Hi M, my first control line model was a Wen Mac Aeromite, powered by a Baby Spitfire .045. I believe the year was 1948 or 1949..whenever they
first were produced. That was not my first semi-controlled model; just my first engine powered model. I went through a series of tether line
Monogram Speedi-Bilts and Jim Walker "74" gliders before that time. I was eight years old when I got the Wen Mac Aeromite.
That Baby Spitfire soon went into a Berkeley Mini Zilch; which was quite a thrill to fly. I had lots of experience whipping the various
Speedi-Bilt models and I sadly discovered that the "Aeromite" flew better with the engine not running than with the engine running!
The Baby Spitfire powered many other models after the Mini Zilch died; including a few Speedi-Bilts, original U/C designs, a
De Bolt "Infant Wagon" a pair of AJ Fire Babys and also a number of sport Free Flights including a Veco Dakota . I used the Baby Spitfire
all through the 1950's even though I was flying Ringmasters, Flying Clowns, PDQ Circus Kings and AJ Firecats , a Half Fast III and
some original flying wings that looked like Omegas. I became fast friends with Lee Hines in 1957 and concentrated on Indoor and
Outdoor HLG along with Gas FF, flying an AB Spacer and Lee's modified Ramrod 250 design(original by Ron St Jean).
Sorry, this was more than you asked for...
Tony
