1/6th scale

Started in 1933 the the basement and garage of Brooklyn, New York's William Effinger, Berkely Models quickly grew to offer a number of free flight, gas-powered model airplanes. Most of Berkeley's production ceased in 1941, although a selection of solid wood demonstration models were produced, most likely under an Air Corps contract.

After the war Effinger returned to the hobby with a vengence. By 1952 ads proclaimed "Berkeley models are sold through 85 distributors and 4, 500 dealers." New kits ranged from rubber powered scale, gas powered flight (in control-line stunt, speed and sclae categories), static models of boats, cars and airplanes. These kits were among the most detailed and complete being offered in their time. They ceased operating in 1962.

Designed in 1953, Berkeley's largest Navion model resulted in a model with a wingspan of just over 67 inches. It was originally intended (as were all Berkely Models) to be a scale, control-line flier, but with a little modification, was able to be converted into a radio controlled model.

A modeler, known as Uncle Willy, has reproduced the original plans and created a laser-cut starter kit for the Navion. It can be found on Uncle Willies' Website.

1/72nd scale

During WW2, Comet Models was known for creating a series of identification models for use by the United States military. Wooden blanks were distributed to High School shop classes where students carved models of Allied and Axis subjects.

Comet made two flying models, a small one (kit number G-8) in the Struct-o-Speed line, powered by a rubber band, and a larger free-flight example. Kit G-8 was released in two versions, the older having roughly punched balsa pieces from thicker wood. The newer example used thin wood, imprinted with a 'paint scheme' and superior punching. In later years both the old and the new versions of G-8 were released in the same style box.

The original G-8 kit. The comment on the left reads "Model Building Bulids Better Boys."
(T. McTavish)

Later boxings of G-8. Note the different quality of the wooden pieces.
(T. McTavish)

1/6th scale

Featured originally in the November 1982 issue was a construction article for a Navion, built using plans published by Radio Control Modeler magazine.

This scale model included retractable landing gear and a sliding canopy under which the electronics, switches and batteries could be accessed.

Cover from the November 1982 issue, which included a build article.
(K. McTavish)

Fedrico Jones' Navion built in 1986, rebuilt and refinished as an L-17.
(F. Jones)

Unknown Navion.
(unknown)

Unknown Navion.
(unknown)