Flying Models
 | |
| Editor | Thayer Syme |
|---|---|
| Categories | model aircraft |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Publisher | Carstens Publications |
| First issue | 1928 |
| Country | USA |
| Website | flying-models |
| ISSN | 0015-4849 |
Flying Models was a monthly magazine dedicated to model aviation published by Carstens Publications. It was the oldest continuously published magazine dedicated to model airplanes, having started as Flying Aces in October 1928. Flying Models was acquired by Carstens Publications in 1969, and ceased publication in 2014.
The Flying Aces Era
The magazine was launched as Flying Aces in October 1928[1] by Periodical House, Inc.[2] It was initially published in a 7x10” format, with more than 100 pages per issue, and sold for 15 cents per copy.[3] In November 1933, the magazine moved to the so-called "slick" format — an 8½x10" format printed on glossy paper[4] and began featuring full-sized plans for model airplanes in every issue. Issue size was reduced to 74 pages.[1] In addition to adventure stories, non-fiction aviation articles and aviation news were added, as were articles related to model airplanes. The magazine’s tagline became "Fiction, Model Building, Fact — Three Aviation Magazines in One."[5]
The Flying Models Era
During World War II the magazine had been subtitled 'Magazine of the Flying Age'. The content focused on the war effort, with little advertising and the name changed briefly to Flying Age late in the war. In later years, model airplane construction features started appearing more regularly and became more and more dominant, until finally, in 1947, the magazine was renamed Flying Models. It was sold to Carstens Publications in 1969 which continues to publish the title without the fiction content.[6]
Flying Models is set apart from its competition as it features in-depth model construction features and new product reviews, as well as catering to specific interests within the model airplane construction hobby, such as soaring, control line, and stunt flying. The magazine also reports on the latest technology related to radio control, ducted fan, and electric flight. Editors Fanelli and Wiggin are both active hobbyists themselves, having built and flown many models of their own over the years. In December 2011, Flying Models expanded its reach with the debut of digital editions for home computers, laptops, and select mobile digital devices.[7]
Current Staff
Flying Models is published monthly by Carstens Publications. Editor Frank Fanelli retired in 2014, and Thayer Syme took his place. Also on staff are associate editor Jim Wiggin, and production editor Maureen Frazer. [8]
Closure of Carstens Publications
After years of financial struggle, Carstens Publications president Henry Carstens announced the company's permanent closure on August 22, 2014. No announcement has been made about the future of Flying Models magazine.
Magazine monthly columns
Because there are many aspects to the model airplane hobby, Flying Models carries a number of specialty columns each month.
F/F Sport - This column is authored by Larry Kruse, and pertains to free-flight sport flying.
Electric Flight - Don Belfort reports on the latest in electric flight.
Vintage Views - Looking back at the history of the hobby with Bob Noll
R/C Acrobatics - In this column, Dave Lockhart explores the world of radio controlled acrobatic flight.
Fan Facts - Greg Moore reports on the emerging world of ducted-fan model airplanes.
C/L Combat - Geared towards those interested in combat flight using control line models, by Phil Cartier.
C/L Stunt - Allen Brickhaus and Dennis Admaisin author this column for those interested in stunt flight using control line models.
Small Talk - This column is authored by Pat Tritle.
References
- ^ a b Aircraft Magazines Guide
- ^ Dinan, p.85
- ^ Carr, p.168
- ^ Schreiner, p. 130
- ^ cover of the January 1937 issue of FLYING ACES magazine.
- ^ Marshall, p. 147
- ^ http://flying-models.com/digital/
- ^ http://www.flying-models.com/staff/