Comet Model News

Comet Model News - DVD Nostalgia at its finest!

by  Nancy Kapitanoff

Reviewed By  Ed Kinney, IPMS# 2989

MSRP: $19.95 Available through Hannan's Runway. I can't help but wonder just how many of us, (like yours truly), got started building model aircraft back in the days of stick & tissue. Well, offered here is a most enjoyable trip down memory lane for those of us who "remember when", as well as an opportunity for the younger crowd to see just what it was really all about. This documentary is produced and narrated by Nancy Kapitanoff, daughter of Ruth and Eddie Kapitanoff of the Comet Model Co. This is obviously in more ways than one a labor of love. Included are two segments to this DVD, the first being a 15 minute history lesson as to how Comet got started in the back of co-founder Bill Bibichkow's father's tailor shop in 1929 (with an initial investment of $5.00!). This collection of both 8mm and 16mm film clips brings you the history of the Comet Model Airplane & Supply Co. from its humble beginnings to and through becoming a major company employing over 300 people including 20 salesmen and over 6000 dealers. The people featured in this segment are the epitome of the way things were, there because they were doing something they loved and there are several that are very recognizable. Carl Goldberg, several times a World Champion Modeler, was an integral part of the organization, and designed many of the kits offered by Comet. Also featured in the film clips are two other Comet employees, Bob Reder and Jack Besser, who as you may know went on to become the co-founders of Monogram Models. It goes on to describe Comet's involvement with demonstrations put on at the National Model Contests by Goldberg and his "traveling hangar," Comet's involvement in producing the 1/72nd scale aircraft identification models for the military during WWII, (now highly collectible), and probably most important, a thumbnail sketch of the people who helped build a company that survived not only the Great Depression, but a World War as well. I have probably watched this offering in excess of a dozen times, and seem to learn something new with each viewing. Certainly for me, a truly enjoyable experience. The second segment (approximately 13 minutes) is a start to finish build of a 25" wing span Stinson Reliant by 13 year old Walt Eckart. Let me tell you, it sure makes the pleasant memories come racing back. Amazingly, the price of admission to this was the grand sum of 25 cents US (and this included a tube of cement !!). What it didn't include was a large box of Band Aids and when you see this young man work with a Gillette Blue double edge razor blade trimming the tissue covering, you'll understand why. It was considered a good modeling week to only go through one box of the adhesive strips! Also included as a bonus is a replica of a paper glider produced by Comet in 1942 (images included), and yes, in case you're wondering, it flies very well. In conclusion, this is a very well compiled history lesson that, especially in my case, brought me back to the days of saving my allowance for 2 weeks and making the pilgrimage on my bicycle to the local hobby store where the odors of cigar smoke, banana oil and clear dope were ever present. In retrospect, that 25 cent cost was an excellent investment in my future. Check out their website www.cometmodelnews.com and www.hrunway.com/shop . A huge thank you to Nancy Kapitanoff for this review sample. Highly recommended.

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