NewComers
THIS MONTH'S OFFERING is quite unlike any of my previous columns. It is safe to say that for the most part it is directed to the adult NewComers, whether they have just found this hobby/sport or are returning to it after a period of inactivity. As you get into it, you may be inclined to feel one of several different ways. This could range from saying, "Nonsense!" to "Right on!" to "Ooh, I hadn't thought of that!" What follows is gleaned from my experiences, and by sharing and observing my fellow modelers' experiences. Some of this material repeats comments I made very early in this series. NewComers who read them then may have forgotten, and now after a year or so of activity may well find some material most relevant. "New" NewComers can put the thoughts in their data banks.
New Comers
WELL, IT'S BEEN A WHILE since we've done a potpouri of "stuff" associated with the goals of this column. Since I'm writing this for an April 10 deadline, now would be a great time. How's that, you say? Aw, you know-the buds are budding; flowers are flowering; dandelions are getting a running start; it's the time for renewal; Spring has sprung; whatever! Last month we brought you something of a picture story revolving around the presentation of "Why Does It Fly?" over the Ball State University, Indiana Academy Distance Learning Network. Since the program occurred right on top of the publication deadline, we had no opportunity to assess the overall quality of the production. We knew that Indiana Academy was happy with the outcome, but. . .
NewComers
WELL, IT'S THAT SPECIAL ISSUE time again! This column has been galumping along for over a year now and this month is the second special Model Aviation issue devoted to youth or newcomers. We've tried to vary this column from month to month and aim at direct help for NewComers, as well as updates on the general educational scene. It's hard to tell how much impact any one element has had when a movement begins to gain momentum. It's sort of like trying to decide which drive wheel on the locomotive is making the most headway. But if sharing of information is of any importance, then this locomotive wheel has provided some drive.
Model Airplane Extravaganza
A BARE PARKING AREA dotted only with light standards, a cavernous mall echoing footsteps on stark walls; tables, bare and uninviting standing like soldiers; all these showed little promise of the things to come at Crestwood Plaza in St. Louis. Yet two hours later a "Model Extravaganza" was well under way. A year ago the Greater St. Louis Modeling Association considered a special event for 1976. Many ideas were formulated but a concept began to get through connections formed some years ago. A real friend to St. Louis modelers, Ruth Jacobson of the Fleishman-Hillard Public Relations firm, provided the impetus and the connections to bring the project to fruition. Twice over the last five years projects have been accomplished with her help.
The St. Louis Story
ALMOST two decades ago, modelers of the St. Louis area faced the problem which others have encountered throughout the United States. Because of increasing pressures flying field were materializing and then vanishing at an alarming rate. In spite of the relatively small amount of space required for control-line activity, the problem became critical. At one point, the very new and rather small St. Louis County Department of Parks and Recreation was approached to see if land in some outlying area might be utilized for a model field. The individual contacted, Mr. Wayne Kennedy, was sympathetic to the modelers' cause. With his guidance an association of clubs was formed, at that time consisting solely of control-line groups. A space was found in land donated by Mr. G.A. Buder and plans were made.
