Model Airplane News

Model Airplane News is an American specialist media brand devoted to radio-controlled model aircraft and the broader model-airplane hobby. The magazine was launched in the United States in 1929 and is associated with Air Age Media Inc. It is based in Wilton, Connecticut. The publication’s editorial focus covers a broad range of radio-control aviation rather than a single aircraft type or modeling level. Its subject matter includes aircraft suitable for casual backyard flying, larger giant-scale models, construction projects, modeling technology, and reviews of radio-control aircraft and related products. This breadth places the title between a practical hobby guide, a product-evaluation publication, and a community magazine for model-aircraft enthusiasts. Its coverage is oriented toward readers who build, modify, operate, and fly model aircraft. How-to material addresses construction and project work, while reviews and technology coverage help readers evaluate aircraft, equipment, and techniques used in the hobby. The publication’s subject matter also reflects the technical character of radio-controlled aviation, where aerodynamics, propulsion, electronics, radio systems, materials, assembly methods, and flight skills intersect. Model Airplane News belongs to the long-established specialist-magazine tradition in which a publication serves as both an information source and a point of connection for a technical hobby community. Its longevity since 1929 gives it a historical position within American model-aircraft publishing, spanning changes in aircraft design, building materials, propulsion, radio-control systems, and the transition from primarily print-based hobby media toward digital content. The brand’s known editorial history includes Charles Hampson Grant and Andy Lennon, who is identified as a former contributing editor. The available reference material does not establish the complete sequence of editors, ownership changes, circulation, revenue, or current editorial leadership. The official website provides a digital presence alongside the magazine, while digitized issues are also available through the Internet Archive. The brand should therefore be understood as a specialist hobby publication with print and digital dimensions, rather than as an aircraft manufacturer, retailer, or general aviation news outlet.

Model Airplane News was launched in the United States in 1929 as a publication serving the model-aircraft hobby. Its historical role is tied to the development and documentation of radio-controlled aviation as a recreational and technical activity. Over time, the title’s subject matter has encompassed model aircraft ranging from relatively accessible backyard flyers to giant-scale airplanes, reflecting the hobby’s wide range of aircraft sizes, construction standards, equipment requirements, and flying environments. The magazine’s editorial model combines practical instruction with product and technology coverage. Construction projects and how-to articles address the hands-on process of building and preparing aircraft, while reviews provide evaluations of radio-control aircraft and associated hobby technology. This combination makes the publication relevant to both experienced modelers and readers seeking guidance on aircraft, equipment, and techniques. The brand’s documented historical profile includes Charles Hampson Grant as an editor and Andy Lennon as a former contributing editor. The available references do not provide a complete chronology of editorial appointments or identify the publication’s founder. They do, however, associate the magazine with Air Age Media Inc., which is also described as the organization that launched the title. The magazine is based in Wilton, Connecticut. Model Airplane News has existed across major technical changes in the hobby, including the evolution of model-aircraft construction, propulsion, radio-control equipment, and modeling technology. The available material does not support a detailed year-by-year account of those changes, nor does it provide verified circulation, financial, ownership, or personnel data beyond the information stated above. In its contemporary form, the brand has an official website and a digital content presence, while historical issues have been made available in digitized collections through the Internet Archive. Its enduring identity is that of a specialized American model-aircraft publication focused particularly on radio-controlled airplanes, practical modeling, product evaluation, and the knowledge required to build and fly them.

1. 1929Magazine launched

   Model Airplane News was launched in the United States as a specialist publication for the model-aircraft hobby.

   Source

A specialist hobby-media publication for radio-control aircraft builders, flyers, and technically minded model-aircraft enthusiasts.

• Model Airplane News magazineSpecialist hobby magazine1929

  The core publication covers radio-controlled model airplanes and related hobby practices. Its editorial mix includes aircraft reviews, practical how-to material, construction projects, modeling technology, and coverage spanning smaller recreational aircraft through giant-scale models. The magazine serves readers who build, equip, maintain, and fly model aircraft.

• Model Airplane News digital contentDigital media

  The brand maintains an official website that extends its specialist editorial presence beyond the print title. The available references identify the website as an official source but do not specify the full range of current digital products, publication frequency, subscription terms, or platform features.

1. Model Airplane News
2. Model Airplane News official website
3. Digitized Model Airplane News issues