Leading the Way

A very vocal, influential and hard-working model-aircraft enthusiast, Walt Schroder succeeded Bill Winter as editor. he held that position from 1960 until 1970 when he moved up to become the president and publisher of Air Age (its parent company). While Walt was editor, the radio-control facet of the hobby took a quantum leap forward with the advent of modern digital proportional control as pioneered by such companies as Kraft Systems, Orbit, Heathkit, Micro-Avionics, EK-Logictrol, Cannon, World Engines and others. These modern radio-control systems allowed simultaneous and proportional control of the ailerons, elevator, rudder and throttle functions. Along with these advances came the rise in popularity of the new nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries that permitted us to operate radio systems for long periods of time. We could then quickly recharge them, and they did not have to be discarded for many years.

In addition to these advances in electronics, model-building techniques were also rapidly improving with the introduction of iron-on covering material and the so-called "instant cements" such as CA. all of this new technology required modelers to learn new techniques, and Model Airplane News took the lead in that educational process.

Art Schroeder

When Walt Shroder was promoted to president and publisher in 1970, he hired Art Schroeder to take on the role of editor. A recently retired school superintendent and a very experienced model aircraft designer, builder and flier, Art went on to serve three stints as editor, ending in 1984. During the '70s, Art encouraged the building and flying of larger models (1A scale and up) powered by converted chainsaw gasoline engines and the large-scale engines that were designed specifically for hobby use that soon followed. Flying 20- to 50-pound RC models is commonplace today.

In the mid-'70s, Art and Walt joined forces with Bill Bennett, a dedicated hobby enthusiast and owner of the Circus Circus hotel in Las Vegas, NV, to establish the now-famous annual Tournament of Champions (TOC). The large-scale models that competed in TOC every year brought much publicity to the hobby and sport of model aviation.

In 1979, Art and Walt collaborated on a series of articles that instructed modelers how to build their own digital proportional RC system (the Blue Max). It was a tremendous effort and one that introduced many people to the inner workings of the RC hobby.

A careful observer will also note that electric flight began to emerge during Art's reign. Modern electric motors and constantly improving battery technology have made this into a hobby all its own. Today's electric planes range in size from 1A scale down to 1-ounce indoor RC models.