Written by JD (09/2009); Reformatted by JS (11/2010)
Frank Macy: 1935-2009
The past few months have seen the passing of many of our friends in model aviation. Each may be generally known by many in our hobby, some can be specifically known to related groups, and in smaller circles, each can be special and personal friends.
One person who left us on May 29, 2009, can undoubtedly be counted in all three categories. I refer to Frank Macy, the gentleman who made every effort to keep the legacy of Jim Walker’s American Junior Models ongoing. This gentleman’s passing will leave a huge void. Frank was not only an entrepreneur; he was a craftsman, artist, historian, and personal friend to many. We can remember the Fireball, Firecat, Firebee, Firebaby, Hornet, 404 fold-wing glider, 74 glider, and ceiling walker. Over time, specifically the last 25 years, Frank was able to put these models back into the market on a limited basis. Today these aircraft command a huge following by collectors and even more so by those who remember Jim Walker. Plans had been underway to continue the production of these models was a result of Frank’s declining in health. Only time will tell if this will come to fruition.
I will miss Frank, for my interest in model aviation began back in 1951, while waiting orders to depart Fort Meade, Maryland, for VII Corps, Kelly Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany. I was nine years old and my mother had purchased a 50-cent model down at the corner general store. That was a lot of money in 1951, but the A.J. Hornet was worth every penny. My model had the metal front-end hanger and a landing gear with turned balsa wheels. And this model flew and flew and flew. Jim Walker’s company produced and sold more than 230 million units. Frank Macy was my personal friend and I have many precious memories of the times we shared, good and those times where his declining health would have stopped most in their tracks, but his dream stayed ever conscious in his plans.
So as he now has shed all those earthly confrontations, I can envision he and Jim all flying in the same circle, three Fireballs at one time, a fourth in formation, and a 404 swing-wing glider catching the eternal thermal.
My good friend, I bid you goodbye only for now…
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