Q-89: I’m beginning to realize that more and more magazines, the AMA, and even private individuals are making available archives of previously published model aircraft articles, plans, three-views, photos, etc. Searching for this type of data can present problems at times, depending how the search program is organized. Keeping all of this in mind, could you recommend a good starting point for me as I attempt to look up model aircraft designs of yesterday?
A-89: AMA has established a digital archives of articles published in
MA from 1975 until 2000. (A notice concerning this service was published
in the June 2004 issue on page 36.)
In the Vintage Radio Control Society newsletter I noticed a reference to a
private archives service run by Tom Wilk of Duluth, Minnesota. He offers a
series of CDs that contain all kinds of historical model-aircraft data. He
currently has a series of 16 CDs, and that number is constantly growing.
You can obtain a complete listing of what Tom has available by sending an E-mail
to him at tawilk36@cpinternet.com. His mailing address is 301 W. Redwing St.,
Duluth MN 55803. His telephone number is (218) 724-0928. Each CDs costs $10
including postage in the US. Canadian and international orders can be filled at
a slightly higher cost.
I was curious, so purchased three CDs: “SAM Legal Antique & Old Timer F/F Gas”
(#9), “SAM Legal Nostalgia F/F Gas” (#10), and “Early Sport R/C” (#16).
I was surprised when I opened the first selection. Each CD has an index
identifying every article on that particular disc. Each model is contained in a
folder that includes a photocopy of the original article, including all of the
photos, and a reduced-size set of plans.
It was easy to print copies of any article on my personal-computer printer. The
plans are in the usual 8 x 10-inch format. They can be taken to a photo
facility, such as Kinko's, enlarged, and printed to your specific needs.
I got enthused as I went into each CD. I can’t wait to purchase more discs for
other interesting categories of model aviation. If you decide to obtain some,
please write in and let me hear your comments.