August 2003 83
AFTER 54 YEARS as a model-airplane builder (I started when I
was 6) and 33 years as a practicing attorney, it has finally happened:
my beloved hobby and my professional career have been combined.
I am being called upon to advise fellow modelers and, in some
instances, their widows, families, and friends, what to do with
collections of model kits, magazines, books, and materials. It is a
sad fact of life that we all have an expiration date; when we go, our
“stuff” will remain. What will become of it?
For some, this is a problem to be denied. Like the proverbial
ostriches, they bury their heads in the sand and leave it for others to
resolve. Those who do this probably intend no malice, but the
survivors who have to try to cope may experience great frustration.
I recently heard of a modeler in Central Ohio who died. After a
respectful time, the deceased’s modeling buddies asked his widow
how she was doing and if she needed help with his collection. The
widow snapped that she was doing fine and that she didn’t need any
help with her late husband’s modeling stuff. She had burned it all!
She complained that the bottles of paint in some of the old kits had
been a problem—they tended to explode in the fire—but everything
had finally been consumed.
I gasped when I heard this story. Not only had a fine collection
been destroyed, but the widow had unwittingly lost thousands of
dollars in the process. Ignorance is expensive. There are more
constructive approaches to disposing of a modeler’s collection.
A polar opposite of the preceding story came to me out of a chance
meeting with a modeler’s widow in the spring of 2001. I was attending
an Outdoor contest sponsored by the Cleveland Free Flight Society at
Lorain Community College. We had been holding contests there for
more than 20 years, but on this occasion a “first” happened.
A lady drove up in a small van and set out a considerable display
of books, magazines, prints, model kits, engines, and a variety of
hobby supplies. All of us had gone to swap shops and we all had our
favorite hobby shops, but this was the first time a vendor had come
to one of our contests.
The lady introduced herself as “Dottie” and said that she had
been widowed roughly two years earlier. She and her husband had
been married for 36 years. Both of them had hobby interests, and his
included making jewelry, photography, and model airplanes. He had
left his collections for her to deal with.
I chatted briefly with Dottie at the contest and found her
delightfully insightful about her experience as a modeler’s widow.
Time did not permit us to visit for very long, but it was clear that
Dottie had much to say and that she was willing to share her
thoughts at greater length. We exchanged names and telephone
numbers. A couple of weeks later I paid Dottie a visit at her home
with a tape recorder, and I spent several hours listening to her story.
During their long marriage, Dottie’s husband had been employed
as a draftsman and she worked as a nurse. They had no children,
and, perhaps because of this, she had continued her education. She
had a master’s degree and was a nurse practitioner. She had served
on the faculty of a local college of medicine and was most articulate.
She spoke candidly of her marriage; her husband had not only
been the love of her life, but also her buddy and her universe. He
had a long, tragic illness which resulted in dialysis and the loss of
his legs. She had also been ill and had undergone open-heart
surgery. Later she suffered a stroke which left her mind clear but her
speech slightly impaired.
After her husband died, it was approximately six months before
Dottie could even look at what he had left behind. He had been a
■ Dennis O. Norman
It’s up to us to see that modeling treasures we collect in a lifetime are properly dispersed when the time comes.
08sig3.QXD 5.23.03 1:28 pm Page 83
meticulous man and had amassed a considerable collection. Model
kits, books, magazines, tools, and materials filled his hobby room
and the family garage.
Dottie had been supportive of her husband’s hobbies, but, as do
most modelers’ wives, she had paid little attention to the details. She
knew that he spent hours building his models and that he flew them
and crashed them and spent more hours making repairs.
She was astounded by the number of items that he had
accumulated. She had no use for them, but out of love and respect
for her husband’s memory, she felt an obligation to see that they
reached others who would appreciate them.
To understand what her husband had, Dottie called upon
experienced modelers for insight. She began by asking her
husband’s friends, and they put her in touch with experts. One was
an expert on model engines. She was disappointed when the expert
offered simply to buy the entire collection. That might have been a
good option for some, but Dottie wanted to understand what she had
and to dispose of it carefully herself.
She began looking at old modeling magazines to get an idea of
the original value of items in the collection. Of course the prices
were outdated, and she found it necessary to consult others on
current value. She also started attending swap shops where she
could see what others were asking for similar items.
Dottie considered placing ads in newspapers and magazines, but
decided against it because she lived alone and was uncomfortable
with the thought of strangers coming to her home. It was timeconsuming,
but she took on the challenge and educated herself on
the value of much of her husband’s collection.
Dottie was also faced with a “tremendous amount of small stuff”
in her husband’s collection. She separated it into groups and placed
the items in small clear-plastic bags which she then attached to peg
boards, making it easier for her and for prospective buyers to see
what was available.
By the time I met Dottie, she had spent roughly a year working
with her husband’s collection and had become very knowledgeable
about it. She decided to sell the collection and was willing to take
less than “top dollar” for it; she felt that by offering it at a
significant reduction, she could still realize a substantial part of its
value without having to keep it indefinitely. She found it best to
cover or remove old prices to avoid confusing with new prices. She
even bought a few model-related items from others which she then
sold at a profit.
Dottie was surprised to learn that men shop differently from
women. In her experience she had found that women tend to look at
things, discuss them, then walk away to consider whether or not to
make the purchase. If they decide they want an item, they return and
purchase it.
However, men are much more direct. If they want an item, they
ask the price. They might haggle to try to get it reduced, but they
purchase the item immediately or walk away, usually not to return.
Dottie also learned that many of the swap shops she attended did
not pay strict attention to their hours. A show might have been
advertised as being from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and exhibitors were asked
to set up starting at 7:30 a.m. Many times the exhibitors themselves
would begin shopping before the show opened.
She found this disconcerting because she had to deal with
potential customers at the same time she was trying to set up the
display of what she had. She learned to work with it, but it was
cumbersome.
Dottie looked into having professional appraisers evaluate her
husband’s collection and, again, learned some lessons. First, get
references before dealing with any appraiser. Second, be prepared to
compensate the appraiser for time spent. Expect to pay
approximately 20% in commission for items sold with an
appraiser’s help. Third, try to get as much knowledge of the value of
things on your own as you can before consulting an appraiser.
Before starting to sell her husband’s collection, Dottie invited
each of his closest modeling friends to take an item or two as
mementos. She also found it comforting to select some items for
herself as keepsakes.
I could write more about Dottie, but I hope this has given you
some insight. She is an exceptional person and has gone well
84 MODEL AVIATION
beyond what most modelers’ widows may be able or willing to do.
I am becoming increasingly involved in working with modelers or
their families in planning for the future of their collections. In doing
so I ask if the modeler has a will, which specifically provides for
modeling-related dispositions. A will, of course, expresses one’s
wishes for what is to be done with one’s property and obligations
related to it.
If the modeler is alive and does not have a will, I advise that
person to consult a lawyer who is familiar with probate matters and
estate planning. The modeler may want to bequeath certain items to
friends. The modeler may want to donate certain items to a club,
AMA, or other organizations. The modeler may want the collection
sold. Hopefully the recipients of these items will be appreciative and
will, in turn, eventually pass them on in good condition.
It is customary for a person to name an executor or someone to
serve as his or her personal representative in matters regarding his or
her estate. When it is a modeler with a large collection, I
recommend that a trusted modeling friend or club be designated to
serve as a special executor for modeling purposes.
The special executor should be empowered to deal specifically
with all model-related property. The modeler should spell out the
terms of a special executor’s authority, including discretionary
powers, compensation, etc. The modeler should specify whether the
special executor is to serve with or without bond. The modeler
should also specify one or more alternate special executors in case
the modeler’s first choice is unable or unwilling to serve.
When I work with modelers who want to sell their collections, I
usually begin by having them take careful inventory. I recommend
that kits, plans, magazines, books, videos, engines, tools, materials,
etc. be divided into respective categories and organized (usually
alphabetically) to simplify identification and retrieval.
This simple chart (see text) shows you at a glance what
magazines you have and if there are duplicates.
08sig3.QXD 5.23.03 1:29 pm Page 84
Have you seen some of the park flyers on the market? Looks like some sticks
collided with plastic wrap. Just because you want to fly electric doesn’t mean you
have to sacrifice good looks and performance.
Check out these contest winners. From the diminutive BeBe Jordel to the
unique Sky Arrow, each Hacker Models ARF airplane is meticulously developed
from full size aircraft designs that catch the eye, and the heart, like no other.
Assembly time is kept to a minimum with beautifully handcrafted parts
covered with premium covering material by old world European craftsmen.
Planes like the Sky Arrow and Lucky Boy feature a beautiful lightweight fiberglass
fuselage capturing all the graceful lines of its full size counterpart without you
having you to do the work. A complete hardware package and diagrammed
assembly instructions help get you to the back yard fast.
And with Hacker, beauty is more than skin deep. If you think these planes
look great, you should see them fly. Performance not usually thought of for
planes of this size. Hacker sets the bar.
Drop by your local hobby retailer and see the full line of Hacker Model
airplanes. Cosmetics not required.
Hacker Model Production is exclusively distributed by
SIG Manufacturing Company, Inc. • P.O. Box 520 • Montezuma, Iowa 50171-0520
Helio Courier ARF
Item #HCK1201
Wing Span: 35.75 inches
For Speed 600 motors
Henri Mignet ARF
Item #HCK1213
Wing Span: 37 inches
For Speed 280 motors
Sky Arrow ARF
Item #HCK1210
Wing Span: 41.75 inches
For Speed 400 motors
Lucky Boy ARF
Item #HCK1251
Wing Span: 41.75 inches
For Speed 280 motors
Bolkow Jr. ARF
Item #HCK1250
Wing Span: 41.75 inches
For Speed 600 motors
BeBe Jodel ARF
Item #HCK1209
Wing Span: 31.5 inches
For Speed 280 motors
Small Airplanes Don’t Have To Be Ugly
Web Site: www.sigmfg.com Phone: (641)623-5154
Organizations such as MECA (the Model
Engine Collectors Association), 3706 N. 33rd
St., Galesburg MI 49053; KAPA (Kits and
Plans Antiquitous), 1788 Niobe Ave.,
Anaheim CA 92804; and SAM (the Society
of Antique Modelers), 203 N. Brockfield Dr.,
Sun City Center FL 33573, are dedicated to
the preservation of model-aviation relics and
can be of great help in giving you a realistic
idea of modeling-related items’ values.
These groups have large memberships
which may provide you with answers to
many of your questions. They may also be
an excellent source of buyers for what you
want to sell. As Dottie did, you may even
find items in their newsletters’ want ads that
you want to purchase.
When making an inventory of your
collection, it is helpful to begin by sorting
items into groups (magazines, kits, etc.).
Having done this, I deal with each group
separately. Old magazines are often found in
modelers’ collections. These should be
grouped by title, then chronologically
arranged by individual issues.
Magazines may be cataloged using a
simple chart. The typical chart that I use is
included for your consideration. I typically
photocopy it onto 81⁄2 x 11-inch bond paper.
The years are listed vertically at the left
margin of the chart. The horizontal spaces
are divided equally into 12 sections—one
for each month.
When I catalog the issues, I make a dot
for each issue in the corresponding space for
each month of the year being inventoried. If
there are multiple copies, I make additional
dots in the box designated for them. This
tells you at a glance how many copies of
each issue are in the collection.
If the magazines are to be sold, I place
them in small, sturdy cardboard storage
boxes lined with heavy plastic bags
(ironically, trash bags do nicely). Once a
box is filled with magazines, I put a copy of
the inventory for the magazines in the box
with them. Having done so, I seal the plastic
bag for moisture protection, then I seal the
box with packing tape. Last, I put a copy of
the inventory of the box’s contents on the
outside of the box for ready reference.
Books should be grouped by period (pre-
World War I, World War II, etc.) and/or by
topic (racing airplanes, civilian types, etc.),
then inventoried by arranging them
alphabetically by author (last name first).
For each book you should also take note of
the title, number of pages, publisher’s name,
year of publication, original price, type, and
condition of the binding.
You may be able to get an idea of present
value by consulting one of the online booklisting
services. For specific examples of my
inventory methods, check my Web site at
www.airacemodels.com.
Group kits by manufacturer’s name, then
list them by kit number or alphabetically by
kit name. Other pertinent facts to note are
scale, span, box type, and condition.
Collectors are usually concerned about kit
completeness and box condition. If any parts
are missing or the box is damaged, it may
seriously devalue the kit, but these things
must be told if you are to avoid
misunderstandings with potential buyers.
Swap shops and shows such as the
Toledo expo are possible places to sell
merchandise, but most serious buying and
selling today is done on the Internet. Web
sites such as eBay open the door to a large
international market where lucrative offers
may be found. Using services such as
PayPal, the sales are secured and
streamlined by reducing transaction time.
However, problems may still arise if the
merchandise is not as advertised or if it is
damaged. You might have your first sales
professionally wrapped to see how it is
done. Once enlightened, you can ship orders
yourself to save handling costs.
You will greatly help those concerned with
your modeling estate if you take the time to
organize and identify your collection as
much as you can. Do this, if possible, while
you are still in good health. Indicate what
you believe is the reasonable value of as
many items as possible in your modeling
collection. This will help guide your heirs
and may prevent costly mistakes.
You can, of course, sell or make gifts
during your lifetime. By planning carefully,
you can preserve your modeling treasures
for the benefit and enjoyment of future
generations. MA
Dennis O. Norman
11216 Lake Ave.
Cleveland OH 44102
08sig3.QXD 5.23.03 1:29 pm Page 86
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/08
Page Numbers: 83,84,86
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/08
Page Numbers: 83,84,86
August 2003 83
AFTER 54 YEARS as a model-airplane builder (I started when I
was 6) and 33 years as a practicing attorney, it has finally happened:
my beloved hobby and my professional career have been combined.
I am being called upon to advise fellow modelers and, in some
instances, their widows, families, and friends, what to do with
collections of model kits, magazines, books, and materials. It is a
sad fact of life that we all have an expiration date; when we go, our
“stuff” will remain. What will become of it?
For some, this is a problem to be denied. Like the proverbial
ostriches, they bury their heads in the sand and leave it for others to
resolve. Those who do this probably intend no malice, but the
survivors who have to try to cope may experience great frustration.
I recently heard of a modeler in Central Ohio who died. After a
respectful time, the deceased’s modeling buddies asked his widow
how she was doing and if she needed help with his collection. The
widow snapped that she was doing fine and that she didn’t need any
help with her late husband’s modeling stuff. She had burned it all!
She complained that the bottles of paint in some of the old kits had
been a problem—they tended to explode in the fire—but everything
had finally been consumed.
I gasped when I heard this story. Not only had a fine collection
been destroyed, but the widow had unwittingly lost thousands of
dollars in the process. Ignorance is expensive. There are more
constructive approaches to disposing of a modeler’s collection.
A polar opposite of the preceding story came to me out of a chance
meeting with a modeler’s widow in the spring of 2001. I was attending
an Outdoor contest sponsored by the Cleveland Free Flight Society at
Lorain Community College. We had been holding contests there for
more than 20 years, but on this occasion a “first” happened.
A lady drove up in a small van and set out a considerable display
of books, magazines, prints, model kits, engines, and a variety of
hobby supplies. All of us had gone to swap shops and we all had our
favorite hobby shops, but this was the first time a vendor had come
to one of our contests.
The lady introduced herself as “Dottie” and said that she had
been widowed roughly two years earlier. She and her husband had
been married for 36 years. Both of them had hobby interests, and his
included making jewelry, photography, and model airplanes. He had
left his collections for her to deal with.
I chatted briefly with Dottie at the contest and found her
delightfully insightful about her experience as a modeler’s widow.
Time did not permit us to visit for very long, but it was clear that
Dottie had much to say and that she was willing to share her
thoughts at greater length. We exchanged names and telephone
numbers. A couple of weeks later I paid Dottie a visit at her home
with a tape recorder, and I spent several hours listening to her story.
During their long marriage, Dottie’s husband had been employed
as a draftsman and she worked as a nurse. They had no children,
and, perhaps because of this, she had continued her education. She
had a master’s degree and was a nurse practitioner. She had served
on the faculty of a local college of medicine and was most articulate.
She spoke candidly of her marriage; her husband had not only
been the love of her life, but also her buddy and her universe. He
had a long, tragic illness which resulted in dialysis and the loss of
his legs. She had also been ill and had undergone open-heart
surgery. Later she suffered a stroke which left her mind clear but her
speech slightly impaired.
After her husband died, it was approximately six months before
Dottie could even look at what he had left behind. He had been a
■ Dennis O. Norman
It’s up to us to see that modeling treasures we collect in a lifetime are properly dispersed when the time comes.
08sig3.QXD 5.23.03 1:28 pm Page 83
meticulous man and had amassed a considerable collection. Model
kits, books, magazines, tools, and materials filled his hobby room
and the family garage.
Dottie had been supportive of her husband’s hobbies, but, as do
most modelers’ wives, she had paid little attention to the details. She
knew that he spent hours building his models and that he flew them
and crashed them and spent more hours making repairs.
She was astounded by the number of items that he had
accumulated. She had no use for them, but out of love and respect
for her husband’s memory, she felt an obligation to see that they
reached others who would appreciate them.
To understand what her husband had, Dottie called upon
experienced modelers for insight. She began by asking her
husband’s friends, and they put her in touch with experts. One was
an expert on model engines. She was disappointed when the expert
offered simply to buy the entire collection. That might have been a
good option for some, but Dottie wanted to understand what she had
and to dispose of it carefully herself.
She began looking at old modeling magazines to get an idea of
the original value of items in the collection. Of course the prices
were outdated, and she found it necessary to consult others on
current value. She also started attending swap shops where she
could see what others were asking for similar items.
Dottie considered placing ads in newspapers and magazines, but
decided against it because she lived alone and was uncomfortable
with the thought of strangers coming to her home. It was timeconsuming,
but she took on the challenge and educated herself on
the value of much of her husband’s collection.
Dottie was also faced with a “tremendous amount of small stuff”
in her husband’s collection. She separated it into groups and placed
the items in small clear-plastic bags which she then attached to peg
boards, making it easier for her and for prospective buyers to see
what was available.
By the time I met Dottie, she had spent roughly a year working
with her husband’s collection and had become very knowledgeable
about it. She decided to sell the collection and was willing to take
less than “top dollar” for it; she felt that by offering it at a
significant reduction, she could still realize a substantial part of its
value without having to keep it indefinitely. She found it best to
cover or remove old prices to avoid confusing with new prices. She
even bought a few model-related items from others which she then
sold at a profit.
Dottie was surprised to learn that men shop differently from
women. In her experience she had found that women tend to look at
things, discuss them, then walk away to consider whether or not to
make the purchase. If they decide they want an item, they return and
purchase it.
However, men are much more direct. If they want an item, they
ask the price. They might haggle to try to get it reduced, but they
purchase the item immediately or walk away, usually not to return.
Dottie also learned that many of the swap shops she attended did
not pay strict attention to their hours. A show might have been
advertised as being from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and exhibitors were asked
to set up starting at 7:30 a.m. Many times the exhibitors themselves
would begin shopping before the show opened.
She found this disconcerting because she had to deal with
potential customers at the same time she was trying to set up the
display of what she had. She learned to work with it, but it was
cumbersome.
Dottie looked into having professional appraisers evaluate her
husband’s collection and, again, learned some lessons. First, get
references before dealing with any appraiser. Second, be prepared to
compensate the appraiser for time spent. Expect to pay
approximately 20% in commission for items sold with an
appraiser’s help. Third, try to get as much knowledge of the value of
things on your own as you can before consulting an appraiser.
Before starting to sell her husband’s collection, Dottie invited
each of his closest modeling friends to take an item or two as
mementos. She also found it comforting to select some items for
herself as keepsakes.
I could write more about Dottie, but I hope this has given you
some insight. She is an exceptional person and has gone well
84 MODEL AVIATION
beyond what most modelers’ widows may be able or willing to do.
I am becoming increasingly involved in working with modelers or
their families in planning for the future of their collections. In doing
so I ask if the modeler has a will, which specifically provides for
modeling-related dispositions. A will, of course, expresses one’s
wishes for what is to be done with one’s property and obligations
related to it.
If the modeler is alive and does not have a will, I advise that
person to consult a lawyer who is familiar with probate matters and
estate planning. The modeler may want to bequeath certain items to
friends. The modeler may want to donate certain items to a club,
AMA, or other organizations. The modeler may want the collection
sold. Hopefully the recipients of these items will be appreciative and
will, in turn, eventually pass them on in good condition.
It is customary for a person to name an executor or someone to
serve as his or her personal representative in matters regarding his or
her estate. When it is a modeler with a large collection, I
recommend that a trusted modeling friend or club be designated to
serve as a special executor for modeling purposes.
The special executor should be empowered to deal specifically
with all model-related property. The modeler should spell out the
terms of a special executor’s authority, including discretionary
powers, compensation, etc. The modeler should specify whether the
special executor is to serve with or without bond. The modeler
should also specify one or more alternate special executors in case
the modeler’s first choice is unable or unwilling to serve.
When I work with modelers who want to sell their collections, I
usually begin by having them take careful inventory. I recommend
that kits, plans, magazines, books, videos, engines, tools, materials,
etc. be divided into respective categories and organized (usually
alphabetically) to simplify identification and retrieval.
This simple chart (see text) shows you at a glance what
magazines you have and if there are duplicates.
08sig3.QXD 5.23.03 1:29 pm Page 84
Have you seen some of the park flyers on the market? Looks like some sticks
collided with plastic wrap. Just because you want to fly electric doesn’t mean you
have to sacrifice good looks and performance.
Check out these contest winners. From the diminutive BeBe Jordel to the
unique Sky Arrow, each Hacker Models ARF airplane is meticulously developed
from full size aircraft designs that catch the eye, and the heart, like no other.
Assembly time is kept to a minimum with beautifully handcrafted parts
covered with premium covering material by old world European craftsmen.
Planes like the Sky Arrow and Lucky Boy feature a beautiful lightweight fiberglass
fuselage capturing all the graceful lines of its full size counterpart without you
having you to do the work. A complete hardware package and diagrammed
assembly instructions help get you to the back yard fast.
And with Hacker, beauty is more than skin deep. If you think these planes
look great, you should see them fly. Performance not usually thought of for
planes of this size. Hacker sets the bar.
Drop by your local hobby retailer and see the full line of Hacker Model
airplanes. Cosmetics not required.
Hacker Model Production is exclusively distributed by
SIG Manufacturing Company, Inc. • P.O. Box 520 • Montezuma, Iowa 50171-0520
Helio Courier ARF
Item #HCK1201
Wing Span: 35.75 inches
For Speed 600 motors
Henri Mignet ARF
Item #HCK1213
Wing Span: 37 inches
For Speed 280 motors
Sky Arrow ARF
Item #HCK1210
Wing Span: 41.75 inches
For Speed 400 motors
Lucky Boy ARF
Item #HCK1251
Wing Span: 41.75 inches
For Speed 280 motors
Bolkow Jr. ARF
Item #HCK1250
Wing Span: 41.75 inches
For Speed 600 motors
BeBe Jodel ARF
Item #HCK1209
Wing Span: 31.5 inches
For Speed 280 motors
Small Airplanes Don’t Have To Be Ugly
Web Site: www.sigmfg.com Phone: (641)623-5154
Organizations such as MECA (the Model
Engine Collectors Association), 3706 N. 33rd
St., Galesburg MI 49053; KAPA (Kits and
Plans Antiquitous), 1788 Niobe Ave.,
Anaheim CA 92804; and SAM (the Society
of Antique Modelers), 203 N. Brockfield Dr.,
Sun City Center FL 33573, are dedicated to
the preservation of model-aviation relics and
can be of great help in giving you a realistic
idea of modeling-related items’ values.
These groups have large memberships
which may provide you with answers to
many of your questions. They may also be
an excellent source of buyers for what you
want to sell. As Dottie did, you may even
find items in their newsletters’ want ads that
you want to purchase.
When making an inventory of your
collection, it is helpful to begin by sorting
items into groups (magazines, kits, etc.).
Having done this, I deal with each group
separately. Old magazines are often found in
modelers’ collections. These should be
grouped by title, then chronologically
arranged by individual issues.
Magazines may be cataloged using a
simple chart. The typical chart that I use is
included for your consideration. I typically
photocopy it onto 81⁄2 x 11-inch bond paper.
The years are listed vertically at the left
margin of the chart. The horizontal spaces
are divided equally into 12 sections—one
for each month.
When I catalog the issues, I make a dot
for each issue in the corresponding space for
each month of the year being inventoried. If
there are multiple copies, I make additional
dots in the box designated for them. This
tells you at a glance how many copies of
each issue are in the collection.
If the magazines are to be sold, I place
them in small, sturdy cardboard storage
boxes lined with heavy plastic bags
(ironically, trash bags do nicely). Once a
box is filled with magazines, I put a copy of
the inventory for the magazines in the box
with them. Having done so, I seal the plastic
bag for moisture protection, then I seal the
box with packing tape. Last, I put a copy of
the inventory of the box’s contents on the
outside of the box for ready reference.
Books should be grouped by period (pre-
World War I, World War II, etc.) and/or by
topic (racing airplanes, civilian types, etc.),
then inventoried by arranging them
alphabetically by author (last name first).
For each book you should also take note of
the title, number of pages, publisher’s name,
year of publication, original price, type, and
condition of the binding.
You may be able to get an idea of present
value by consulting one of the online booklisting
services. For specific examples of my
inventory methods, check my Web site at
www.airacemodels.com.
Group kits by manufacturer’s name, then
list them by kit number or alphabetically by
kit name. Other pertinent facts to note are
scale, span, box type, and condition.
Collectors are usually concerned about kit
completeness and box condition. If any parts
are missing or the box is damaged, it may
seriously devalue the kit, but these things
must be told if you are to avoid
misunderstandings with potential buyers.
Swap shops and shows such as the
Toledo expo are possible places to sell
merchandise, but most serious buying and
selling today is done on the Internet. Web
sites such as eBay open the door to a large
international market where lucrative offers
may be found. Using services such as
PayPal, the sales are secured and
streamlined by reducing transaction time.
However, problems may still arise if the
merchandise is not as advertised or if it is
damaged. You might have your first sales
professionally wrapped to see how it is
done. Once enlightened, you can ship orders
yourself to save handling costs.
You will greatly help those concerned with
your modeling estate if you take the time to
organize and identify your collection as
much as you can. Do this, if possible, while
you are still in good health. Indicate what
you believe is the reasonable value of as
many items as possible in your modeling
collection. This will help guide your heirs
and may prevent costly mistakes.
You can, of course, sell or make gifts
during your lifetime. By planning carefully,
you can preserve your modeling treasures
for the benefit and enjoyment of future
generations. MA
Dennis O. Norman
11216 Lake Ave.
Cleveland OH 44102
08sig3.QXD 5.23.03 1:29 pm Page 86
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/08
Page Numbers: 83,84,86
August 2003 83
AFTER 54 YEARS as a model-airplane builder (I started when I
was 6) and 33 years as a practicing attorney, it has finally happened:
my beloved hobby and my professional career have been combined.
I am being called upon to advise fellow modelers and, in some
instances, their widows, families, and friends, what to do with
collections of model kits, magazines, books, and materials. It is a
sad fact of life that we all have an expiration date; when we go, our
“stuff” will remain. What will become of it?
For some, this is a problem to be denied. Like the proverbial
ostriches, they bury their heads in the sand and leave it for others to
resolve. Those who do this probably intend no malice, but the
survivors who have to try to cope may experience great frustration.
I recently heard of a modeler in Central Ohio who died. After a
respectful time, the deceased’s modeling buddies asked his widow
how she was doing and if she needed help with his collection. The
widow snapped that she was doing fine and that she didn’t need any
help with her late husband’s modeling stuff. She had burned it all!
She complained that the bottles of paint in some of the old kits had
been a problem—they tended to explode in the fire—but everything
had finally been consumed.
I gasped when I heard this story. Not only had a fine collection
been destroyed, but the widow had unwittingly lost thousands of
dollars in the process. Ignorance is expensive. There are more
constructive approaches to disposing of a modeler’s collection.
A polar opposite of the preceding story came to me out of a chance
meeting with a modeler’s widow in the spring of 2001. I was attending
an Outdoor contest sponsored by the Cleveland Free Flight Society at
Lorain Community College. We had been holding contests there for
more than 20 years, but on this occasion a “first” happened.
A lady drove up in a small van and set out a considerable display
of books, magazines, prints, model kits, engines, and a variety of
hobby supplies. All of us had gone to swap shops and we all had our
favorite hobby shops, but this was the first time a vendor had come
to one of our contests.
The lady introduced herself as “Dottie” and said that she had
been widowed roughly two years earlier. She and her husband had
been married for 36 years. Both of them had hobby interests, and his
included making jewelry, photography, and model airplanes. He had
left his collections for her to deal with.
I chatted briefly with Dottie at the contest and found her
delightfully insightful about her experience as a modeler’s widow.
Time did not permit us to visit for very long, but it was clear that
Dottie had much to say and that she was willing to share her
thoughts at greater length. We exchanged names and telephone
numbers. A couple of weeks later I paid Dottie a visit at her home
with a tape recorder, and I spent several hours listening to her story.
During their long marriage, Dottie’s husband had been employed
as a draftsman and she worked as a nurse. They had no children,
and, perhaps because of this, she had continued her education. She
had a master’s degree and was a nurse practitioner. She had served
on the faculty of a local college of medicine and was most articulate.
She spoke candidly of her marriage; her husband had not only
been the love of her life, but also her buddy and her universe. He
had a long, tragic illness which resulted in dialysis and the loss of
his legs. She had also been ill and had undergone open-heart
surgery. Later she suffered a stroke which left her mind clear but her
speech slightly impaired.
After her husband died, it was approximately six months before
Dottie could even look at what he had left behind. He had been a
■ Dennis O. Norman
It’s up to us to see that modeling treasures we collect in a lifetime are properly dispersed when the time comes.
08sig3.QXD 5.23.03 1:28 pm Page 83
meticulous man and had amassed a considerable collection. Model
kits, books, magazines, tools, and materials filled his hobby room
and the family garage.
Dottie had been supportive of her husband’s hobbies, but, as do
most modelers’ wives, she had paid little attention to the details. She
knew that he spent hours building his models and that he flew them
and crashed them and spent more hours making repairs.
She was astounded by the number of items that he had
accumulated. She had no use for them, but out of love and respect
for her husband’s memory, she felt an obligation to see that they
reached others who would appreciate them.
To understand what her husband had, Dottie called upon
experienced modelers for insight. She began by asking her
husband’s friends, and they put her in touch with experts. One was
an expert on model engines. She was disappointed when the expert
offered simply to buy the entire collection. That might have been a
good option for some, but Dottie wanted to understand what she had
and to dispose of it carefully herself.
She began looking at old modeling magazines to get an idea of
the original value of items in the collection. Of course the prices
were outdated, and she found it necessary to consult others on
current value. She also started attending swap shops where she
could see what others were asking for similar items.
Dottie considered placing ads in newspapers and magazines, but
decided against it because she lived alone and was uncomfortable
with the thought of strangers coming to her home. It was timeconsuming,
but she took on the challenge and educated herself on
the value of much of her husband’s collection.
Dottie was also faced with a “tremendous amount of small stuff”
in her husband’s collection. She separated it into groups and placed
the items in small clear-plastic bags which she then attached to peg
boards, making it easier for her and for prospective buyers to see
what was available.
By the time I met Dottie, she had spent roughly a year working
with her husband’s collection and had become very knowledgeable
about it. She decided to sell the collection and was willing to take
less than “top dollar” for it; she felt that by offering it at a
significant reduction, she could still realize a substantial part of its
value without having to keep it indefinitely. She found it best to
cover or remove old prices to avoid confusing with new prices. She
even bought a few model-related items from others which she then
sold at a profit.
Dottie was surprised to learn that men shop differently from
women. In her experience she had found that women tend to look at
things, discuss them, then walk away to consider whether or not to
make the purchase. If they decide they want an item, they return and
purchase it.
However, men are much more direct. If they want an item, they
ask the price. They might haggle to try to get it reduced, but they
purchase the item immediately or walk away, usually not to return.
Dottie also learned that many of the swap shops she attended did
not pay strict attention to their hours. A show might have been
advertised as being from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and exhibitors were asked
to set up starting at 7:30 a.m. Many times the exhibitors themselves
would begin shopping before the show opened.
She found this disconcerting because she had to deal with
potential customers at the same time she was trying to set up the
display of what she had. She learned to work with it, but it was
cumbersome.
Dottie looked into having professional appraisers evaluate her
husband’s collection and, again, learned some lessons. First, get
references before dealing with any appraiser. Second, be prepared to
compensate the appraiser for time spent. Expect to pay
approximately 20% in commission for items sold with an
appraiser’s help. Third, try to get as much knowledge of the value of
things on your own as you can before consulting an appraiser.
Before starting to sell her husband’s collection, Dottie invited
each of his closest modeling friends to take an item or two as
mementos. She also found it comforting to select some items for
herself as keepsakes.
I could write more about Dottie, but I hope this has given you
some insight. She is an exceptional person and has gone well
84 MODEL AVIATION
beyond what most modelers’ widows may be able or willing to do.
I am becoming increasingly involved in working with modelers or
their families in planning for the future of their collections. In doing
so I ask if the modeler has a will, which specifically provides for
modeling-related dispositions. A will, of course, expresses one’s
wishes for what is to be done with one’s property and obligations
related to it.
If the modeler is alive and does not have a will, I advise that
person to consult a lawyer who is familiar with probate matters and
estate planning. The modeler may want to bequeath certain items to
friends. The modeler may want to donate certain items to a club,
AMA, or other organizations. The modeler may want the collection
sold. Hopefully the recipients of these items will be appreciative and
will, in turn, eventually pass them on in good condition.
It is customary for a person to name an executor or someone to
serve as his or her personal representative in matters regarding his or
her estate. When it is a modeler with a large collection, I
recommend that a trusted modeling friend or club be designated to
serve as a special executor for modeling purposes.
The special executor should be empowered to deal specifically
with all model-related property. The modeler should spell out the
terms of a special executor’s authority, including discretionary
powers, compensation, etc. The modeler should specify whether the
special executor is to serve with or without bond. The modeler
should also specify one or more alternate special executors in case
the modeler’s first choice is unable or unwilling to serve.
When I work with modelers who want to sell their collections, I
usually begin by having them take careful inventory. I recommend
that kits, plans, magazines, books, videos, engines, tools, materials,
etc. be divided into respective categories and organized (usually
alphabetically) to simplify identification and retrieval.
This simple chart (see text) shows you at a glance what
magazines you have and if there are duplicates.
08sig3.QXD 5.23.03 1:29 pm Page 84
Have you seen some of the park flyers on the market? Looks like some sticks
collided with plastic wrap. Just because you want to fly electric doesn’t mean you
have to sacrifice good looks and performance.
Check out these contest winners. From the diminutive BeBe Jordel to the
unique Sky Arrow, each Hacker Models ARF airplane is meticulously developed
from full size aircraft designs that catch the eye, and the heart, like no other.
Assembly time is kept to a minimum with beautifully handcrafted parts
covered with premium covering material by old world European craftsmen.
Planes like the Sky Arrow and Lucky Boy feature a beautiful lightweight fiberglass
fuselage capturing all the graceful lines of its full size counterpart without you
having you to do the work. A complete hardware package and diagrammed
assembly instructions help get you to the back yard fast.
And with Hacker, beauty is more than skin deep. If you think these planes
look great, you should see them fly. Performance not usually thought of for
planes of this size. Hacker sets the bar.
Drop by your local hobby retailer and see the full line of Hacker Model
airplanes. Cosmetics not required.
Hacker Model Production is exclusively distributed by
SIG Manufacturing Company, Inc. • P.O. Box 520 • Montezuma, Iowa 50171-0520
Helio Courier ARF
Item #HCK1201
Wing Span: 35.75 inches
For Speed 600 motors
Henri Mignet ARF
Item #HCK1213
Wing Span: 37 inches
For Speed 280 motors
Sky Arrow ARF
Item #HCK1210
Wing Span: 41.75 inches
For Speed 400 motors
Lucky Boy ARF
Item #HCK1251
Wing Span: 41.75 inches
For Speed 280 motors
Bolkow Jr. ARF
Item #HCK1250
Wing Span: 41.75 inches
For Speed 600 motors
BeBe Jodel ARF
Item #HCK1209
Wing Span: 31.5 inches
For Speed 280 motors
Small Airplanes Don’t Have To Be Ugly
Web Site: www.sigmfg.com Phone: (641)623-5154
Organizations such as MECA (the Model
Engine Collectors Association), 3706 N. 33rd
St., Galesburg MI 49053; KAPA (Kits and
Plans Antiquitous), 1788 Niobe Ave.,
Anaheim CA 92804; and SAM (the Society
of Antique Modelers), 203 N. Brockfield Dr.,
Sun City Center FL 33573, are dedicated to
the preservation of model-aviation relics and
can be of great help in giving you a realistic
idea of modeling-related items’ values.
These groups have large memberships
which may provide you with answers to
many of your questions. They may also be
an excellent source of buyers for what you
want to sell. As Dottie did, you may even
find items in their newsletters’ want ads that
you want to purchase.
When making an inventory of your
collection, it is helpful to begin by sorting
items into groups (magazines, kits, etc.).
Having done this, I deal with each group
separately. Old magazines are often found in
modelers’ collections. These should be
grouped by title, then chronologically
arranged by individual issues.
Magazines may be cataloged using a
simple chart. The typical chart that I use is
included for your consideration. I typically
photocopy it onto 81⁄2 x 11-inch bond paper.
The years are listed vertically at the left
margin of the chart. The horizontal spaces
are divided equally into 12 sections—one
for each month.
When I catalog the issues, I make a dot
for each issue in the corresponding space for
each month of the year being inventoried. If
there are multiple copies, I make additional
dots in the box designated for them. This
tells you at a glance how many copies of
each issue are in the collection.
If the magazines are to be sold, I place
them in small, sturdy cardboard storage
boxes lined with heavy plastic bags
(ironically, trash bags do nicely). Once a
box is filled with magazines, I put a copy of
the inventory for the magazines in the box
with them. Having done so, I seal the plastic
bag for moisture protection, then I seal the
box with packing tape. Last, I put a copy of
the inventory of the box’s contents on the
outside of the box for ready reference.
Books should be grouped by period (pre-
World War I, World War II, etc.) and/or by
topic (racing airplanes, civilian types, etc.),
then inventoried by arranging them
alphabetically by author (last name first).
For each book you should also take note of
the title, number of pages, publisher’s name,
year of publication, original price, type, and
condition of the binding.
You may be able to get an idea of present
value by consulting one of the online booklisting
services. For specific examples of my
inventory methods, check my Web site at
www.airacemodels.com.
Group kits by manufacturer’s name, then
list them by kit number or alphabetically by
kit name. Other pertinent facts to note are
scale, span, box type, and condition.
Collectors are usually concerned about kit
completeness and box condition. If any parts
are missing or the box is damaged, it may
seriously devalue the kit, but these things
must be told if you are to avoid
misunderstandings with potential buyers.
Swap shops and shows such as the
Toledo expo are possible places to sell
merchandise, but most serious buying and
selling today is done on the Internet. Web
sites such as eBay open the door to a large
international market where lucrative offers
may be found. Using services such as
PayPal, the sales are secured and
streamlined by reducing transaction time.
However, problems may still arise if the
merchandise is not as advertised or if it is
damaged. You might have your first sales
professionally wrapped to see how it is
done. Once enlightened, you can ship orders
yourself to save handling costs.
You will greatly help those concerned with
your modeling estate if you take the time to
organize and identify your collection as
much as you can. Do this, if possible, while
you are still in good health. Indicate what
you believe is the reasonable value of as
many items as possible in your modeling
collection. This will help guide your heirs
and may prevent costly mistakes.
You can, of course, sell or make gifts
during your lifetime. By planning carefully,
you can preserve your modeling treasures
for the benefit and enjoyment of future
generations. MA
Dennis O. Norman
11216 Lake Ave.
Cleveland OH 44102
08sig3.QXD 5.23.03 1:29 pm Page 86