Swift
The Swift was designed in 1970 when the Old Ruler category was added to the SAM (Society of Antique Modelers) special events. The idea was to permit those so inclined to design their own models to the specifications of the 1941 AMA rules. As Old Ruler is interpreted, any Old-Timer, modified Old-Timer, or original design can participate in the event. One of the primary intents was that the new designs should retain the character of those that were spawned by the rules back in 1941. The Swift accomplishes this very nicely and has surprised everyone when they learn that it was designed in 1970 and not 1941. The design has gone through some minor evolution. The original and the present versions look almost alike except that the latest version shown in this article has elliptical outer wing panels, an elliptical stab, a 1/2-inch shorter nose and an enlarged rudder and sub rudder.
Old-Timer Nats
WELL, THE DENVER version of "Can You Top This" is over; Tim Daniels and associates hosted the best ever S.A.M. Champs-July 29-31-and that says quite a lot. The Old-Timer Nats, if you will, is always a super event, but the Denver bunch has a knack for putting it altogether like nobody else can. There was something for everybody for four days starting with a M.E.C.A. engine "Collectogether" and bean feed on Monday through the Victory Banquet on Thursday night. There were planned programs for contestants' wives and children while the jousting was going on at the field, a family night at Coors Brewery (the Mecca of the West), the S.A.M. meeting and finally that excellent banquet at the Lowry AFB Officers' Club. I can't say enough to describe the excellent results of what must have been an enormous amount of planning and work.
Commodore
Covering the Commodore with silk, then doping, provides the ultimate in authentic old-timer looks-and the most strength, to boot. But the ship is designed to sustain flight loads with iron-on films, and we've got to admit that some of the transparent types look good on old-timers. The Commodore was introduced in 1938 by the Scientific Model Airplane Company. It was a Ben Shereshaw design. In the eyes of many, it was his very best. Shereshaw was a prolific designer and turned out a string of classics the Cavalier, Nimbus, Mercury and Cloud Cruiser, to name only a few. None of these, however, capture the essence of the era with the elegance of the Commodore - the classic of the classics. Originally, the kit was offered in two versions, standard and deluxe. The prices were $6.95 and $7.95, respectively, the difference being that the deluxe version contained a pair of 3-in, pneumatic air wheels. Inside the box' were two plan sheets and a lumberyard of strip wood, printed sheets, music wire, ignition wire, glue, dope, metal fittings, and miscellaneous other goodies. Some of its advertised features were as follows:
