Simple shelving using boards and decorative concrete wall blocks is cheap, expandable, and dismantlable.
  • Various shelf and wall-bracket systems are available; avoid flimsy types that won't support heavy books.
  • Bedroom closets can house low-cost shelving for out-of-sight storage.

Postlogue: Having completed the imposing (but satisfying) job of sampling some 60 years' worth of model aircraft books, the author wrote his own: Peanut Power.

Selected bibliography (alphabetical by author or title where author unknown)

  • Pond, Bert P. 76th Nats Commemorative Book. Pond Pub., MA, 1976. Available from AMA HQ.
  • Powell, J. D. Junior Model Planes.
  • Practical Kites & Aeroplanes. Walker & Co.-Pittman, London, 1903. (No author listed.)
  • Radio Control Manual No. 2. Model Aeronautical Press, England, 1967, 128p. (No author listed.)
  • Radio Control Manual No. 3. Model Aeronautical Press, England, 1969. (No author listed.)
  • Radio Control Instruction Manual. Radio Control Headquarters, c. 1950, 432p. (No author listed.)
  • Radlauer, Ed and Radlauer, David. Model Airplanes. Elk Grove Books, Chicago, 1976.
  • Ridgeway, Harold. Kite Making and Flying. Gramercy Pub., NY, 1952, 155p. (Contains history of kites—related to history of aircraft.)
  • Rodwell. Your Book of Aeromodelling. Transatlantic Arts, Inc., NY.
  • Ross, Frank, Jr. Historic Plane Models. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co., NY, 1973, 190p.
  • Rushbrooke, C. S. Model Aircraft Construction. London, 112p.
  • Rushbrooke, C. S. An A.B.C. of Model Aircraft Construction. Harborough Pub., London, 1944, 80p.
  • Russell, D. C. Design and Construction of Flying Model Aircraft. Harborough Pub., England, 1941, 1943, 256p.
  • Safford, Edward L., Jr. Fun With Radio Controlled Models. Gernsback, NY.
  • Safford, Edward L., Jr. Model Control by Radio. Gernsback, NY, 1931, 112p.
  • Safford, Edward L., Jr. Model Radio Control. Gernsback, NY, 1959, 192p.
  • Safford, Edward L., Jr. Radio Control Manual. Gernsback, NY, 1961, 192p.
  • Safford, Edward L., Jr. Advanced Radio Control. Gernsback, NY, 1965, 192p.
  • Sands, Leo G. Fundamentals of Radio Control. Sams, IN, 1962, 144p.
  • Schier, Wieslaw. Samoloty (Polish text). Warsaw, 1973, 355p.
  • Schier, Wieslaw. Miniaturowe Lotnictwo (Polish text). Warsaw, various editions 1968–1973, 298p (plus plans).
  • Schmidtauer, Al. How to Build Flying Models. Johnson Smith & Co., Detroit, ND, 64p.
  • Schweitzer, William E. Aerodynamics of Flying Model Aircraft. Burgess Battery Co., 1928 (reprint).
  • Schmitz. Aerodynamik des Flugmodells. (German text.)
  • Secrets of Model Airplane Building. Sterling Models, Philadelphia. (No author listed.)
  • Shaw, Lawrence (editor). The Beginner's Glider. Junior Birdmen Library Series Handbook No. 1. Junior Birdmen of America, NY, 1934, 16p. (Model designs by Frank Zaic.)
  • Shaw, Lawrence (editor). The Beginner's Flying Model. Junior Birdmen Library Series No. 2. Junior Birdmen of America, NY, 1934, 18p.
  • Shaw, Lawrence (editor). The Beginner's Twin Pusher. Junior Birdmen Library Series No. 4. Junior Birdmen of America, NY, 1934, 10p.
  • Simon, Seymour. Paper Airplane Book. Viking Press, NY, 1971.
  • Simple Radio Control. London, 60p. (No author listed.)
  • Sizer, J. A. Model Flying Boats. Harborough Pub., England, 64p.
  • Smedley, Vic. The Encyclopedia of Model Aircraft. Octopus Books Ltd., London, 1979, 226p.
  • Smith, Cal. Cal Smith on Model Building. Fawcett, CT, 1952, 144p.
  • Solano Book of Balsa Models. Model & Allied Press, England, 112p. (No author listed.)
  • Sommerfeldt, G. Radio Control of Model Aircraft. Percival Marshall, London, 1954, 1957, 122p.
  • Sommerhof, G. Radio Control of Models. Norman Price, London, 1954, 72p.
  • Sparrey, L. H. and Rippon, C. A. The Model Aeroplane Manual. Percival Marshall, London, 1938, 236p.
  • Sparrey, Lawrence H. and Rippon, Charles A. The New Model Aeroplane Manual. Percival Marshall, London, 284p.
  • Sparrey, Lawrence H. and Rippon, Charles A. Models for Flying. Percival Marshall, London, 180p.
  • Steidl. Stick-Plane Airplanes. Abelard-Schuman, NY, 1971, 256p.
  • Stensholt, Otter. Model Flying Handbook. NY, 1976, 160p. Available from AMA HQ.
  • Stevens, James Hay. Scale Model Aircraft.
  • Stock, Raymond F. Radio Control Mechanisms. Data Pub., London, 1957, 64p.
  • Stubbs, S. B. Design of Wakefield Models. Harborough Pub., London, 1939, 1940, 1941 (revised).
  • Suzor, Genes. Petite Moteurs Pour Modeles Reduits (French text). Paris, 1938.
  • Teeman, Lawrence (editor). Consumer Guide: Model Planes. Publications International Ltd., Skokie, IL, 1978, 64p.
  • Toomer, H. J., and Boys, Howard. Scale Models That Fly. Harborough Pub., London, 1940, 107p.
  • Trent, Gord. Antique Gas Model Airplanes. Harry Watson, 1960, 40p.
  • Twining, E. W. Model Aeroplanes: How to Build and Fly Them. Percival Marshall, London, 1908.
  • Twining, E. W. Model Gliders, Birds, Butterflies, and Aeroplanes. England, 1915.
  • Vasco, Peter (editor). 1953 International Competition Handbook. AMA HQ, Washington, DC, 1953, 44p.
  • Van Hatum, A. Contest Model Sailplanes. Model Aeronautical Press, England, 1956, 86p.
  • Verrill, Alpheus Hyatt. Harper's Aircraft Book. Harper & Co., NY, 1913, 246p.
  • Verrill, Dorothy. Aircraft Book for Boys. Harper & Brothers Pub., NY, 1930, 316p.
  • Vincent, Terence. Miniature Aircraft Fliers. Little Looseleaf Library, Denver.
  • Warring, Don H. Aeromodelling. Aeropub. Co., NY, 1965, 1966, 168p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Airfoil Sections. Harborough Pub., England, 64p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Aerogram. Harborough Pub., England, 64p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Beginner's Guide to Radio Control. London, 1972, 176p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Construction for Aeromodellers. Model Aeronautical Press, England, 96p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Control Line Flying. England, 96p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Design for Aeromodellers. Model Aeronautical Press, England, 1953, 94p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Indoor Flying Models. England, 1944, 88p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Miniature Aero Motors. Alec, London, 1949, 160p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Model Gliders. Harborough Pub., England, 96p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Multi-Channel Radio Control. Model Aeronautical Press, England, 1965, 112p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Monographs. Harborough Pub., England, 24p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Power Duration Models. Percival Marshall, England, 1951, 100p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Design Notes & Monographs for Aeromodellers. Model & Allied Press, England, 1954.
  • Warring, Ron H. Radio Controlled Models. Museum Press, London, 1962, 136p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Single Channel Radio Control. Percival Marshall, London, 1962, 85p.
  • Warring, Ron H. Speed Control Line Flying. Percival Marshall, London, ND, 207p.

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.