National Aeromodeling Historic Organization - East Coast Indoor Modelers Club
THE EAST COAST INDOOR MODELERS CLUB
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Hangar 1 - Lakehurst NAS, New Jersey
The East Coast Indoor Modelers (ECIM) club was founded in 1931 by a number of modelers who flew their Indoor Free Flight (FF) airplanes in Lakehurst Hangar 1 starting in 1926. The club members have been flying in Hangar 1 ever since, with only a few gaps. The club is a charter member of the 麻豆视频 (AMA), our national aeromodeling organization founded in 1936. With charter number AMA 414, our organization is one of the largest indoor model airplane clubs in the country.
A typical Indoor FF model is constructed of balsa wood covered with tissue or film, is powered by a wound rubber band, and weighs only a few grams. These models require great patience to construct and are used in local, regional, and national competitions, and world championships. Many models flown in Hangar 1 have won these events. The club sponsors indoor competitions several times a year including a team selection competition before every world championship. Some national and world records have been set in Hangar 1.
In 1998 the club was expanded to include Radio Control (RC) indoor airplanes and helicopters. This section of the club is called the RC Slow Flyers Division. The RC models have to meet certain safety standards for maximum motor size, weight, and speed. The RC models must weigh less than 10 ounces and are powered by an electric motor with a maximum input power of 100 watts.
Currently the club has nearly 60 members with most flying RC indoor models. Our membership consists of people from every walk of life鈥攔etired professionals, retired military, and a few young people. At present, the average age is roughly 64 years old. We also serve as extra eyes for base security.
The ECIM club is most grateful to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for its continued support of our activities. Hangar 1 is a unique facility without which our club could not exist nor have accomplished the many records set there. Many of our members also belong to the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society to help preserve historical Hangar 1.
