I believe that there were ealier RC models. I recall seeing a write up on Joe Rapante and his experiments with radio control. I seem to remember that he had some successful flights prior to the Good brothers with their Guff. All this took place back in the mid to late 30's. Certainly at the 39 Nats there were 5 or 6 teams in the radio control event and a number of them demonstrated controlled flight. I think that was where the Good bros won the event with their superior control and flying.
As for the RC1 you could do a lot worse. A fellow at our local SAM 8 club had/has one and it's a very nice flyer. He used it in the RC assist Texaco event.
But then what decent old timer doesn't make a good radio model....
