|
This May 1954 Model
Airplane News magazine ad for Jim Walker's A-J Aircraft Co. promoted the
rugged "Firebaby" control-line model, emphasizing its durability while
acknowledging that crashes happen. The ad reassured buyers that spare parts were
readily available through dealers, ensuring quick repairs. The Firebaby was
offered in single-wing or biplane configurations, with or without an engine,
priced as low as $2.50 (without engine) or $7.85 (with engine). Jim Walker, a
pioneering figure in model aviation, revolutionized the hobby with
mass-produced, ready-to-fly (RTF) models. His designs, like the Firebaby, made
control-line flying accessible to beginners. Walker’s company, A-J Aircraft,
claimed to be the "World’s Largest Manufacturer of Ready-to-Fly Model Aircraft"
at the time. Later, Cox Models surpassed A-J, becoming the dominant RTF
control-line brand. Walker's innovations laid the groundwork for the postwar
model airplane boom, cementing his legacy in aeromodeling history.
Jim Walker A-J Aircraft Ad
 Spare Parts? ... Of Course! Ask anybody who owns a Jim Walker
"Firebaby" and he'll tell you that it will take a lot of punishment. But
when you try to stretch your luck too far - or get a little fancy on that
last loop - well, something has to give. And if that happens to you, see
your A-J dealer. He has extra parts to keep your Firebaby flying! Available
with or without engine, single wing or biplane. See your dealer today!
With engine, as low as $7.85 Without engine, from
$2.50 Jim Walker A-J Aircraft Co. Portland 12, Oregon, U.S.A.
World's Largest Manufacturer of Ready-to-Fly Model Aircraft |
