Q-50: I have heard of an organization devoted to old-time or antique models that is called the Society of Antique Modelers (or SAM). Can you tell me basically what it is all about and how I might join?
A-50: I was a member of SAM for many years and participated in many of
their local and regional contests ranging from Ohio to as far south as Louisiana
and Florida. The SAM organization is one of many AMA-authorized Special Interest
Groups (or SIGs) that represent the various factions in our hobby. There are
SIGs for electrics, Scale, FF, CL, jets, helicopters, and more.
The SAM organization coordinates all the contests and rules for flying model
aircraft that were either kitted or published before December 31, 1942. The
events are set up for RC assist, FF, towline glider, rubber power, electric
power, and more. The key point is that the models must be close to an exact
duplicate of the original design. Approved design lists for the various
categories are available from SAM which clearly show what is approved and what
is not!
Those interested in joining SAM and receiving regular society newsletters should
send $25 to the SAM Treasurer, Charlie Reich, Box 860236, St. Augustine FL
32086.
Although there are many kits available today which will allow you to construct
Old-Timer models, many SAM members still like to “roll their own.” Years ago, we
could purchase plans from the John Pond Old-Timer Plan Service. John passed way
several years ago. In the interest of perpetuating the SAM organization and
allowing modelers to continue to explore old time model aircraft designs, AMA
purchased the plans from the John Pond estate. This plan service is at the AMA
Headquarters in Muncie, Indiana. You will be able to purchase your favorite
Old-Timer plans from a selection of more than 14,000 drawings.