Pages from the book

Still can't spell "everyone" right. I am still too excited to see straight. See if I can get the attachments to go on with this post. My wife still loves you Dan, Jim Johnson

LAST EDITED ON Nov-08-03 AT 09:37 PM (CST)
 
So, is the book gonna be in stores in time for Christmas? You might bring a case of books to our swap meet Dec. 13th...bet you could sell a bunch. Thanks for the peek! Can we still call ya "Jimmy"? Steve ( for D.Dirt)

EDIT: I finally noticed Jimmy's first post, below. The book is out in February, about $30. How much extra for one signed by the Author?

Ya - I'm gonna want one fer sure! Hope Santy brings me one... (pant, pant)...

Tim

I like your April, 1955 Flying Models cover.

Even better, it is in the public domain.

And I always wondered about that very brave kid, on one knee.

The cover wasn't my idea. It is one of my favorite Harold Stevenson covers. I think it is high time the artists and illustraters of the past be recognized by the AMA Hall of Fame. The only one inducted is Cal Smith. The book includes a list of every model magazine I could find that was every published on flying model airplanes, no plastic stuff and a complete list of everyone inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame with a brief history. Also included are over 600 of the best and rarest eBay auctions from July 2002 to July 3003 and the prices people paid for the items. No Junk, as many items being offered on the internet are a crap shoot. The book is aimed at the general public that deals with antiques and collectibles as well as collectors in general. I think as modelers we should do everything to get Harold Stevenson, Douglas Rolfe, and most of all Jo Kotula elected to the AMA H of F. The impact of these great artists and modelers is still being felt 50 years later through the OT and Classic event. Also the AMA is collecting biographies on modelers, if you know some one that is getting up in age and has made a contribution it may be time to get this info before it taken to the grave. I wish I knew more about Arthur May of North Dakota, circa 1948... he built a couple of stunters that were rather large and interesting with eliptcal wings. Where is the info on these stunters? I am taking a break from book writing but will be doing the photos on my wife's book on the the Seattle Worlds Fair, this one will also be exciting as we have an interview with then Governor Albert Rossolini who is 93. History is waiting to be discovered but it does take time to search it out. The attachment was a find being sold in Portland in an antique booth. Jim J.

It is known going in that I am going to regret this...

Jim Johnson is a character unlike any most of us have known. I like him tremendously, even though he has often given me reasons to reconsider.

Jim, and there is no "nice" way to say this, looks and acts like a red-neck construction worker. One expects to see a gun rack, rebel flags and a Howard Dean lack-of-appreciation sticker on not only his truck but every vehicle he drives.

And, truly, he does carry around the most impressive of butt cracks; seeing him prep a model in the pits instantly reminds one of how little stretch there really is in a pair of jeans.

Ya know how many of us sit around in the Stunt pits and kibitz about most everything under the sun? Including our fellow competitors. Right after Jim's latest outrageous story or comment on things political, yet another view from the rear or some such, I will lean over to a friend and say, "You know, that boy is just about four times smarter and more ambitious than he looks. Let me tell you what he is doing/has done, blah-blah-blah."

And now he has gone and proven me correct on both counts.

Congratulations, Jim! I will be getting a book for myself and one for Dad. You will be coerced into signing them both, you big lug.

I strongly urge one and all to buy one of these books. I'm not even a collector and, knowing what I do from sneak previews, I would be buying a couple even if I didn't know Jim personally. Heck, some people will be buying this book *despite* knowing Jim, it's gonna be that good! (Insert smiley face with tongue sticking out.)

Thanks Dan, Wearing belts has never been my stong point. Politically I am disappointed by both parties as none of them has real vision of what our country could achieve for all of us. Luckily for us we have a hobby and sport that binds us together regardless of all the worldly nonsense. You have given me much to think about, and cheered me on at the PAC contests. As far as the Northwest Stunt pilots are concerned, this is a sharp group of men who continue to raise the bar in just about every aspect of model building and flying. This pours over into our everyday lives, now if our wives would understand. Selling books is great, what is greater is to have a friend to fly with, and to talk about modeling and flying. I am all alone here in Olympia and that is why the contests are so important. Flying at a contest is like going to heaven for me, I dreamed of learning the pattern since I was 12 years old, being with the gang here in the Northwest and Canada, has made a happy man of me. Knowing you is something I don't take for granted, we aren't going to get out of this life alive. Thanks for being my friend. Jim J.