Anyone know the AMA hall of fame member Cal Smith? I am researching
his life and contributions and would appreciate hearing from everybody!
He also did the old Strombecker box art. Thanks... Ken
Cal Smith was a modeler's modeler. An AMA Hall-of-Famer, he was taken
far too early at age 49. A true pioneer of those early days in model
aviation and boating. CL / FF/ RC
Maybe you can get a start at:
Gents,
Many moons ago, I was stationed at NAS Lakehurst, first as NASL Special
Services Officer and later in station maintenance in hangar 2. During
my tour as SSO, I got to know some of the local modelers and later
served them as the NASL liason for civilian modeling activities aboard
the station; Indoor, free flight, radio, indoor Nats, I was Johnny on
the spot. I even judged a Carrier event for the Garden State Circle
Burners although I have never held a U/C handle! I got really
involved with the local RCers and of course, having the blimp field
right at my front door, I had a great time!
I was fortunate to meet many famous/recognized modelers during this
time. One who I did not meet in person was Cal Smith (to the best of
my knowledge) but, I did go to his club's auction of his "stuff" after
his death, where I picked up a few of his things. What still exists
out in my shop is a pair of red and yellow wheel pants from a plane
that appeared on a mag cover (I'd have to go digging to find what it
was). Many times over the years, I have considered building a ship to
put them on but it has been one of those someday projects that are
easily put off.
If anybody is interested in a piece (actually 2) of modeling history, I
would be happy to let them go to some lucky modeler/club/museum for a
mutually agreed upon small sum. I am currently into micro RC and they
are way too big for anything I'll be building. Please contact me at my
email address if you're interested.
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