1/16 SF18 Cleveland 1930 Howard Pete Racer - Balsa Flying Aircraft
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
Dated 1933 on the plans. This model came from a long-time collector who purchased this model new in October of 1955 from Cleveland direct. It was even factory-packed with pages of the newspaper "Cleveland Plain Dealer" dated June 29, 1955. This is a 'SF' or 'Scale Flying' model in museum scale of 1/16. All Cleveland kits were exceptionally complete and this one is no exception. Features very high quality balsa printwood and strip wood, sheet wood, pre-drilled nose block, fully finished spinner, thrust button & wheels, metal stock, rigging material, completely formed prop blades, covering material, highest quality plans and more. The model has not been started. Inventoried 100% complete with everything present. The Cleveland Model and Supply Company played a pivotal role in the development of true scale models. In 1909 Bleriot's English Channel flight caused a surge in aviation and model aircraft around the globe. Several companies were ideally positioned to take advantage of the aviation craze. In the USA, Wading River Manufacturing Co. (1909), White Aeroplane (1911), Ideal Model Aeroplane (1911), Broadfield Model Aeroplanes (1919) were among these pioneers, offering everything from plans and parts to complete kits and ARF models. Lindbergh's 1927 crossing of the Atlantic Ocean caused an even bigger world-wide phenomenon called "The Aviation Craze" that extended up to the start of World War II. Many companies such as Megow, Guillow's and others started right around the time of Lindbergh's flight. Some of these models flew and flew well, but they all had one thing in common - were generally not accurate scale representations. In 1929, a youngster named Ed Packard had a very advanced dream- to produce incredibly accurate, true scale models that flew perfectly. This radical idea established the world's longest running single-owner (77 years) model airplane business- Cleveland Model and Supply Company. To this day, Cleveland models are treasured as the most accurate flying scale models produced. The fact that Mr. Packard started and successfully grew this business during The Great Depression is a testament to his ideals and business skill. I highly suggest the excellent book called 'Aviation's great Recruiter- Cleveland's Ed Packard' by H.L. (Herm) Schreiner. It is an excellent history of the man, his company and the times of the Golden Age of Model Aviation.
$85.00