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Wings for Young America | July 2006 - Newsletter #7 |
Welcome to the American Junior Classics FireWire Newsletter. This is our seventh issue and things are picking up. We are ready to sell Firebaby parts to repair your classic Firebabys. The new Firebaby 2000 is almost ready to go. Frank Macy is working on research and development of new products as well as the classic designs. In keeping with Jim Walker's vision we are reaching out to today's youth. Thanks to Jim Walker, we all enjoyed the discovery of flight when we were kids. It is up to us all to spread the joy again. Even though technology seems to be taking over everywhere, kids still take pleasure in holding a balsa glider in their hands and sending it up to perform wonders. You will be hearing more from us as we reach out to spread the joy of flight. In the meantime, grab your grandchild or neighborhood kid and show them what it is like to experience the wonders of flying. |
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A-J Kids
"Well things are like that tide, it comes and goes. The kids come around and the weather is bad. The weather gets good and they are out fishing. Fishing is very big here. Will not to go on about it. However, Ian and his brother Cody stopped in and it was a good time to go fly the Firebaby. So we went off to the park to fly. The plane was ready and I decided to let Ian try a solo flight. Well he took of leveled it off and flew it for at least 12 laps. The wind was a little strong and he lost it and crashed. Cody, standing right beside me said, " He crashed it now I can't fly it." I had to laugh. But the truth is Ian did really good and will fly the baby again. So will Cody. The plane is repaired now and is ready to go again. The A-J Kids will be back and I'll write to you then." The A-J Kids in the photo are (bottom left) Cody, age 9, (bottom right) Ian, age 10, (top left) Morgan, age 9, (top right) Mitchell, age 14. All the kids have flown the Firebaby on the first hoop (duel instruction); they did well. Next time out will be Ian's second attempt to complete a flight by landing. Hopefully he will and the next A-J Kid is up. We will be getting updates from Chuck and will pass on the progress of these A-J Kids. As always, we appreciate these stories from you and especially the ones that show kids discovering the fun just as we did at their age. Keep the pictures and stories coming! (Just a note here: The Huricane Katrina that devistated the Gulf region, forced these kids to move out of their Florida home. We will not have any more stories about them)
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Folding Wing Rockets?
Here we see Logan, one of the students, holding one of their new designs. Although still in the developmental stages, it is great to see the ideas that our creative young students are coming up with. American Junior Classics sends our whole-hearted support and admiration. Keep up the great work, and keep sending in those photos! If this has peeked your interest and you want more information, you can contact Chris Erler at: Sewickley Academy 315 Academy Avenue Sewickley, PA 15143 Sixth grade Earth Science Cerler@sewickley.org
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New Life for Original Firebaby Wing Former
We are documenting the restoration of this historic piece of equipment and will post a movie on our website of the very first wing to be formed in four decades. Keep an eye open for our Firebaby parts and the new Firebaby 2005 model from A-J Classics. |
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Why Is Jim Smiling?
The year is 1951 and Jim has just won First Place in Radio Control competition at the Nationals. This is one of Jim's favorite photos and shows that great Walker smile. This was one of many First Place R/C awards that he won over the years. Jim Walker was involved in radio control from the earliest of times. He produced radio controlled target drones for the US Military during World War II. Forever the visionary and inventor, Jim Walker was always looking for ways to lead this hobby into the future.
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Fireball Recollections by Dale Jordan
I ran to the crash site, picked up the plane, disconnected the lines and proceeded back to the contest with a model that was minimally damaged, an engine that was still quite salvageable and found that I had won the contest. The whole experience was a shock. It should be a matter of note that the plane was quickly restored to better-than-new condition and, with a cleaned and lubed engine, provided hours of flying satisfaction until retired many months later. I will always hold fond memories of my Walker 'Fireball' and Delong 30 combination. The inherent stability of Walker's design is truly noteworthy as was the makeup of the kit. As I recall it cost $6.95, a bit more than the average for the time, but worth every penny. |
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email: info@americanjuniorclassics.com Your comments are always welcome! |
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