Berkeley Models

Berkeley Models, Inc.

Company type	Private
Industry	Model aircraft manufacturing
Founded	1933 in Brooklyn, New York, United States
Founder	William L. "Bill" Effinger Jr.
Defunct	1962
Headquarters	West Hempstead, New York , United States
Products	Model airplane kits

Berkeley Models, Inc. was a prominent American enterprise specializing in the production of model airplane kits. It earned distinction as the pioneer behind the nation's inaugural gas-powered model aircraft kit and emerged as a significant contender within the market.

Originating in Brooklyn, New York, and subsequently relocating its headquarters to West Hempstead, New York, Berkeley Models operated from 1933 until 1962. The company’s founder, William L. "Bill" Effinger Jr., was honored with induction into the Academy of Model Aeronautics Hall of Fame in 1986.

History

In 1933, William L. "Bill" Effinger Jr. launched Berkeley Models from a Brooklyn garage as a complement to his engineering education. The following year, the firm introduced its initial rubber-powered model kits, and by 1935, it unveiled the Buccaneer—the first model kit powered by gasoline.

The company’s name was inspired by Effinger’s family home address at 53 Berkeley Place. Berkeley Models began placing advertisements in Universal Model Airplane News and had expanded its "Master Models" collection by 1935. In 1936, the Cavalier kit was released, featuring a wingspan measuring nine feet.

Effinger earned his mechanical engineering degree from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute in 1938 and later obtained an aeronautical engineering degree from MIT. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy managing aircraft maintenance from 1943 to 1945. Meanwhile, James F. Barry Jr., who had joined as head foreman in 1935, oversaw daily company operations throughout Effinger’s military service.

Following the war, Effinger moved Berkeley Models to a facility on Railroad Avenue in West Hempstead, transforming it into a leading industry force with approximately 100 of its 150 model designs still in production by 1957.

By 1952, Berkeley reported distribution through an extensive network including 85 distributors and 4,500 dealers nationwide. That year also saw the introduction of the "Bill Berkeley" mascot aimed at enhancing brand visibility. By 1957, production had reached around two million kits. Notable designers associated with Berkeley included Henry Struck, Dr. Walt Good, Don McGovern, Woody Blanchard, Benny Shereshaw (known for the Custom Cavalier), Paul Plecan (Minnow), Dick Korda (Powerhouse), and Stan Hill. Additionally, comic book artist Don Heck contributed detailed model illustrations circa 1957.

The company encountered financial challenges around 1959 and subsequently filed for bankruptcy. It was purchased by Fox Manufacturing based in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Duke Fox recounted attempts to maintain the brand’s presence before gradually discontinuing the kit division over several years. The Berkeley name remained active until June 1962 when Fox rebranded remaining products under its own label; some lines were eventually acquired by Sig.

Afterward, Effinger took on the role of project engineer at A.C. Gilbert Company until his passing in 1999.

John Worth of the Academy of Model Aeronautics acknowledged Effinger’s visionary leadership and business acumen by describing Berkeley Models as "probably the most prolific producer of model kits," emphasizing its substantial impact and innovative contributions to the field.

See also

• List of model aircraft manufacturers
• List of New York companies