| Starting in the dawn of recorded history and | | | | and lavish prizes offered, concentration was directed |
| continuing to this present day, man has patterned his | | | | towards the flying ability rather than to the |
| construction pastimes and artistic ability basically on | | | | appearance of the model until, eventually, miniature |
| the precise image of objects and persons known to | | | | aircraft began to lose all resemblance to full scale |
| him. The primitive cave man scratched crude | | | | airplanes. This transition was caused by designing the |
| drawings on the walls of his house, using as subjects | | | | models solely for such specific predetermined |
| his family, his enemies or the wild beasts he | | | | performance in contest events as endurance, speed, |
| encountered. | | | | and stunting ability. |
| Centuries later, the ancient Egyptian hobbyist may | | | | Obviously, models in each of these classes require |
| have carved small models of the Nile barges and | | | | special features to enable them to attain maximum |
| galleys to sail in small puddles which, in his imagination, | | | | efficiency in that group. This frantic search for |
| were beautiful lakes. Still later, the Roman probably | | | | special-feature model designs clouded any thought of |
| relaxed by constructing working models of such war | | | | adapting replica aircraft to specific purposes. Even |
| machines as catapults and battering rams. Today, as | | | | sporting models, which are intended only for normal |
| for a century, New England fishermen pride | | | | flying enjoyment, were specially designed for no |
| themselves on their fine ship models of renowned | | | | other reason than force of habit! |
| historic craft which have sailed the seas to fortune | | | | Much attention has now been directed toward |
| and adventure. Both operating and exhibition models | | | | groups of scale-model enthusiasts who have taken |
| Old Ironsides and many other famous ships have | | | | the time to search out and evaluate full-scale aircraft |
| been built. | | | | designs in order to select airplanes which would |
| In this age of aviation, hobbyists are turning to the | | | | become outstanding performers in model form. |
| air for enjoyment during their leisure hours by building | | | | Replica aircraft that attain well over one hundred |
| and flying model aircraft in ever increasing numbers. | | | | miles per hour, some that stunt as well as the |
| Here again, the basic impulse is to construct a | | | | specially designed contest performer, and others that |
| miniature version of a famous historic or modern | | | | possess the stability of free-flying endurance craft |
| airplane, whether it be a fighter, transport, or even a | | | | have been built and flown. These are increasing in |
| private plane visible at any local airport. | | | | popularity daily because of their fine, realistic |
| The early days of this educational entertainment saw | | | | appearance coupled with high performance ability. |
| the hobbyist satisfying his initial desire by constructing | | | | Model building, as a hobby, contains the power to |
| replicas of existing or pioneering airplanes. The | | | | decrease juvenile delinquency, possesses |
| enjoyment of constructing and flying these craft was | | | | psychological therapeutic benefits, and assists in |
| supplemented with the romance of the exploits, | | | | technical vocational preparation. Despite these assets, |
| records, and development of the prototype airplane. | | | | model airplanes are built with one objective in mind. |
| Nothing can give the builder more pride than to point | | | | The end result is clean, wholesome enjoyment for |
| out to admiring friends the history and achievements | | | | millions of men and boys, as well as girls and women. |
| of the subject of his handiwork. | | | | Why don't you try your hand at this wonderful |
| With the advent of flying-model airplane contests, | | | | pastime? |