 
These pages from vintage modeling magazines like
Flying Aces,
Air Trails,
American Modeler,
American Aircraft Modeler,
Young Men,
Flying Models,
Model Airplane News,
R/C Modeler, captured
the era. All copyrights acknowledged.
 Here is a fairly
low-tech example of how much things have changed in five decades. 1-1/2-volt batteries have been the
de facto standard for model engine glow plugs probably since their inception (someone please correct
me if I'm wrong). In those early days, there was not the plethora of specialty companies providing niche
hobby needs, but Eveready stepped up to the plate and offered 1-1/2-volt batteries specially designed
for modelers' needs.
I'm guessing that these particular models were off the market by the time I entered the modeling
world in the late 1960s, because I don't recall seeing them. Of course, my family rarely went anywhere,
much less hobby shops, so maybe they were there at the time. My exposure would have been limited to
the local convenience store and a one-a-year trip to Sears. Come to think of it, I don't remember seeing
them in Flying Models or American Aircraft Modeler, either.
 So, when I was these ad in the
late 1950s - early 1960s era American Modelers, they seemed worthy of posting here.
In the last 20 or so years, nickel cadmium (NiCad) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) have been used
due to their compact size and ability to be recharged. Evidently 1.2 V and 1.25 V is sufficient to light
the coils. Before I switched over to all-electric power, my source of ignition was a control panel that
used a high power resistor to divide the 12-volt motorcycle-type battery down to 1-1/2 volts.
Posted August 1, 2010
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