John A. Cianciolo didn’t start building this RC Berkeley Bootstraps, but he did finish building it. That’s because he received it as a partially-completed kit from a guy who lived near the old Kansas City flying field.
John had every reason to thank the gentleman for the gift, because John, and later his family, particularly son Jim, first enjoyed flying the model (up to about 1966) and then enjoyed sharing the memories surrounding it.
And now the museum has every reason to thank John A. Cianciolo for donating it to the museum’s collection.
Along with the model, John donated the original and complete 1950s RC system he used to fly it.
Thanks, John, for helping to grow the museum’s collection!
Very Nice, that ol’Bootstrap! Maybe a short item in “Model Aviation” could show some of the last 30 years fellows what they have been missing. HA!
I helped my dad, John Cianciolo deliver the Bootstraps to the museum this week. Maria VanVreede was so nice and professional that donating the model was a pleasure. We sure will miss her.
Thanks, Jim. It was truly a pleasure meeting with you & your family. And, there’s no need to miss me – drop me an email every now and then! ~ Maria