Transcribed by JS (09/2006), Reformatted by JS (08/2009)
John Frisoli
“John Frisoli died in 1995 at the age of 81. His aeromodeling legacy lives on as Scientific Models, Inc., a company devoted to the manufacture and distribution of inexpensive, easy to build models. Many present-day modelers started their modeling careers with Scientific kits! At its peak in 1957, the company had 54 kits in production.
John became interested in model airplanes as a result of Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 transatlantic flight. At age 16, he started a model airplane retail shop. This followed having displayed his models in the window of his father’s music shop in Newark, New Jersey. With his father’s financial support, John used the rear of the shop to stock modeling supplies. Ultimately, his father closed the music business and joined in the modeling activity.
After a move, the company, now known as Scientific Model Airplane Company, began to offer a complete line of model supplies. In spite of the Depression, the business flourished. In 1933, the famous Hi-Flyer rubber-powered Scale models were developed. Priced at 50 cents, they were produced until 1941. Throughout the years, the company featured the work of many famous designers. Earlier designs became sought after for Old-Timer events.
Through the years, the company, renamed Scientific Models, Inc., produced many new designs, not only for Free Flight, but Control Line and Radio Control as well. Typically, these were always produced with the idea of attracting youth through inexpensive but excellent flying models.
In 1972, the production of model airplane kits ended. They live on, however, through the drawings and memories of many modelers. John’s son, John Jr., is the present owner of Scientific Models, Inc., which produces a variety of kits for Realife Miniatures, a line of period furniture for dollhouses.”
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