Now You're Talking . . .: Something for Everyone
Something for Everyone
This is in response to "Suggestions for the Future" ("Now You're Talking," page 18), published in the September 1992 edition of Model Aviation.
My modeling days go back to the late 1940s. Perhaps Mr. Klingberg dates back further. In all sincerity—my hat's off to him, a modeler interested in 1950s planes and certainly not everyone is interested in quarter-scale. I happen to be interested in both myself, but I don't expect Model Aviation or any other publication to print "just what I want."
If a reader can't enjoy one page of good humor, or at least tolerate the one page of humor for those who do enjoy it, they could possibly be classified as a Scrooge.
My name is not etched in stone and gold-plated with the AMA. I have not been a member too long, but I have been modeling for a long time and I enjoy the magazine.
Please keep up the good work.
Keith Dobbins Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina
Some things never change!
Several months ago I was given a collection of several years' worth of 20-plus-year-old modeling magazines. For the past week, as I've been convalescing from major surgery, I finally took time to read through several dozen issues. Most were the now-defunct American Aircraft Modeler. As I studied them, I became intrigued by two constantly repeating themes (or perhaps really only one) that kept appearing in both the editor's comments and the letters from the readers.
The main theme seemed to be that of the excessive cost of getting into modeling, as viewed by many, many youngsters. Most indicated their ages as 13, 14, or 15, and their main source of funds was from things like their paper routes. Interestingly enough, at the time these letters were written, the range of two- to three-foot rubber-powered kit prices seemed to be $3.50 to $5. This, plus the additional costs of supplies (tissue, glue, etc.), was prohibitive to most youngsters.
Getting into RC then was almost impossible for them, not so much for the kits' cost (which were generally $12 to $25), but rather the comparatively exorbitant costs of the radio equipment.
The editor of this magazine began pleading for industry and trade subsidization of these youngsters, even if it meant initially taking financial losses, since eventually these youngsters would become their best customers. (I wonder if this ever occurred.) Also, these kit prices, compared to today's, are just another reminder of the constant effect of inflation.
A secondary issue to the above was similar to one we keep hearing constantly, even today. "There just isn't anyone interested in helping these newcomers get started" was such an issue then that the editor seemed to get more strident about it. He bemoaned so many conditions that exist even today that it's a wonder the hobby or sport of model aircraft could possibly have survived the intervening 23 or so years! (Actually the hobby has survived, even prospered; but not that particular magazine!)
There were lots of other issues (call them complaints), such as "why does your magazine ignore free fighters?" and "why does your magazine ignore control liners?" and "why does your magazine ignore rubber-power modelers?" There was always some group that felt aggrieved and/or left out. But on the whole, these complaints were minor compared to the above two burning issues.
As I read back into this particular history of modeling, I had a few reactions of my own that I'd like to share.
First, I started modeling as a youngster myself in the mid-1930s. I built rubber-powered balsa and tissue-covered models and had a ball for a few years.
After an interlude for college, WWII, and starting a career and family—I got back into modeling in the late 1950s. This time, since I now had a ham license, I tried RC. I built my own radio equipment and several planes over the next five or six years. I even flew in some early Pattern contests, using a galloping ghost to compete even in the next higher class, multi-channel, and placed second or third more than once.
Again, other interests eventually took over and I dropped out until about five years ago, like Rip Van Winkle waking from a 25-year sleep. The radio equipment is ever so much better quality and now very reliable, plus based on the dollar's relative buying power, it is much cheaper than 25 years earlier. Of most importance, however, the sport is far better organized now. There is no trouble finding a group of established fliers to join and learn from now.
But in that exact regard, i.e., finding someone to help you, there are still two factors that existed 25 years and even further ago.
- Most organizations are formed to pool the assets of the group, rather than trying to do it individually, to provide us with facilities. Land must still be acquired, taxes paid; in some cases shelters provided, grass (or maybe paved) runways installed and tended—constant care is needed. So it usually does take an organization with contributions of money (dues?) and lots of time from each member. Thus, there is still and always has been good logical justification for these original members to expect newcomers to join in and contribute his or her share, if that newcomer is to expect free instruction and counseling.
Some newcomers we've had approach us over the past couple of years seem to be insulted when we suggest they join and contribute in order to receive our benefits. I personally don't care if that type promptly packs up and disappears. In fact, the more promptly, the better.
- Some of these would-be newcomers think that if they meet all the stated requirements, i.e., join AMA and the local club—then all they have to do is arrive on the field at some magic hour and appear to instruct them with their latest ARF that was sold them on the strength of what a particular dealer wanted to unload. They rarely bother to ask a club member in advance for advice on what to buy. Frequently this itself turns out as a disaster for the dedicated instructor. He's often forced to tell them that the beautiful job they plunked down hard cash for is totally inappropriate for them to learn on.
Finally, they often don't even try to fit their schedule into that of those from whom they wish instruction and assistance. They forget these people also usually have families and jobs, plus their own recreational desires too, and aren't there just to be on call and used.
So, nothing's changed—yet everything's changed. Human reactions and the impulse to blame the first thing that offends never change. Equipment is far and away better, and at relatively lower costs. Technology advances, competition increases to where the average modeler feels left behind—and, indeed, he often is.
So, he still bellyaches about this or that advanced activity. But he still benefits from the fallout generated by all these advances. I guess if I had one thing to bemoan, it's the ease with which people can buy their way into the hobby without at least savoring the thrill of building a plane either from scratch or a kit, and having it fly! That's got to be the frosting on the cake, and I regret so many are bypassing that thrill. They'll never know what they missed, either.
I don't know how many more years I'll be able to enjoy this hobby, but I cherish the memories of each period I've been in it. I'll probably stay with it this time until failing health puts it to a stop, and that's not immediately likely.
Thanks for the opportunity to reminisce.
Olin K. McDaniel Florence, South Carolina
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
