HE TOLEDO R/C
Expo, which is one of a
long series of such events
and probably the best known
around the world, celebrated
its golden anniversary this year.
To highlight the event, leaders of
the host club—the Toledo Weak Signals—
wore white tuxedos on the last of the three
show days. It was a special occasion to top
off an amazing history that began in 1955.
Wayne Yeager, who was co-director of this
year’s show, provided many of the historic
details.
The first show, which was held in Detroit,
Michigan, was the brainchild of Ernie
Kratzet (one of RC’s pioneer businessmen)
and Tom McCoy (current president of the
Society of Antique Modelers, or SAM), and
it was supported by the Radio Control Club
of Detroit (RCCD).
The show was called a “conference”
back then, and it was first held at the
Detroit Golf Club. The event was moved
to the Rough Recreation Center in 1956,
and in 1957 it was decided that a more
central location would be better, and the
move was made to the Trilby Log Cabin
in Toledo, Ohio, where the conference
44 MODEL AVIATION
by John Worth
For many years, the annual Weak Signals R/C Expo (Toledo Show) called
the Toledo Sports Arena home. Photo courtesy Flying Models magazine.
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:05 am Page 44
September 2004 45
stayed through 1958.
In 1959 the RCCD couldn’t agree on a
money split with the Weak Signals (club
minutes noted roughly a $60 profit
involved), so the RCCD backed out and the
Weak Signals carried on thereafter. The
event was held at the Miracle Mile
Ballroom in 1959, it was moved back to the
Trilby Log Cabin in 1960, and was returned
to the ballroom in 1961.
In 1962 the demand for more space
resulted in the conference’s move to the
Sunnydale Golf Course, which provided a
much larger facility. But the show was
attracting many more attendees by then, so
for the next two years it was held at the
Toledo Express Airport, in the Champion
hangar.
Many of the show’s current exhibitors
came on board at approximately that time.
They include MRC, Ace Hobby, Fox
Manufacturing, Du-Bro, Sig, and Sullivan
Products. The first exhibitor was John
Maloney with World Engines; he was
directly responsible for many other
companies becoming exhibitors in the
following years as he spread the word about
the conference to fellow manufacturers and
distributors.
In 1965 the event was moved to the
Lucas County Recreation Center, where it
remained for 10 years. In those days it was
held in February. When it was decided that
still more space was needed—as was
warmer weather—the show was relocated to
the Toledo Sports Arena and the date was
changed to April.
Meanwhile, the Weak Signals came to
realize that changing the show’s
management personnel each year was
resulting in a loss of event expertise.
Therefore, a permanent show committee
was formed within the club in 1967.
The first director was Larry Snedecker;
he had the title for three years, until Don
Belote took over. In 1971 it was decided
that two directors were needed; the
workload was too much for one person.
Don Belote took charge of exhibitor
arrangements, and Bob Hisey became codirector,
in charge of public relations.
Don served in his position for 19 years,
until he retired in 1986. Bob served for 14
years, until a heart problem caused him to
relinquish his position. But he comes back
each year to serve as master of ceremonies
for the closing award presentations on
Sunday. Wayne Yeager became co-director
in 1985. Rick Lederman assumed Don’s
position, in which he has served for 19
years.
The conference remained at the Sports
Arena for 17 years, and eventually still
more room was needed as it continued to
attract more participation. However, there
were complications with the arena
management and delays in the availability
of a new convention center in Toledo, so the
conference remained at the Sports Arena.
An ongoing problem at that location was
that each Sunday the arena workers would
start a process of freezing the concrete floor
Bob Hisey, left, also received the prestigious AMA Fellowship Award from Dave Brown.
AMA District III Vice President Bob Brown looks on.
As has become its custom, the Weak Signals club donated a large sum to the AMA
Scholarship Fund—$5,000!
AMA President Dave Brown, in the background, presented Rick Lederman, left, with an
AMA Fellowship Award—one of the organization’s highest honors.
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:06 am Page 45
in preparation for the next day’s ice hockey game. By Sunday
afternoon, attendees would be chilled to the bone; many returned
home with tales of colds and flu and memories of the show’s
problems when it was held in February.
One of the complications that prevented a sooner move to the
new convention center was a bowling tournament that tied up the
facility for six months at a time. Meanwhile, the Sports Arena
promised an expansion that never took place, so the convention
stayed there much longer than desired.
However, the new facility’s scheduling finally changed, and the
Toledo show, now called the R/C Expo, moved downtown to the
SeaGate Convention Centre. Flanked by two hotels which
accommodate thousands of show participants, the center provides
46 MODEL AVIATION
Miss Ohio’s attendance is another Toledo Show custom. Rick
Lederman and Bob Hisey present Janelle Couts to attendees.
World record team leader (and former AMA president) Maynard
Hill relates the details of the transatlantic RC flight.
Dave Brown presents Weak Signals President Dave Whitaker with NAA
award recognizing the show’s 50th anniversary.
Left: Since the Toledo Show is held in Ohio, District III Vice President Bob
Brown offers a few congratulatory words.
Photos by Mark Lanterman except as noted
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:07 am Page 46
48 MODEL AVIATION
much more room and better facilities. It was
a good move that has lasted for 13 years.
In the meantime, the demand for more
space has continued to grow. Many more
exhibitors want to take part, but this is the
largest facility in town. To expand further,
the show would have to be moved too far
away from Toledo, causing many problems
for the club.
Thus for this expo to continue to be
known as “The Toledo Show,” it looks as
though it will stay at the SeaGate
Convention Centre for a while. Attendance
has leveled off in the past six or seven years,
consistently remaining within a few hundred
people.
More than 200 exhibitors typically
display their wares, and roughly 20,000
people pass through the show doors each
year. The aisles are full Friday and
Saturday, resulting in a bustling atmosphere
each show weekend.
This is the greatest show of its kind and
will likely stay that way for years to come.
The Weak Signals club is to be
congratulated for such a long record of
achievement. This event is also the
backbone of AMA’s youth Scholarship
Fund. All of the show’s raffle proceeds are
donated to the program, which provides
thousands of dollars to AMA.
The Weak Signals’ Exposition
Committee chairmen are primarily
responsible for this year’s Toledo R/C
Expo. They are: Finance, J. Paul Trestan;
Security, Tom Como; Awards, Mel
Holman; Raffle, Dave Whitaker; Model
Judging, Mike Bayes; Model Displays, Joe
Vislay; Communications, Jim Skolmowski;
Parking, Brian Harris; Swap Shop, Dave
Howard; and Symposiums, Bill Comber.
The exposition directors were Rick
Lederman and Wayne Yeager. The
auctioneer and master of ceremonies was
Bob Hisey.
To these leaders and all of their
assistants, well done and we look forward to
seeing you next year. MA
John Worth
4326 Andes Dr.
Fairfax VA 22030
PO Box 753 • Hobart, IN 46342
( 8 0 0 ) 5 9 1 - 2 8 9 6
falcon-trading.com
Here’s the perfect way to enjoy
the thrill of flying off water. Our
“complete floatplane combos”
give you everything you need.
You’ll get the plane, the floats, the
motor, prop, fuel line, glues, and
even the wheels for flying off
land.
Hurry - go to our web site to
learn more, and order one for
SUMMERTIME FUN!
RC products for air & water!
Stock
#700169
Only
$559.95
Wingspan: 67″
Length: 50″
Wing Area: 680 sq. in.
Weight with Floats: 9 to 9-1/2 lbs.
Engine: .61 Two Stroke
Radio: 4 channel
Construction: Engineered ABS Plastic
The best looking Cessna 177 Cardinal ARF you’ll find!
It features a fully symmetrical airfoil for superb aerobatics
and lots of room
for your radio. The
pressure sensitive graphics
make it look even better.
This beauty flies as good as
she looks!
Wingspan: 61-3/4″
Length: 47″
Wing Area: 604 sq. in.
Weight with Floats: 7-1/2 to 8-1/2 lbs.
Engine: .46 Two Stroke
Radio: 4 channel
Construction: Engineered ABS Plastic
Stock
#700168
Only
$459.95
COMPLETE FLOATPLANE COMBO
COMPLETE
FLOATPLANE COMBO
Our Ready-on-floats has earned quite
a reputation as a great flying floatplane. The
thick semisymmetrical
airfoil provides gentle and
slow flying characteristics and the
BRODAK
Brodak
Manufacturing &
Distributing Co., Inc.
The largest supplier of control-line airplanes
STORAGE REELS
Molded from high-impact-resistant plastic. Feature the
same attention to quality, durability and reliability, that
have become trademarks of Brodak kits and products.
The Brodak design includes a plastic center-post that
can be inserted into the center hole in the reel, so that
a flyer can easily hold the center-post in one hand and
wind the lines with the other hand. A metal retainer
clip is included with every line reel.
BH-686-Storage Reels 5”..............................................7.99
BH-688-Large Spring Reel Clips.......................2 for 1.19
also available Catalogue #12 Send $5.00 to
Brodak’s 100 Park Avenue • Carmichaels, PA 15320
Phone: 724-966-2726 • Fax: 724-966-5670
E-Mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.brodak.com
Introduces NEW!
SUPER COOL Plug with
Hi Temp Insulator
In addition to . . .
● The FIREBALL R/C IDLE BAR plug
only $2.75
● Hot & Standard Non-Idle Bar plugs
still only $2.45
only $2.75
Swanson
Associates
P.O. Box 151
Wayne, NJ
07470
Since 1948
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:08 am Page 48
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/09
Page Numbers: 44,45,46,48
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/09
Page Numbers: 44,45,46,48
HE TOLEDO R/C
Expo, which is one of a
long series of such events
and probably the best known
around the world, celebrated
its golden anniversary this year.
To highlight the event, leaders of
the host club—the Toledo Weak Signals—
wore white tuxedos on the last of the three
show days. It was a special occasion to top
off an amazing history that began in 1955.
Wayne Yeager, who was co-director of this
year’s show, provided many of the historic
details.
The first show, which was held in Detroit,
Michigan, was the brainchild of Ernie
Kratzet (one of RC’s pioneer businessmen)
and Tom McCoy (current president of the
Society of Antique Modelers, or SAM), and
it was supported by the Radio Control Club
of Detroit (RCCD).
The show was called a “conference”
back then, and it was first held at the
Detroit Golf Club. The event was moved
to the Rough Recreation Center in 1956,
and in 1957 it was decided that a more
central location would be better, and the
move was made to the Trilby Log Cabin
in Toledo, Ohio, where the conference
44 MODEL AVIATION
by John Worth
For many years, the annual Weak Signals R/C Expo (Toledo Show) called
the Toledo Sports Arena home. Photo courtesy Flying Models magazine.
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:05 am Page 44
September 2004 45
stayed through 1958.
In 1959 the RCCD couldn’t agree on a
money split with the Weak Signals (club
minutes noted roughly a $60 profit
involved), so the RCCD backed out and the
Weak Signals carried on thereafter. The
event was held at the Miracle Mile
Ballroom in 1959, it was moved back to the
Trilby Log Cabin in 1960, and was returned
to the ballroom in 1961.
In 1962 the demand for more space
resulted in the conference’s move to the
Sunnydale Golf Course, which provided a
much larger facility. But the show was
attracting many more attendees by then, so
for the next two years it was held at the
Toledo Express Airport, in the Champion
hangar.
Many of the show’s current exhibitors
came on board at approximately that time.
They include MRC, Ace Hobby, Fox
Manufacturing, Du-Bro, Sig, and Sullivan
Products. The first exhibitor was John
Maloney with World Engines; he was
directly responsible for many other
companies becoming exhibitors in the
following years as he spread the word about
the conference to fellow manufacturers and
distributors.
In 1965 the event was moved to the
Lucas County Recreation Center, where it
remained for 10 years. In those days it was
held in February. When it was decided that
still more space was needed—as was
warmer weather—the show was relocated to
the Toledo Sports Arena and the date was
changed to April.
Meanwhile, the Weak Signals came to
realize that changing the show’s
management personnel each year was
resulting in a loss of event expertise.
Therefore, a permanent show committee
was formed within the club in 1967.
The first director was Larry Snedecker;
he had the title for three years, until Don
Belote took over. In 1971 it was decided
that two directors were needed; the
workload was too much for one person.
Don Belote took charge of exhibitor
arrangements, and Bob Hisey became codirector,
in charge of public relations.
Don served in his position for 19 years,
until he retired in 1986. Bob served for 14
years, until a heart problem caused him to
relinquish his position. But he comes back
each year to serve as master of ceremonies
for the closing award presentations on
Sunday. Wayne Yeager became co-director
in 1985. Rick Lederman assumed Don’s
position, in which he has served for 19
years.
The conference remained at the Sports
Arena for 17 years, and eventually still
more room was needed as it continued to
attract more participation. However, there
were complications with the arena
management and delays in the availability
of a new convention center in Toledo, so the
conference remained at the Sports Arena.
An ongoing problem at that location was
that each Sunday the arena workers would
start a process of freezing the concrete floor
Bob Hisey, left, also received the prestigious AMA Fellowship Award from Dave Brown.
AMA District III Vice President Bob Brown looks on.
As has become its custom, the Weak Signals club donated a large sum to the AMA
Scholarship Fund—$5,000!
AMA President Dave Brown, in the background, presented Rick Lederman, left, with an
AMA Fellowship Award—one of the organization’s highest honors.
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:06 am Page 45
in preparation for the next day’s ice hockey game. By Sunday
afternoon, attendees would be chilled to the bone; many returned
home with tales of colds and flu and memories of the show’s
problems when it was held in February.
One of the complications that prevented a sooner move to the
new convention center was a bowling tournament that tied up the
facility for six months at a time. Meanwhile, the Sports Arena
promised an expansion that never took place, so the convention
stayed there much longer than desired.
However, the new facility’s scheduling finally changed, and the
Toledo show, now called the R/C Expo, moved downtown to the
SeaGate Convention Centre. Flanked by two hotels which
accommodate thousands of show participants, the center provides
46 MODEL AVIATION
Miss Ohio’s attendance is another Toledo Show custom. Rick
Lederman and Bob Hisey present Janelle Couts to attendees.
World record team leader (and former AMA president) Maynard
Hill relates the details of the transatlantic RC flight.
Dave Brown presents Weak Signals President Dave Whitaker with NAA
award recognizing the show’s 50th anniversary.
Left: Since the Toledo Show is held in Ohio, District III Vice President Bob
Brown offers a few congratulatory words.
Photos by Mark Lanterman except as noted
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:07 am Page 46
48 MODEL AVIATION
much more room and better facilities. It was
a good move that has lasted for 13 years.
In the meantime, the demand for more
space has continued to grow. Many more
exhibitors want to take part, but this is the
largest facility in town. To expand further,
the show would have to be moved too far
away from Toledo, causing many problems
for the club.
Thus for this expo to continue to be
known as “The Toledo Show,” it looks as
though it will stay at the SeaGate
Convention Centre for a while. Attendance
has leveled off in the past six or seven years,
consistently remaining within a few hundred
people.
More than 200 exhibitors typically
display their wares, and roughly 20,000
people pass through the show doors each
year. The aisles are full Friday and
Saturday, resulting in a bustling atmosphere
each show weekend.
This is the greatest show of its kind and
will likely stay that way for years to come.
The Weak Signals club is to be
congratulated for such a long record of
achievement. This event is also the
backbone of AMA’s youth Scholarship
Fund. All of the show’s raffle proceeds are
donated to the program, which provides
thousands of dollars to AMA.
The Weak Signals’ Exposition
Committee chairmen are primarily
responsible for this year’s Toledo R/C
Expo. They are: Finance, J. Paul Trestan;
Security, Tom Como; Awards, Mel
Holman; Raffle, Dave Whitaker; Model
Judging, Mike Bayes; Model Displays, Joe
Vislay; Communications, Jim Skolmowski;
Parking, Brian Harris; Swap Shop, Dave
Howard; and Symposiums, Bill Comber.
The exposition directors were Rick
Lederman and Wayne Yeager. The
auctioneer and master of ceremonies was
Bob Hisey.
To these leaders and all of their
assistants, well done and we look forward to
seeing you next year. MA
John Worth
4326 Andes Dr.
Fairfax VA 22030
PO Box 753 • Hobart, IN 46342
( 8 0 0 ) 5 9 1 - 2 8 9 6
falcon-trading.com
Here’s the perfect way to enjoy
the thrill of flying off water. Our
“complete floatplane combos”
give you everything you need.
You’ll get the plane, the floats, the
motor, prop, fuel line, glues, and
even the wheels for flying off
land.
Hurry - go to our web site to
learn more, and order one for
SUMMERTIME FUN!
RC products for air & water!
Stock
#700169
Only
$559.95
Wingspan: 67″
Length: 50″
Wing Area: 680 sq. in.
Weight with Floats: 9 to 9-1/2 lbs.
Engine: .61 Two Stroke
Radio: 4 channel
Construction: Engineered ABS Plastic
The best looking Cessna 177 Cardinal ARF you’ll find!
It features a fully symmetrical airfoil for superb aerobatics
and lots of room
for your radio. The
pressure sensitive graphics
make it look even better.
This beauty flies as good as
she looks!
Wingspan: 61-3/4″
Length: 47″
Wing Area: 604 sq. in.
Weight with Floats: 7-1/2 to 8-1/2 lbs.
Engine: .46 Two Stroke
Radio: 4 channel
Construction: Engineered ABS Plastic
Stock
#700168
Only
$459.95
COMPLETE FLOATPLANE COMBO
COMPLETE
FLOATPLANE COMBO
Our Ready-on-floats has earned quite
a reputation as a great flying floatplane. The
thick semisymmetrical
airfoil provides gentle and
slow flying characteristics and the
BRODAK
Brodak
Manufacturing &
Distributing Co., Inc.
The largest supplier of control-line airplanes
STORAGE REELS
Molded from high-impact-resistant plastic. Feature the
same attention to quality, durability and reliability, that
have become trademarks of Brodak kits and products.
The Brodak design includes a plastic center-post that
can be inserted into the center hole in the reel, so that
a flyer can easily hold the center-post in one hand and
wind the lines with the other hand. A metal retainer
clip is included with every line reel.
BH-686-Storage Reels 5”..............................................7.99
BH-688-Large Spring Reel Clips.......................2 for 1.19
also available Catalogue #12 Send $5.00 to
Brodak’s 100 Park Avenue • Carmichaels, PA 15320
Phone: 724-966-2726 • Fax: 724-966-5670
E-Mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.brodak.com
Introduces NEW!
SUPER COOL Plug with
Hi Temp Insulator
In addition to . . .
● The FIREBALL R/C IDLE BAR plug
only $2.75
● Hot & Standard Non-Idle Bar plugs
still only $2.45
only $2.75
Swanson
Associates
P.O. Box 151
Wayne, NJ
07470
Since 1948
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:08 am Page 48
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/09
Page Numbers: 44,45,46,48
HE TOLEDO R/C
Expo, which is one of a
long series of such events
and probably the best known
around the world, celebrated
its golden anniversary this year.
To highlight the event, leaders of
the host club—the Toledo Weak Signals—
wore white tuxedos on the last of the three
show days. It was a special occasion to top
off an amazing history that began in 1955.
Wayne Yeager, who was co-director of this
year’s show, provided many of the historic
details.
The first show, which was held in Detroit,
Michigan, was the brainchild of Ernie
Kratzet (one of RC’s pioneer businessmen)
and Tom McCoy (current president of the
Society of Antique Modelers, or SAM), and
it was supported by the Radio Control Club
of Detroit (RCCD).
The show was called a “conference”
back then, and it was first held at the
Detroit Golf Club. The event was moved
to the Rough Recreation Center in 1956,
and in 1957 it was decided that a more
central location would be better, and the
move was made to the Trilby Log Cabin
in Toledo, Ohio, where the conference
44 MODEL AVIATION
by John Worth
For many years, the annual Weak Signals R/C Expo (Toledo Show) called
the Toledo Sports Arena home. Photo courtesy Flying Models magazine.
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:05 am Page 44
September 2004 45
stayed through 1958.
In 1959 the RCCD couldn’t agree on a
money split with the Weak Signals (club
minutes noted roughly a $60 profit
involved), so the RCCD backed out and the
Weak Signals carried on thereafter. The
event was held at the Miracle Mile
Ballroom in 1959, it was moved back to the
Trilby Log Cabin in 1960, and was returned
to the ballroom in 1961.
In 1962 the demand for more space
resulted in the conference’s move to the
Sunnydale Golf Course, which provided a
much larger facility. But the show was
attracting many more attendees by then, so
for the next two years it was held at the
Toledo Express Airport, in the Champion
hangar.
Many of the show’s current exhibitors
came on board at approximately that time.
They include MRC, Ace Hobby, Fox
Manufacturing, Du-Bro, Sig, and Sullivan
Products. The first exhibitor was John
Maloney with World Engines; he was
directly responsible for many other
companies becoming exhibitors in the
following years as he spread the word about
the conference to fellow manufacturers and
distributors.
In 1965 the event was moved to the
Lucas County Recreation Center, where it
remained for 10 years. In those days it was
held in February. When it was decided that
still more space was needed—as was
warmer weather—the show was relocated to
the Toledo Sports Arena and the date was
changed to April.
Meanwhile, the Weak Signals came to
realize that changing the show’s
management personnel each year was
resulting in a loss of event expertise.
Therefore, a permanent show committee
was formed within the club in 1967.
The first director was Larry Snedecker;
he had the title for three years, until Don
Belote took over. In 1971 it was decided
that two directors were needed; the
workload was too much for one person.
Don Belote took charge of exhibitor
arrangements, and Bob Hisey became codirector,
in charge of public relations.
Don served in his position for 19 years,
until he retired in 1986. Bob served for 14
years, until a heart problem caused him to
relinquish his position. But he comes back
each year to serve as master of ceremonies
for the closing award presentations on
Sunday. Wayne Yeager became co-director
in 1985. Rick Lederman assumed Don’s
position, in which he has served for 19
years.
The conference remained at the Sports
Arena for 17 years, and eventually still
more room was needed as it continued to
attract more participation. However, there
were complications with the arena
management and delays in the availability
of a new convention center in Toledo, so the
conference remained at the Sports Arena.
An ongoing problem at that location was
that each Sunday the arena workers would
start a process of freezing the concrete floor
Bob Hisey, left, also received the prestigious AMA Fellowship Award from Dave Brown.
AMA District III Vice President Bob Brown looks on.
As has become its custom, the Weak Signals club donated a large sum to the AMA
Scholarship Fund—$5,000!
AMA President Dave Brown, in the background, presented Rick Lederman, left, with an
AMA Fellowship Award—one of the organization’s highest honors.
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:06 am Page 45
in preparation for the next day’s ice hockey game. By Sunday
afternoon, attendees would be chilled to the bone; many returned
home with tales of colds and flu and memories of the show’s
problems when it was held in February.
One of the complications that prevented a sooner move to the
new convention center was a bowling tournament that tied up the
facility for six months at a time. Meanwhile, the Sports Arena
promised an expansion that never took place, so the convention
stayed there much longer than desired.
However, the new facility’s scheduling finally changed, and the
Toledo show, now called the R/C Expo, moved downtown to the
SeaGate Convention Centre. Flanked by two hotels which
accommodate thousands of show participants, the center provides
46 MODEL AVIATION
Miss Ohio’s attendance is another Toledo Show custom. Rick
Lederman and Bob Hisey present Janelle Couts to attendees.
World record team leader (and former AMA president) Maynard
Hill relates the details of the transatlantic RC flight.
Dave Brown presents Weak Signals President Dave Whitaker with NAA
award recognizing the show’s 50th anniversary.
Left: Since the Toledo Show is held in Ohio, District III Vice President Bob
Brown offers a few congratulatory words.
Photos by Mark Lanterman except as noted
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:07 am Page 46
48 MODEL AVIATION
much more room and better facilities. It was
a good move that has lasted for 13 years.
In the meantime, the demand for more
space has continued to grow. Many more
exhibitors want to take part, but this is the
largest facility in town. To expand further,
the show would have to be moved too far
away from Toledo, causing many problems
for the club.
Thus for this expo to continue to be
known as “The Toledo Show,” it looks as
though it will stay at the SeaGate
Convention Centre for a while. Attendance
has leveled off in the past six or seven years,
consistently remaining within a few hundred
people.
More than 200 exhibitors typically
display their wares, and roughly 20,000
people pass through the show doors each
year. The aisles are full Friday and
Saturday, resulting in a bustling atmosphere
each show weekend.
This is the greatest show of its kind and
will likely stay that way for years to come.
The Weak Signals club is to be
congratulated for such a long record of
achievement. This event is also the
backbone of AMA’s youth Scholarship
Fund. All of the show’s raffle proceeds are
donated to the program, which provides
thousands of dollars to AMA.
The Weak Signals’ Exposition
Committee chairmen are primarily
responsible for this year’s Toledo R/C
Expo. They are: Finance, J. Paul Trestan;
Security, Tom Como; Awards, Mel
Holman; Raffle, Dave Whitaker; Model
Judging, Mike Bayes; Model Displays, Joe
Vislay; Communications, Jim Skolmowski;
Parking, Brian Harris; Swap Shop, Dave
Howard; and Symposiums, Bill Comber.
The exposition directors were Rick
Lederman and Wayne Yeager. The
auctioneer and master of ceremonies was
Bob Hisey.
To these leaders and all of their
assistants, well done and we look forward to
seeing you next year. MA
John Worth
4326 Andes Dr.
Fairfax VA 22030
PO Box 753 • Hobart, IN 46342
( 8 0 0 ) 5 9 1 - 2 8 9 6
falcon-trading.com
Here’s the perfect way to enjoy
the thrill of flying off water. Our
“complete floatplane combos”
give you everything you need.
You’ll get the plane, the floats, the
motor, prop, fuel line, glues, and
even the wheels for flying off
land.
Hurry - go to our web site to
learn more, and order one for
SUMMERTIME FUN!
RC products for air & water!
Stock
#700169
Only
$559.95
Wingspan: 67″
Length: 50″
Wing Area: 680 sq. in.
Weight with Floats: 9 to 9-1/2 lbs.
Engine: .61 Two Stroke
Radio: 4 channel
Construction: Engineered ABS Plastic
The best looking Cessna 177 Cardinal ARF you’ll find!
It features a fully symmetrical airfoil for superb aerobatics
and lots of room
for your radio. The
pressure sensitive graphics
make it look even better.
This beauty flies as good as
she looks!
Wingspan: 61-3/4″
Length: 47″
Wing Area: 604 sq. in.
Weight with Floats: 7-1/2 to 8-1/2 lbs.
Engine: .46 Two Stroke
Radio: 4 channel
Construction: Engineered ABS Plastic
Stock
#700168
Only
$459.95
COMPLETE FLOATPLANE COMBO
COMPLETE
FLOATPLANE COMBO
Our Ready-on-floats has earned quite
a reputation as a great flying floatplane. The
thick semisymmetrical
airfoil provides gentle and
slow flying characteristics and the
BRODAK
Brodak
Manufacturing &
Distributing Co., Inc.
The largest supplier of control-line airplanes
STORAGE REELS
Molded from high-impact-resistant plastic. Feature the
same attention to quality, durability and reliability, that
have become trademarks of Brodak kits and products.
The Brodak design includes a plastic center-post that
can be inserted into the center hole in the reel, so that
a flyer can easily hold the center-post in one hand and
wind the lines with the other hand. A metal retainer
clip is included with every line reel.
BH-686-Storage Reels 5”..............................................7.99
BH-688-Large Spring Reel Clips.......................2 for 1.19
also available Catalogue #12 Send $5.00 to
Brodak’s 100 Park Avenue • Carmichaels, PA 15320
Phone: 724-966-2726 • Fax: 724-966-5670
E-Mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.brodak.com
Introduces NEW!
SUPER COOL Plug with
Hi Temp Insulator
In addition to . . .
● The FIREBALL R/C IDLE BAR plug
only $2.75
● Hot & Standard Non-Idle Bar plugs
still only $2.45
only $2.75
Swanson
Associates
P.O. Box 151
Wayne, NJ
07470
Since 1948
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:08 am Page 48
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/09
Page Numbers: 44,45,46,48
HE TOLEDO R/C
Expo, which is one of a
long series of such events
and probably the best known
around the world, celebrated
its golden anniversary this year.
To highlight the event, leaders of
the host club—the Toledo Weak Signals—
wore white tuxedos on the last of the three
show days. It was a special occasion to top
off an amazing history that began in 1955.
Wayne Yeager, who was co-director of this
year’s show, provided many of the historic
details.
The first show, which was held in Detroit,
Michigan, was the brainchild of Ernie
Kratzet (one of RC’s pioneer businessmen)
and Tom McCoy (current president of the
Society of Antique Modelers, or SAM), and
it was supported by the Radio Control Club
of Detroit (RCCD).
The show was called a “conference”
back then, and it was first held at the
Detroit Golf Club. The event was moved
to the Rough Recreation Center in 1956,
and in 1957 it was decided that a more
central location would be better, and the
move was made to the Trilby Log Cabin
in Toledo, Ohio, where the conference
44 MODEL AVIATION
by John Worth
For many years, the annual Weak Signals R/C Expo (Toledo Show) called
the Toledo Sports Arena home. Photo courtesy Flying Models magazine.
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:05 am Page 44
September 2004 45
stayed through 1958.
In 1959 the RCCD couldn’t agree on a
money split with the Weak Signals (club
minutes noted roughly a $60 profit
involved), so the RCCD backed out and the
Weak Signals carried on thereafter. The
event was held at the Miracle Mile
Ballroom in 1959, it was moved back to the
Trilby Log Cabin in 1960, and was returned
to the ballroom in 1961.
In 1962 the demand for more space
resulted in the conference’s move to the
Sunnydale Golf Course, which provided a
much larger facility. But the show was
attracting many more attendees by then, so
for the next two years it was held at the
Toledo Express Airport, in the Champion
hangar.
Many of the show’s current exhibitors
came on board at approximately that time.
They include MRC, Ace Hobby, Fox
Manufacturing, Du-Bro, Sig, and Sullivan
Products. The first exhibitor was John
Maloney with World Engines; he was
directly responsible for many other
companies becoming exhibitors in the
following years as he spread the word about
the conference to fellow manufacturers and
distributors.
In 1965 the event was moved to the
Lucas County Recreation Center, where it
remained for 10 years. In those days it was
held in February. When it was decided that
still more space was needed—as was
warmer weather—the show was relocated to
the Toledo Sports Arena and the date was
changed to April.
Meanwhile, the Weak Signals came to
realize that changing the show’s
management personnel each year was
resulting in a loss of event expertise.
Therefore, a permanent show committee
was formed within the club in 1967.
The first director was Larry Snedecker;
he had the title for three years, until Don
Belote took over. In 1971 it was decided
that two directors were needed; the
workload was too much for one person.
Don Belote took charge of exhibitor
arrangements, and Bob Hisey became codirector,
in charge of public relations.
Don served in his position for 19 years,
until he retired in 1986. Bob served for 14
years, until a heart problem caused him to
relinquish his position. But he comes back
each year to serve as master of ceremonies
for the closing award presentations on
Sunday. Wayne Yeager became co-director
in 1985. Rick Lederman assumed Don’s
position, in which he has served for 19
years.
The conference remained at the Sports
Arena for 17 years, and eventually still
more room was needed as it continued to
attract more participation. However, there
were complications with the arena
management and delays in the availability
of a new convention center in Toledo, so the
conference remained at the Sports Arena.
An ongoing problem at that location was
that each Sunday the arena workers would
start a process of freezing the concrete floor
Bob Hisey, left, also received the prestigious AMA Fellowship Award from Dave Brown.
AMA District III Vice President Bob Brown looks on.
As has become its custom, the Weak Signals club donated a large sum to the AMA
Scholarship Fund—$5,000!
AMA President Dave Brown, in the background, presented Rick Lederman, left, with an
AMA Fellowship Award—one of the organization’s highest honors.
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:06 am Page 45
in preparation for the next day’s ice hockey game. By Sunday
afternoon, attendees would be chilled to the bone; many returned
home with tales of colds and flu and memories of the show’s
problems when it was held in February.
One of the complications that prevented a sooner move to the
new convention center was a bowling tournament that tied up the
facility for six months at a time. Meanwhile, the Sports Arena
promised an expansion that never took place, so the convention
stayed there much longer than desired.
However, the new facility’s scheduling finally changed, and the
Toledo show, now called the R/C Expo, moved downtown to the
SeaGate Convention Centre. Flanked by two hotels which
accommodate thousands of show participants, the center provides
46 MODEL AVIATION
Miss Ohio’s attendance is another Toledo Show custom. Rick
Lederman and Bob Hisey present Janelle Couts to attendees.
World record team leader (and former AMA president) Maynard
Hill relates the details of the transatlantic RC flight.
Dave Brown presents Weak Signals President Dave Whitaker with NAA
award recognizing the show’s 50th anniversary.
Left: Since the Toledo Show is held in Ohio, District III Vice President Bob
Brown offers a few congratulatory words.
Photos by Mark Lanterman except as noted
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:07 am Page 46
48 MODEL AVIATION
much more room and better facilities. It was
a good move that has lasted for 13 years.
In the meantime, the demand for more
space has continued to grow. Many more
exhibitors want to take part, but this is the
largest facility in town. To expand further,
the show would have to be moved too far
away from Toledo, causing many problems
for the club.
Thus for this expo to continue to be
known as “The Toledo Show,” it looks as
though it will stay at the SeaGate
Convention Centre for a while. Attendance
has leveled off in the past six or seven years,
consistently remaining within a few hundred
people.
More than 200 exhibitors typically
display their wares, and roughly 20,000
people pass through the show doors each
year. The aisles are full Friday and
Saturday, resulting in a bustling atmosphere
each show weekend.
This is the greatest show of its kind and
will likely stay that way for years to come.
The Weak Signals club is to be
congratulated for such a long record of
achievement. This event is also the
backbone of AMA’s youth Scholarship
Fund. All of the show’s raffle proceeds are
donated to the program, which provides
thousands of dollars to AMA.
The Weak Signals’ Exposition
Committee chairmen are primarily
responsible for this year’s Toledo R/C
Expo. They are: Finance, J. Paul Trestan;
Security, Tom Como; Awards, Mel
Holman; Raffle, Dave Whitaker; Model
Judging, Mike Bayes; Model Displays, Joe
Vislay; Communications, Jim Skolmowski;
Parking, Brian Harris; Swap Shop, Dave
Howard; and Symposiums, Bill Comber.
The exposition directors were Rick
Lederman and Wayne Yeager. The
auctioneer and master of ceremonies was
Bob Hisey.
To these leaders and all of their
assistants, well done and we look forward to
seeing you next year. MA
John Worth
4326 Andes Dr.
Fairfax VA 22030
PO Box 753 • Hobart, IN 46342
( 8 0 0 ) 5 9 1 - 2 8 9 6
falcon-trading.com
Here’s the perfect way to enjoy
the thrill of flying off water. Our
“complete floatplane combos”
give you everything you need.
You’ll get the plane, the floats, the
motor, prop, fuel line, glues, and
even the wheels for flying off
land.
Hurry - go to our web site to
learn more, and order one for
SUMMERTIME FUN!
RC products for air & water!
Stock
#700169
Only
$559.95
Wingspan: 67″
Length: 50″
Wing Area: 680 sq. in.
Weight with Floats: 9 to 9-1/2 lbs.
Engine: .61 Two Stroke
Radio: 4 channel
Construction: Engineered ABS Plastic
The best looking Cessna 177 Cardinal ARF you’ll find!
It features a fully symmetrical airfoil for superb aerobatics
and lots of room
for your radio. The
pressure sensitive graphics
make it look even better.
This beauty flies as good as
she looks!
Wingspan: 61-3/4″
Length: 47″
Wing Area: 604 sq. in.
Weight with Floats: 7-1/2 to 8-1/2 lbs.
Engine: .46 Two Stroke
Radio: 4 channel
Construction: Engineered ABS Plastic
Stock
#700168
Only
$459.95
COMPLETE FLOATPLANE COMBO
COMPLETE
FLOATPLANE COMBO
Our Ready-on-floats has earned quite
a reputation as a great flying floatplane. The
thick semisymmetrical
airfoil provides gentle and
slow flying characteristics and the
BRODAK
Brodak
Manufacturing &
Distributing Co., Inc.
The largest supplier of control-line airplanes
STORAGE REELS
Molded from high-impact-resistant plastic. Feature the
same attention to quality, durability and reliability, that
have become trademarks of Brodak kits and products.
The Brodak design includes a plastic center-post that
can be inserted into the center hole in the reel, so that
a flyer can easily hold the center-post in one hand and
wind the lines with the other hand. A metal retainer
clip is included with every line reel.
BH-686-Storage Reels 5”..............................................7.99
BH-688-Large Spring Reel Clips.......................2 for 1.19
also available Catalogue #12 Send $5.00 to
Brodak’s 100 Park Avenue • Carmichaels, PA 15320
Phone: 724-966-2726 • Fax: 724-966-5670
E-Mail: [email protected] • Web Site: www.brodak.com
Introduces NEW!
SUPER COOL Plug with
Hi Temp Insulator
In addition to . . .
● The FIREBALL R/C IDLE BAR plug
only $2.75
● Hot & Standard Non-Idle Bar plugs
still only $2.45
only $2.75
Swanson
Associates
P.O. Box 151
Wayne, NJ
07470
Since 1948
09sig2.QXD 6/24/04 9:08 am Page 48