The January 2009 FSM features an essay by the late Dr. Raleigh Williams on a magical era in aviation and a lifetime of modeling. A perennial figure at the IPMS/USA National Convention, Dr. Williams was known to modelers not only as a master builder but also for his gentlemanly manner and genuine friendliness. He passed away on July 5, 2008, at the age of 85.
Throughout the years, FSM has published many of Dr. Williams' fantastic models. Exclusive to our Web site, here is a gallery celebrating his work.
FSM photographed Dr. Williams' 1/72 scale Frog Vickers Vimy at the 2001 IPMS/USA National Convention in Chicago. The aircraft depicts Alcock and Brown's flight, the first to cross the Atlantic nonstop. The props are spun by pager-vibrator motors and powered by a 3-volt camera battery. All the control surfaces are moveable.
To help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the war in Korea, FSM published Dr. Williams' Monogram 1/48 scale MiG-15 in July 2000. It wears North Korean markings from 1952, and was modeled to depict Soviet Capt. Pavel Milauskin's aircraft (his victories are noted on the starboard side).
FSM snapped Dr. Williams' U.S.A. 1/48 scale Cessna O-2A Bird Dog at the 2006 IPMS/USA National Convention. He added a motor to the engine compartment as well as a battery and starting button to the base.
Dr. Williams named this 1/48 scale diorama "Not to worry -- he's got Met Life." It features a motorized Lindbergh "Jenny," a converted Matchbox car, and scratchbuilt figures. The base contains a 3-volt battery and delivers current through the ladder. FSM shot this model at the 2004 IPMS/USA National Convention.
Dr. Williams found inspiration to build AMT's 1/48 scale Beechcraft Staggerwing after seeing the real plane at the EAA fly-in at Oshkosh, Wis.