National Model Aviation Museum Collection Grows

Last year, the National Model Aviation Museum collection increased by 112 artifacts. Here’s a brief overview of five of them. • Avion Machine and Tool Co. marketed its Mercury .45 engine to RC fans in 1946 by focusing on its new “real” carburetor, which could regulate gas and air simultaneously—allowing full control over the speed. The advertisement states that although this was advantageous in RC, it could still be used in Free Flight. Paul E. Chapman Jr. donated this Mercury .45 in honor of his father, Paul E. Chapman Sr. • Tetherite Plastic Products, operated by Ray Randolph, sold a variety of injection-molded modeling supplies, including Krazy Legs landing gear. A collection of the most well-known Tetherite products was donated to the museum in Ray’s memory. • Steve Mills donated an O.S. Minitron Radio System in its original packaging. The system contains transmitter model TX-6SB and receiver model RS-6. An escapement was not provided. There’s some wear on the outer box, but the inner packaging and the equipment appear to be new. • Do you want to know how high your model has flown? You will need an altitude logger. Thanks to Gary Fogel for donating this modern, electric-powered Lomcovak’s Logger. • Rick Garofalo donated a Comet Sabre 44 and a Vega Flyin’ Fool ARF model in memory of his father, Vito Garofalo. Along with the aircraft are several prototype advertising models that Vito designed for various companies, as well as a master mold for propellers and a self-built saw to cut balsa wood. To learn more about all of the artifacts that were received in 2016—and those that have and will arrive in 2017—look for the new addition entries on the museum’s blog at http://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amamuseum. Are you interested in making a donation to the National Model Aviation Museum’s collection? If so, contact Maria at [email protected] to discuss the process. More information can be found at www.modelaircraft.org/museum/donations.aspx. The museum's wish list can be viewed at http://www.modelaircraft.org/museum/wishlist.aspx. —National Model Aviation Museum staff