Written by AMA staff (03/1988, 01/2012); Transcribed by JS (05/2008), Reformatted by JS (02/2010); Updated by JS (10/2023)
Walter C. Throne, Syracuse, New York, runs a hobby shop, and his dedication to aeromodeling is known throughout the state of New York as well as nationally. For more than 30 years, he has been an active modeler. He has served his club as president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. As a Contest Director, he has organized and run hundreds of contests. He is a charter member of the Central New York Model Aircraft Association (CNYMAC), and helped establish and direct their annual midwinter festival and symposium for many years. He was pivotal in developing the Scholarship Program for CNYMAC.
Many times each year, Walt gives demonstrations for youth groups. He is often seen at fun-fly events putting his Helicopter through its paces for the amusement and education of the crowds. Some of his demonstrations have been televised, bringing many new people to the hobby. As an AMA volunteer, Walt has been an associate vice president in District 2 for eight years. At the 1983 and 1985 Westover Nats, he directed the Radio Control Pattern event.
Perhaps his main strength is the unselfish help he gives to newcomers. He always finds time to assist, and that sort of unstinting generosity is given a great deal of weight in selecting the Goldberg Vital People awards recipients.
Walter Throne
Walter Throne is a successful hobby shop owner as well as an excellent promoter and businessman. He loves model airplanes, cards, boats, and helicopters and is an active modeler. Walt is the owner and founder of Walt’s Hobby, a Syracuse-based, full-service hobby shop. He is a member of the National Retail Hobby Stores Association (NRHSA) and served as president from 1997 to 2001. Walt established and implemented the first and only program where NRHSA hobby shops could issue AMA memberships. This program has since expanded beyond NRHSA shops and is thriving today.
As a member of the Aero Radio Club of Syracuse (ARCS), Walt was a constant supporter with donations of hobby-related supplies and meeting facilities. He donates regular to support the active training program by providing supplies, aircraft, and flight instruction. He has been club president for 10 years and secretary/treasurer for eight years.
Walt was also active in the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA) from 1991 to 1997 serving as secretary from 1993 to 1994. He has been an announcer of several RCFTA events. Walt was also active with the International Hobby Expo announcing for 20 years and being a frequency coordinator and judge since 2004. In addition, Walt announced at the Tournament of Champions in 2003 and 2004.
During winter months at the store, Walt developed indoor helicopter and airplane training programs. Hundreds of students have earned their wings in the last couple of years at Walt’s. Walt has participated in nine Nats, earning a trophy in 1979. He has competed in helicopter, Pattern, Sailplane, and Formula I and II. In the 1970s, Walt flew in the Canadian Nationals. In addition to competing, Walt has CDed at least 60 events.
Walt’s publishing experience includes authoring 48 columns for Hobby Merchandiser magazine, promoting model aviation and helping hobby shops. And in 2005 he worked with Dave Mathewson creating an AMA Park Flyer brochure.
Walt has been an AMA member since 1955 and his status includes Distinguished Service, Contest Director (since 1968), and Administrative and Industrial Leader Member. From 1978 to 1986, he was the Associate Vice President for District III.
Walt is very active in his community, especially with the local youth groups, including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and also senior citizens. He provided guidance to many local organizations through demonstration and instruction. Walt also promoted the hobby through local TV ads and shows.
Walt established the Billy Leader Race, which has raised more than $57,000 for the Central New York Ronald McDonald house. He also created a scholarship in memory of Dick Schwarz, a long-time club member who shared Walt’s enthusiasm for promoting model aviation to youth. This is awarded annually to an active ARCS member who is enrolled in higher education. Walt was sponsored by Herbert Ziegler. Herbert wrote in his nomination:
“As you can see, Walt’s life work has been the hobby of model aviation. He is constantly looking for new ways to promote the hobby and is very successful at doing so. He is truly a pillar in the model aviation community.”
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