Model Airplanes: How to Build and Fly Them by Elmer L. Allen, published in 1928 is a fantastic resource for those interested in 1920s model aviation scene. We’ve had a copy of this book in the library for years, but while the text & diagrams are still readable, unfortunately the spine […]
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New Addition: Cox Presents & 1988 SIG catalog
There’s more resources for people to access in the museum’s library and archives thanks to Lester Kinney. Lester donated the book Cox Hobbies Presents The Guinness Book of Air Facts and Feats, as well as a 1988 SIG catalog, “The Model Builder’s Wishbook.” If you squint, you’ll notice that “I” […]
Continue readingDon Burnham’s 1930 A-frame pusher
At the age of 14, Donald C. Burnham won the 1929 Junior Division, Outdoor competition, at the 1929 Nats in Detroit. He won a trophy, $200 cash, and a trip to Canada and Europe. Besides these perks, he also published his A-frame pusher design in Carl H. Claudy’s 1931 book […]
Continue readingWhen you build… tips from the past pt. 2
It is surprisingly difficult to get good building tips from the older model building manuals. Primarily because the models discussed in those sources are generally A-frame pushers, tractor monoplanes or non-flying scale models. Some basic wisdom survives the decades, though. Cutting Tools Elmer Allen in the 1928 book, Model Airplanes: […]
Continue readingSleuthing in the library
The case: Identify a book discussing building and flying model aeroplanes. The information and drawings in the book refer to tractor monoplanes and strip rubber, and doesn’t make any mention of balsa wood. Unfortunately, the cover and title pages are missing so other than obvious age, there is little information […]
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Inside the Cover
Museum staff has been having fun pulling books for the Special Collection. It is fun because we keep coming across interesting inscriptions written inside the books.
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Library Special Collections
If you’ve been to the Lee Renaud Library at the Museum before, the next time you visit it is going to look a bit bare. Recently, we’ve been going through the library collection and pulling books that were printed before 1945 from the public shelves. Although the books are valuable […]
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