Nothing new under the sun of balsa models. From the April 1928, yes 1928 issue of "The American Boy".

   I don't expect anyone claimed it to be a new idea. The value of it for ensuring the correct LE shape in a stunt plane (as opposed to weight saving) was first realized by Ted Fancher on the second Trivial Pursuit.

    Brett

Ah, but Brett, a very famous top flyer once stated he had invented it. But he was wrong and I will not name names, but he is no longer active, but I know what I read.  He also made another claim but I found an example of "his" invention from a 1950's note book. Some guys just don't know the history of model aviation.   I find it fascinating. 

   You can invent something independently, of course.

     Brett