Written & Submitted by EPW (02/2006); Edited by JS (02/2006), Reformatted by JS (02/2010)
Gene Wallock submitted the following autobiography in 2006.
Gene Wallock’s Biography February 4, 2006 The Beginning
I started building models in 1939. My first attempt was a Megow Corbin Ace two-bit kit that my uncle bought for me. Mom cut out the parts because razor blades were dangerous. My first mentor was Louis Scutiere when I lived in Irondequiot, New York. [When] Louis was drafted, I was on my own. The World War II years were spent building Cleveland, Capitol, Comet, Guillow and Joe Ott kits. Cardboard did not fly very well. I built a Scientific Coronet and a Comet Clipper MKII gas model. These were “hang-up” models because I did not have an engine. When we moved to San Gabriel, California in 1946, I was fortunate to have Russ Johnson as a neighbor. He mentored me for years, teaching me the basic skills of sanding, making good glue joints and covering techniques. He picked out my first Ohlsson & Rice 23 engine and a Comet Zipper kit to build. Russ and I went to Rosencrans & Western, Lakewood, Sepulveda Basin, Bakersfield or Taft in California on a weekly basis to compete. We both belonged to the Los Angeles Thermal Thumbers, which was an excellent sounding board for my building efforts. Russ started the San Gabriel Hi-Tailers and I enjoyed the formation of a group of life-long friends.
In 1953, I joined the San Valeers and really learned a lot from Paul Gilliam. I built many Civy Boys and finely honed my tissue trimming skills. In 1967, Russ and I joined the Southern California Antique Model Plane Society (SCAMPS) and I am still an active member. In 1967, I joined the Society of Antique Modelers (SAM) as member 22L.
Competition
I started flying in Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) competitions in 1947 when I was 13. My first AMA Rubber competition license was number 3363R, as I recall. I won the Towline and Hand Launch Glider Junior Class competition that the Thermal Thumbers sponsored in 1947. Frank Cummings was the Contest Director. I won third in Junior Gas in Lakewood, California and was bitten by the gas bug. I won the Plymouth Junior Qualification Championship in 1949 by taking first in Indoor Stick with a Featherette, Indoor Cabin with a Don Donahue design and Outdoor Cabin Rubber with a Megow Korda Wakefield winner. I won second at Detroit with the Korda. It was lost on the first flight.
I flew at the 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954 and 1964 AMA National Aeromodeling Championships. I placed in a couple of events with a San De Hogan and a Korda. I flew in the 1949 Wakefield Semi-Finals with a John Kiner design, but did not place. I was the high-point winner at the 1973 SAM competition.
Experiments
I designed the Drift Along A-1 Glider for Ace Model Products. I designed the 2 X 2, 2 X 4, 2S, 2T and the ¼ scale Pietenpol for House of Balsa.
Leadership
I have been a contest director and AMA leader member since the 1950s. My AMA number is 598.
Publishing Experience
I wrote building articles about the HOB 2T and the ¼-scale Pietenpol for Radio Control Modeler. I wrote an article for Free Flight Quarterly on how to fold old-timer rubber props correctly. I am a frequent contributor to various old-timer club newsletters. I wrote an article on Paul Gilliam’s Civy Boy that was published in the SAM 35 Yearbook. I am the chair of the SAM Design Review Committee and have a bi-monthly column published. I compiled and published the SAM Approved Book for Old Timer Rubber Designs. I also compiled the nostalgia rubber list for the National Free Flight Society (NFFS).
Hobby Industry Involvement
I owned P&W Model Service from 1977 until 1985. I produced a line of old-timer part kits. I also ghost-kitted Radio Control glider kits for Pierce Aero Company, Radio Control power kits for Skymaster and parts for AstroFlight model kits. I kitted the ¼-scale Pietenpol for House of Balsa.
Education Involvement
Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to teach formally in a school environment. I do contribute items to internet chat rooms.
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