1/16 California Model Co Nieuport 17C-1 - 19.75 Inch Wingspan Balsa Flying Aircraft - (Ni17 Nieuport 17)
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
Probably from the late 1940s or early 1950s. Higher quality stick-and-tissue flying model to a constant 1/16 scale. Can be built for static scale display or flown with rubber, CO2 or small gas motors for power. Features quality balsa printwood and strip wood, factory-carved balsa propeller (needs final finishing), completely finished wheels and thrust button, hardware, stock wood and metal as required, blocks as needed, covering tissue and beautifully drawn full-size plans. The model has not been started. Inventoried complete with all parts and plans. Made by California Model Company out of Long Beach, CA USA. If you have more information on this manufacture, please email me. How far back they go is unknown; they claim to have the 'Know How of 30 Years Experience' on the box side, but that could be interpreted many ways. From the box there was at least a Spad, SE-5, Fokker DVII, Niuport and a Sopwith Camel for rubber power as well as the 'Spacer A-B' & 'Spacer 1/2A' and the indoor Featherette. We know they also issued some ex-Suydam railroad kits as well. From Bill Baker Jr - "California Model Company originated in Long Beach, Calif in the late 1940's or early 1950's. My grandparents, William (Bill) Loyal Baker and his wife, Ruth (Tripp) Baker were the founders. The company started out as primarily balsa based model aircraft but later, in the late 50's or early 60's, branched into the model RR craft kits and Cub Scout craft kits. They even had a balsa speed boat kit powered by a model airplane gas engine adapted to fit. When they retired, around 1968 or 1969, they sold the business and the "shop" in North Long Beach they built to house their business. I have many fond memories as a young child "working" with them in the shop, assembling kits. I have a few unbuilt kits today!"
$59.00