American Modeler Magazine — April 1959 | Missiles, Planes, Radio Control, Boats, Rockets | Vintage Hobby Publication

Thirty-five cents got you a lot in 1959 — including this issue of American Modeler, the go-to hobby magazine for the guy in the garage who was building planes, boats, and rockets before it was cool. The April 1959 issue features a stunning yellow seaplane biplane on the cover, period advertisements from Testors and Herkimer Tool & Model Works, and editorial content covering the full spectrum of mid-century modeling culture.

What's Included

• Single issue — bagged for protection
• Back cover intact with original OK Cub .049A engine advertisement from Herkimer Tool & Model Works, Herkimer, NY

Issue Details

• Publication: American Modeler | April 1959 | 35 cents cover price
• Topics: Missiles • Planes • Radio Control • Boats • Rockets
• Features: "Spitfire!" — Evolution of England's Most Famous Fighter; Model Rocket Design; McEntee's New R/C Receiver; New Deal for Control Line Stunters; Half-Size Models
• Condition: Used — shows heavy wear consistent with age; significant cover damage and peeling on right edge

Why Collectors Love It

Period hobby magazines are a time capsule — the ads alone are worth the price of admission. This issue packs in Testors cement ads, OK Cub engine pricing from Herkimer Tool & Model Works, and editorial content that captures the exact moment when model rocketry was just starting to go mainstream. The cover seaplane biplane is a beauty, and the Spitfire feature is the kind of deep-dive aviation history that enthusiasts still reference today. Heavily read, clearly loved — exactly what a 67-year-old hobby magazine should look like.

Condition Notes

• Used — bagged for protection
• Heavy cover wear consistent with age; significant peeling and damage to right edge of cover
• Please review all photos for specific condition details

Perfect For

• Vintage hobby and model aviation collectors
• Testors and Herkimer Tool & Model Works enthusiasts
• Mid-century Americana and ephemera collectors
• Aviation history buffs and Spitfire fans
• Anyone who grew up building models in the garage