Moving into the third chapter and also the B section. Balsa wood model airplanes is the focus, and again this is something I would be hesitant to label as 'vanishing Americana'.
They still exist, albeit as a more niche market item. The chapter goes into a good history of the item, from their origins in World War II to their decline in the late 50's with the advent of plastic.
I've had a few balsa wood planes as a youth, although most of the models I played with were the foam patterns. I've seen the fancier versions with gas engines but frankly those were always out of my price range. I can get the nostalgia over a toy though.
