American Junior Classics Remembers Jim Walker

1942 Audio Recording by Jim Walker, introduces
developments with the remote controlled U-Reely


This "recordiogram" was made by Jim Walker on his home Philco recorder in 1942. This recorder cut vinly records at 78 rpm, which was standard for the day. The average running time for each record was a little over 3 minutes. The recordiogram was state-of-the-art technology at the time.

Although only 3 minutes long, it is great to actually hear Jim speak and to get a little taste of his personality. This audio clip was chosen because Jim mentions ongoing efforts at the American Junior Aircraft Company in relation to the development of the Remoto U-Reely.

The recording was made available to American Junior Classics by Jim Walker's daughter, Valerie Alexander.

Evolution of the U-Reely

Very early U-Control, Control line by Jim Walker
Very early developments with the U-Control system designed by Jim Walker was this handle and wire spool collector to use with your new Fireball U-Control plane. This system was developed when the Fireball was introduced in 1939.
Control Line histrory, very early U-Control by Jim Walker
Here you can see a close up of the wire collection spool Jim Walker used prior to the development of the U-Reely.
Early U-Reely made of wood, early 1940's
Harry Fosbury helped Jim Walker develop the U-Reely
The first wood version of the U-Reely was made of wood. This model appeared early in the 1940's.
Jim Walker's close friend, Harry Fosbury, also helped in the development of the U-Reely, here you see his initials.
Early wood U-Reely by Jim Walker
Wood U-Reely and original box, early 1940's
A different angle with more detail on the original model.
This is how the first U-Reelys were packaged by Jim Walker.

Very early ignition control by Jim Walker, this predates the development of his U-Reely control handle
Early developments for a version of U-Control that would allow the adjustment of the speed of the ignition engine is shown here in this very early (circa 1940) American Junior factory photo. The battery would pass a current to a solenoid on the Fireball to shift the motor from high throttle to low. This image shows two different battery placement ideas Jim Walker was working on.

Remoto U-Reely in it's very early development around 1941
Remoto U-Reely by Jim Walker came out after World War II
The first version of the reomote controlled version of the U-Reely that Jim Walker refers to in the audio recording above.
After World War II, the Remoto was made of a new plastic called Bakelite. The red button controls the motor.
This image shows the standard belcrank used in the Fireball and the modified one to work with the Reomoto.
The Remoto is ready to go with it's Eveready battery.

Engine speed control using Jim Walker's Remoto U-Reely for Control Line Models in the late 1940's and 1950's.
Here is a schematic of how the Remoto U-Reely worked. Jim Walker used this model for his sabre dance and for flying three Fireballs at one time.
Jim Walker flying three Fireball U-Control planes at one time, a common display of his abilities and production U-Reely controls
A common scene from the early 1940's and early 1950's was Jim Walker flying three Fireballs at one time using his Remoto U-Reely to control the speed of each model. Notice the abundance of media at this airport demonstration.

Jim Walker flying three Fireball control line, U-Control, planes at one time.
Jim Walker usising three Remoto U-Reelys to show off his formation flying of the three Fireballs at one time, a favorite demonstration of his. Notice the helmet mount with control lines. Jim Walker used a mouth switch that allowed him to control the engine of the third plane.

 

To see Jim Walker performing his signature "Sabre Dance" using the Remoto U-Reely
with his Fireball, check out the video posted on our Short Takes page.

 


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