Back in the 1970s, my father purchased a toy for me that I have fond memories playing with both indoors and outdoors. It was a Stanzel Electromic Super Flash (see photo) – a simple, little, electronic airplane connected by a wire to a round, red handle that held two D-cell batteries. You flew it by pressing down the button on the handle, which started the propeller. Next, you’d spin yourself around in dizzying circles, smiling the entire time, until the batteries wore out. It was an absolute joy.
and absolutely the same smile I had on my face when I flew mine!
Until a few years ago, I was not aware that the Stanzel factory was located in my state of Texas, proudly making model aircraft in the USA since the 1930s. It’s located in Schulenburg, Texas where brothers Victor and Joe Stanzel grew up and ran their business. In 1999, right before Stanzel closed its doors in 2001, a museum was built to celebrate the company’s amazing creations throughout the years. A few years later, the museum added the original factory onto the property, moving the entire building from down the street. Today, the main museum, factory building, and original 1870s Stanzel family home are beautifully presented to share exquisite model aircraft, photographs, and the manufacturing history of all Stanzel products.
I will be writing a longer article in an upcoming issue of Model Aviation about my recent tour of the museum. Until then, if you are an aficionado of early model aircraft, especially Control Line, and a trip to Schulenburg, Texas, is within convenient reach I highly encourage you to visit and learn more about these amazing brothers.
-Lee Ray / AMA Social Media Manager and AMA Life Member
Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum
311 Baumgarten St, Schulenburg, TX 78956
Open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday / 10:30a – 4:30p
Closed: Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Links:
Stanzel Museum Website
AMA Hall of Fame / Victor & Jor Stanzel
Google Maps Link / Stanzel Museum