| Very rare kit from 1933. Although well known, balsa wood did not come into widespread commercial modeling use until the 1930s. Before then, aircraft kits were composed of hardwoods, bamboo, metal fittings and silk, fabric or tissue covering. This interesting kit bridges the gap between 'old' and 'new' (at the time) wooden kits. The parts are balsa, bamboo, metal and celluloid. The manufacture was Aircraft Models Company of America, 29 Bartholomew Avenue, Hartford Connecticut. They made solid and flying models and the original price of this model was $1.50 - rather expensive at the time. The high price was justified by the unusual complete nature of the kit. The prop blank is machined (not finished) carved, all ribs are completely cut out and notched, the nose block is machine carved, the wheels completely formed celluloid and balsa, the stripwood is cut to the proper width and height, there is clear celluloid for the windows, complete full size blue-print plans, metal bushings and washers, sandpaper, beautiful red tissue, a glass bottle of "Tissue Cement - Aircraft Models Company of American", a bottle of "Tissue Dope" (also labeled), a cork-sealed vial of red paint, and general assembly instructions. The kit has never been started. NOTE: it is missing 2 of 6 small brass eyelets (bushings) and 3 of 6 very small washers. Otherwise inventoried with all other parts, plans, instructions and supplies. |
