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AUSTIN, Texas – Texas brothers Joe and Victor Stanzel had long careers in model airplane sales.
A museum in her hometown of Schulenburg tells her story.
“The brothers always had the idea of having a museum. In 1999 the dream finally came true. After the death of Victor and Joe, of course, ”said museum professor Dianna Zimmerman.
Zimmermann grew up in Schulenburg. Now she’s helping to tell the story of the Stanzel brothers and their model airplanes.
“The Tiger Shark is probably the most popular model airplane and has been a top seller,” said Zimmerman.
Victor Stanzel began his career building scale model airplanes. He advertised in magazines and orders were received.
“He had to eventually build a factory, hire a few people, then they just started making kits,” Zimmerman said.
The original factory also doubles as a museum.
“It shows only part of the equipment that was in this facility, the so-called sawing room, where balsa wood is taken and converted into different parts of the aircraft,” said Bob Stanzel, the nephew of the Stanzel brothers.
“Unfortunately I spent a lot of time in the factory, but they were amazing. I learned a lot from them and from their ability to do what they did and how they did it, ”said Bob Stanzel.
The Stanzel brothers used a large heavy metal machine to shape the plastic parts of the aircraft. A separate dryer helped keep the wings in shape.
“Your ability to take a concept and turn it into reality was just amazing. They did everything and it was self-taught, ”said Bob Stanzel.
The shop closed in 2001. The Stanzel family also started a foundation to help the people in the community and to pass on a passion started by two Texan brothers.
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