2006 Flying Aces Nationals-2007/02

Left: Prolific Pres Bruning holds his
24-inch-span, stick-and-tissue
Spanish Fury before flying in Golden
Age Military Scale. Airbrushed finish
is Sig Sliver Dope. Fred Wunsche
photo. Below: FAC co-founder
Dave Stott with his 50-inch-span
Taylor Cub, built from modified
Megow kit plans, that he flew in
Giant Scale. The kit sold for $1 in
1940. Wunsche photo.
Above: Ted Allebone scratchbuilt
his 24-inch-span, 148-gram
Supermarine Walrus. The
electric-powered model is
covered with tissue. It
performed great. Wunsche
photo. Below: Several low-wing
trainers grab some ozone in a
classic FAC mass launch. Bob
Clemens photo.
Above: FAC Hall of Fame
inductee Vance Gilbert with one
of his magnificent models. Text
relates a hilarious happening in
which Vance was “Gilbert” and
Dave Stott was “Sullivan.” Larry
Dodd photo. Right: A close-up of
the artwork on the nose of Chris
Starleaf’s magnificent Jumbo Scale
B-24J. The model’s flights were as
exciting as its looks. Dodd photo.
Mike Welshans’
20-inch-span MO-1
finished fifth in a field
of 12 in Golden Age Military
Scale. Wunsche photo.
Ed Pelatowski
and his impressive
stick-and-tissue Jumbo
Scale (36.5-inch-span)
rubber-powered entry.
Finish is Krylon clear and
weight is 160 grams.
Wunsche photo.
AWARD WINNER MODEL
Earl Stahl Award Bob Bojanowski Martin Mariner
(best Scale model)
Walt Mooney Award Vance Gilbert ANEC III
(best Peanut model)
Cole Palen Award Walt Farrell Fokker D.VII
(WW I Combat winner)
Earl Van Gorder Award Walt Farrell Westland Welkin
(Best WW II model)
Angus McSchadenfueher Award Orville Ohm Aeronca Champ
(best FAC high-wing Cabin)
Best Scale Crash Bob Bojanowski Martin Mariner
Bob Thompson Fiction Flyer Award Rich Weber Mystery Tailless
Aerol Trophy Award Dan Kane Mr. Smoothie
(for losers of other races)
Grand Champion (non-Scale) Vic Nippert
Grand Champion (Scale) Tom Hallman
Vic Didelot FAC Spirit Award Dave Stott
Blue Max Awards Stew Cummins, Clive Gamble,
Neil Hodson, Allen Shields,
Jim Thornton, Rich Weber
FAC Hall of Fame Inductees Peck-Polymers, Inc.
(Bob and Sandy Peck),
Bob Schlosberg, Mike Nassise,
Vance Gilbert MA
FAC Nats Mark XV
Awards and Honors
Far left: Hard-flying Steve
Griebling launches a fine
Scale flight. At this contest
he received recognition for
his 200th Kanone. Brown
photo. Left: Longtime FF
Scale columnist Fernando
Ramos with his non-Scale
Wren. He is one of a handful
of FAC members with
perfect Nats attendance.
Brown photo.
Below: Vic Nippert with his
impressive Hughes HK-1
Spruce Goose before
another outstanding flight.
Russ Brown photo. Right:
Del Balunek, who is famous
for modeling Japanese
subjects, in his colorful
Japanese outfit. Brown
photo.
CONTESTANTS FROM the US, Canada, and England met at
Geneseo, New York, July 14-16, 2006, to celebrate the 15th biennial
Flying Aces Club Nationals. The event was the largest gathering of
FF Scale fliers in the world.
All entrants are members of the Flying Aces Club (FAC), and US
participants are also members of AMA, which sanctions all FAC
contests. The FAC Nats began in 1978 and has been held in twoyear
intervals since. During the “off years” the FAC holds a slightly
smaller, two-day “Non-Nats,” also at Geneseo.
Severe thunderstorms in the Northeast US in mid-July gave rise
to harrowing tales of travel to Geneseo. Chris Starleaf drove through
six hours of blinding rain from Chicago, Illinois. Dave Rees and his
wife Marie came from Goldsboro, North Carolina, but when they
reached Virginia they were forced to turn back and missed the event.
Despite all that, it was pleasant in Geneseo by July 13—when the
static display and Scale judging took place in the air-conditioned
comfort of the newly remodeled Quality Inn (the FAC Headquarters
for the Nats).
As usual, hundreds of beautiful Scale models were entered. The
judging lasted from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Among the most spectacular Scale models were Bob
Bojanowski’s navy blue-and-white, electric-powered Martin PBM-3
Mariner; Chris Starleaf’s rubber-powered, 64-inch-span, silver B-
24J Liberator; Vic Nippert’s rubber-powered (propeller on the nose),
all-silver Hughes HK-1 Spruce Goose; Rich Weber’s handsome
natural linen Bristol Scout Model C; and Vance Gilbert’s 31-inchspan,
silver-and-black Avia BH-25.
Numerous vendors were present, including the FAC vendors with
commemorative T-shirts, kits, caps, magazines, etc. Colorful
displays were presented by Air Ace Models, Diels Engineering,
Easy Built Models, GizmoGeezer Products, Golden Age
Reproductions, Lee Campbell Model Products, Rocky Mountain
Model Aviation, Shorty’s Basement, and others.
The great Don Srull launches his
famous Jumbo Scale Voisin
Canard for another long flight.
Brown photo.
Photos as noted
Montreal’s Squadron 71
Harfane (Snow Owl Squadron) led
by Ronny Gosselin. Members
included Luc Martin, Bernard Dion, Larry Marshall, and Patrick
Brouchard. The group displayed a joie de vivre and panache
characteristic of the French. Although from Montreal, they jokingly
claimed not to like the French.
Their club emblem was proudly displayed on a flag over their
tent, and each member had a handsome pewter badge with the Snow
Owl motif. The squadron members appeared to be talented,
hardworking, and promised to return in greater numbers in the
future.
Several people stopped to chat with me. Michael Markowski of
Aeronautical Publishers in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, shared his
thoughts about the worth of model-airplane building as a pastime.
He is considering publishing a thoughtful book on the subject.
David Boals of Monrovia, California, shared delightful
reminiscences about his experiences as a model builder. Larry Dodd
took some beautiful pictures that he had developed during the
contest and graciously presented them to me.
I learned that my friends Del Balunek of Avon, Ohio, and Rocky
Russo of Salt Lake City, Utah, share an encyclopedic knowledge of,
among other things, the French and Indian War. They regaled many
of us with their insightful and frequently humorous remarks.
The 2006 FAC Nats was not without its moments of comical
catastrophe and mystery. Vance Gilbert crashed his Jumbo Avia
BH-25 so severely that, with his permission, John Stott administered
a coup de grâce by running it over with his motorbike. Vance then
scooped the remains into a ball and crushed them further by bear
hugging Dave Stott. Bob Bojanowski is to mount the flattened
remains under glass.
Friday night it was decided to have a memorial flight saluting the
February 2007 35
Individual vendors showed up later on the flying field. Gary
Zamory presented two new Speedee-Bilt kits—a Fairchild PT-19
and a Beech Bonanza—designed and manufactured by R.W.
Anderson, 115 Sue Ann Ct., Sterling VA 20164. If you haven’t seen
these kits yet, you are in for a treat when you do.
In addition to manufacturing new types, R.W. Anderson has also
made replicas of the original Speedee-Bilt series. Mark Fineman
reported that he is dealing in modelers’ estates and recently acquired
a collection of 47 boxes of kits. Those who are interested may
contact him at AeroIndex, Box 1135, Cheshire CT 06410; E-mail:
[email protected].
Greg Thomas of Thomas Designs also showed up on the field.
He markets an exquisite line of original fine-scale kits, plans, and
accessories. You can contact Greg at 505 Wildflower, Burnsville
MN; Tel.: (952) 453-9527; E-mail: [email protected].
Perhaps the most exciting new event was Jet Scale, with models
powered by Jetex or the new Rapier rocket engines. (The latter are
available from Shorty’s Basement, [740] 223-7471; E-mail:
[email protected].)
If there were Jetex-powered models flown, I did not see them.
However, Rapier-powered aircraft were flown by Ronny Gosselin
(Opal Rakar), Dan Kane (Blohm und Voss P.215, Focke-Wulf
Flitzer, and Hawker Hunter), Paul Morris (BAC Lightning), Marty
Richey (Blohm und Voss P.215 and P.212), Lindsey Smith (Blohm
und Voss P.215), Chris Starleaf (MiG-17), Mike Stuart (F-105 and
Fiat G.91), Phillip Weinstein (Blohm und Voss P.215), and myself
(Hawker Hunter).
The Blohm und Voss P.215 was an obvious favorite and a
phenomenal flier, with flights typically in the 35- to 40-second
range. Judging by the crowd reaction, it looks as though Jet Scale
may become a premier event in future FAC competitions.
One of the most enthusiastic groups present were members of
A rare Peanut
Scale twin—
Richard
Adams’ Arado
Ar.440 V1—
would give
anyone a bad
case of nacelle
envy. Clemens
photo.
Interesting FAC Nats Mark XV Facts
• This was the 15th biennial FAC Nats competition.
• FAC members with perfect Nats attendance were Lin
Reichel, Ross Mayo, John Stott, Juanita Reichel, Jack Moses,
Fernando Ramos.
• Memorable happenings were Vance Gilbert’s Avia BH-25
crash, the Hurst Bowers Memorial Flight, the FAC
Tribute to Departed Members, and Jack Moses meeting
FAC Squadron 71.
• A total of 39 events were contested.
• There was a total of 150 contestants.
• A total of 226 Scale models were judged. (There was
a limit of two aircraft per Scale event per contestant.)
• A total of 1,007 official flights were made.
• A total of 190 maxes (maximum time limit reached)
were achieved.
• There were 335 mass-launch flights. MA
—Dennis Norman
Above: Rapier-powered Jets made their debut at the 2006 FAC
Nats. A gaggle of these exciting models awaits Scale judging.
Clemens photo. Directly above: A part of the crowd at the indoor
Scale judging at the Quality Inn. In the foreground CFFS member
Roy Divis inspects some Fiction Flyers. Clemens photo.
late Hurst Bowers. Don Srull brought Hurst’s faded orange-andblack
General Aristocrat that had a pilot figure representing
Hurst’s friend Bill Winter and placed a 30-minute charge on the
model’s battery.
At 8:30 p.m., before a large crowd of onlookers, Don launched
the model for its final flight. The General Aristocrat circled slowly
to the right and rose majestically away.
After flying approximately 100 yards the Aristocrat began to
gallop like a rubber-powered model whose motor had shifted to the
rear. However, its behavior was baffling since it was not rubber
powered. The airplane slowly lost altitude and appeared to be on
the verge of crashing, but it managed to land and keep rolling on
the ground until it regained enough speed to rise again and
smoothly soar out of sight.
At roughly 9 p.m. a local farmer appeared at the field with
Hurst’s model. It had landed on his farm and the kindhearted soul
returned it unscathed. Don had left the field, but others accepted
the model and gleefully placed it outside his closed door and
knocked. Don came to the door and nearly had a heart attack when
he saw Hurst’s model sitting at his feet!
A third weird incident occurred at noon on July 16, when the
faithful gathered to toast a tribute to departed FAC members. A
small, yellow model was attached to a colorful cluster of heliumfilled
balloons. After Ralph Kuenz gave a toast, Dave Stott
released the balloons, which were intended to carry the model
upward.
The balloons (with the airplane attached) drifted horizontally
for a while and then descended to what appeared to be an
ignominious end. Amazingly, the same force that “rescued” Hurst
Bowers’ model reappeared, and the balloons began rising, taking
the tribute into a powerful thermal.
A fourth bizarre occurrence was when Jack Moses’
Messerschmitt M-20 was snagged in midair by a streamer from
the Montreal’s Snow Owl Squadron’s flagpole. The model floated
gracefully in place for several minutes before being rescued.
England was proudly represented at the FAC Nats by Lindsey
Smith and his charming wife Jane, Mike Stuart, and expatriate
Brits Paul Morris (now of Canada), Ted Allebone (now residing in
Michigan), and Tony Hall-Willis. Each of them brought colorful,
beautifully crafted models for all to enjoy.
Far left: Bob Clemens’ 21-
inch-span Farman 400 won
Golden Age Civil Scale in a
three-model flyoff. The 17-
gram model was built from
enlarged Mike Nassise Dime
Scale plans. Clemens photo.
Left: In a moment of power
and beauty, Chris Starleaf
launches his rubber-powered
Jumbo B-24J—one of several
crowd-pleasers at the event.
Clemens photo.
Right: Connie Murray holds
her husband Patrick’s
Grumman Avenger as he
prepares to compete in the
popular WW II Combat
competition. The event
requires a mechanic. Clemens
photo.
Far right: Showing classic FAC
form, Vance Gilbert launches
his Avia BH-25 on a
magnificent flight. Brown
photo.
EVENT WINNER MODEL
FAC Rubber Scale Vance Gilbert de Havilland Flamingo
FAC Peanut Scale Tom Nallen II Jodel D.9
FAC Hi-Wing Peanut Scale Steve Griebling Lacey M-10
FAC Jumbo Scale Bill Henn Focke-Wulf Fw 189-V6
FAC Giant Scale Bill Henn Reggiane Re 2005 twin
FAC Powder Puff Scale Juanita Reichel Piper Clipper
FAC Old Time Kit Scale Scot Dobberfuhl Mister Mulligan
FAC Dime Scale Dan Kane de Havilland Tiger Moth
Pioneer Scale Tom Hallman Blériot 25
WW I Combat Walt Farrell Fokker D.VII
Golden Age Civil Scale Bob Clemens Farman 400
Fairchild 24 Event Orville Olm Fairchild 24
Golden Age Military Scale Bill Henn Dornier Do Falke
WW II Combat Paul Stott Fiat G.55
AT-6 Endurance Event Richard Zapf AT-6
Modern Age Civil Scale Scot Dobberfuhl Piper Clipper
Modern Age Military Scale Bill Henn MiG-9
Contra Prop Scale John Regalbuto Macchi CS-15
Shell Speed Dash Race Bill Henn Chambermaid
Thompson Trophy Race Tom Hallman Loose Special
Greve Race Bill Henn Chambermaid
EVENT WINNER MODEL
Aerol Trophy Race Dan Kane P-W Mr. Smoothie
Blur Race Ed Pelatowski Folkerts SK-2
Goodyear/Formula Race Richard Zapf WLH-1
FAC Fiction Flyer Scale Rich Weber Mystery Tailless
FAC No-Cal Profile Scale John Stott Extra 400
Power Scale Single Engine Tom Hallman de Havilland D.H.2
Power Scale Multi Engine Chris Starleaf Lockheed L-188
FAC Embryo Endurance Chris Boehm Yellow Cab
FAC Old Time Stick Vic Nippert Thermalier
FAC Old Time Rubber Dan Driscoll Wren
Ted Teach Miss Canada
FAC 2 Bit Old Time Rubber George Mansfield Flying Aces Moth
FAC Jimmie Allen Event Marcie Green Skokie
Phantom Flash, Open Richard Zapf Phantom Flash
FAC Old Time Gas Replica Jerry Crawmer Zipper
Hurst Bowers Scale John Houck RWD-5
Hurst Bowers Mass Launch Jack Moses Poncelet Vivette
Rapier Jet Scale Chris Starleaf MiG-17
Low Wing Trainer Scale Buzz Trabbic Miles Magister
Dan Kane Arado 396
AT-6 Mass Launch Richard Zapf AT-6 MA
An icon of the Flying
Aces magazine was the
character “Phineas
Pinkham,” who
made his
appearance
at the 2006
FAC
Nats
in the
form
of this lifesized
drawing.
Clemens
photo.
FACS NATS MARK XV WINNERS
Although the recipients of the many awards
and honors are presented here in tabular
format, I want to give special recognition to
this year’s FAC Hall of Fame inductees.
• Peck-Polymers, Inc. (It was owned by the late
Bob Peck and his hardworking widow Sandy,
who recently put the company up for sale.)
• Bob Schlosberg (longtime CD, great builder,
and innovator)
• Mike Nassise (newsletter editor, plans
designer, CD, and FAC Council member)
• Vance Gilbert (great modeler, helper, and
entertainer)
Many others are worthy of future Hall of
Fame recognition, but the preceding certainly
deserved the honor.
Thanks to the efforts of Lin and Juanita
Reichel, Roy and Diane Courtney, Ross Mayo,
Fran Ptaszkeiwicz, Sue Starleaf, and a
magnificent group of volunteers, this year’s
FAC Nats was one of the smoothest and most
enjoyable to date. Thanks also to Russ Brown,
Bob Clemens, Larry Dodd, and Fred Wunsche
for providing excellent photographic coverage
for MA.
If you want more information about the FAC
or if you want to become a member and
receive the FAC’s unique, multipage, plansfilled
newsletter, contact Colonel Lin Reichel,
Commander in Chief FAC, at FAC-GHQ,
3301 Cindy Ln., Erie PA 16506. MA
Dennis O. Norman
[email protected]

Left: Prolific Pres Bruning holds his
24-inch-span, stick-and-tissue
Spanish Fury before flying in Golden
Age Military Scale. Airbrushed finish
is Sig Sliver Dope. Fred Wunsche
photo. Below: FAC co-founder
Dave Stott with his 50-inch-span
Taylor Cub, built from modified
Megow kit plans, that he flew in
Giant Scale. The kit sold for $1 in
1940. Wunsche photo.
Above: Ted Allebone scratchbuilt
his 24-inch-span, 148-gram
Supermarine Walrus. The
electric-powered model is
covered with tissue. It
performed great. Wunsche
photo. Below: Several low-wing
trainers grab some ozone in a
classic FAC mass launch. Bob
Clemens photo.
Above: FAC Hall of Fame
inductee Vance Gilbert with one
of his magnificent models. Text
relates a hilarious happening in
which Vance was “Gilbert” and
Dave Stott was “Sullivan.” Larry
Dodd photo. Right: A close-up of
the artwork on the nose of Chris
Starleaf’s magnificent Jumbo Scale
B-24J. The model’s flights were as
exciting as its looks. Dodd photo.
Mike Welshans’
20-inch-span MO-1
finished fifth in a field
of 12 in Golden Age Military
Scale. Wunsche photo.
Ed Pelatowski
and his impressive
stick-and-tissue Jumbo
Scale (36.5-inch-span)
rubber-powered entry.
Finish is Krylon clear and
weight is 160 grams.
Wunsche photo.
AWARD WINNER MODEL
Earl Stahl Award Bob Bojanowski Martin Mariner
(best Scale model)
Walt Mooney Award Vance Gilbert ANEC III
(best Peanut model)
Cole Palen Award Walt Farrell Fokker D.VII
(WW I Combat winner)
Earl Van Gorder Award Walt Farrell Westland Welkin
(Best WW II model)
Angus McSchadenfueher Award Orville Ohm Aeronca Champ
(best FAC high-wing Cabin)
Best Scale Crash Bob Bojanowski Martin Mariner
Bob Thompson Fiction Flyer Award Rich Weber Mystery Tailless
Aerol Trophy Award Dan Kane Mr. Smoothie
(for losers of other races)
Grand Champion (non-Scale) Vic Nippert
Grand Champion (Scale) Tom Hallman
Vic Didelot FAC Spirit Award Dave Stott
Blue Max Awards Stew Cummins, Clive Gamble,
Neil Hodson, Allen Shields,
Jim Thornton, Rich Weber
FAC Hall of Fame Inductees Peck-Polymers, Inc.
(Bob and Sandy Peck),
Bob Schlosberg, Mike Nassise,
Vance Gilbert MA
FAC Nats Mark XV
Awards and Honors
Far left: Hard-flying Steve
Griebling launches a fine
Scale flight. At this contest
he received recognition for
his 200th Kanone. Brown
photo. Left: Longtime FF
Scale columnist Fernando
Ramos with his non-Scale
Wren. He is one of a handful
of FAC members with
perfect Nats attendance.
Brown photo.
Below: Vic Nippert with his
impressive Hughes HK-1
Spruce Goose before
another outstanding flight.
Russ Brown photo. Right:
Del Balunek, who is famous
for modeling Japanese
subjects, in his colorful
Japanese outfit. Brown
photo.
CONTESTANTS FROM the US, Canada, and England met at
Geneseo, New York, July 14-16, 2006, to celebrate the 15th biennial
Flying Aces Club Nationals. The event was the largest gathering of
FF Scale fliers in the world.
All entrants are members of the Flying Aces Club (FAC), and US
participants are also members of AMA, which sanctions all FAC
contests. The FAC Nats began in 1978 and has been held in twoyear
intervals since. During the “off years” the FAC holds a slightly
smaller, two-day “Non-Nats,” also at Geneseo.
Severe thunderstorms in the Northeast US in mid-July gave rise
to harrowing tales of travel to Geneseo. Chris Starleaf drove through
six hours of blinding rain from Chicago, Illinois. Dave Rees and his
wife Marie came from Goldsboro, North Carolina, but when they
reached Virginia they were forced to turn back and missed the event.
Despite all that, it was pleasant in Geneseo by July 13—when the
static display and Scale judging took place in the air-conditioned
comfort of the newly remodeled Quality Inn (the FAC Headquarters
for the Nats).
As usual, hundreds of beautiful Scale models were entered. The
judging lasted from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Among the most spectacular Scale models were Bob
Bojanowski’s navy blue-and-white, electric-powered Martin PBM-3
Mariner; Chris Starleaf’s rubber-powered, 64-inch-span, silver B-
24J Liberator; Vic Nippert’s rubber-powered (propeller on the nose),
all-silver Hughes HK-1 Spruce Goose; Rich Weber’s handsome
natural linen Bristol Scout Model C; and Vance Gilbert’s 31-inchspan,
silver-and-black Avia BH-25.
Numerous vendors were present, including the FAC vendors with
commemorative T-shirts, kits, caps, magazines, etc. Colorful
displays were presented by Air Ace Models, Diels Engineering,
Easy Built Models, GizmoGeezer Products, Golden Age
Reproductions, Lee Campbell Model Products, Rocky Mountain
Model Aviation, Shorty’s Basement, and others.
The great Don Srull launches his
famous Jumbo Scale Voisin
Canard for another long flight.
Brown photo.
Photos as noted
Montreal’s Squadron 71
Harfane (Snow Owl Squadron) led
by Ronny Gosselin. Members
included Luc Martin, Bernard Dion, Larry Marshall, and Patrick
Brouchard. The group displayed a joie de vivre and panache
characteristic of the French. Although from Montreal, they jokingly
claimed not to like the French.
Their club emblem was proudly displayed on a flag over their
tent, and each member had a handsome pewter badge with the Snow
Owl motif. The squadron members appeared to be talented,
hardworking, and promised to return in greater numbers in the
future.
Several people stopped to chat with me. Michael Markowski of
Aeronautical Publishers in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, shared his
thoughts about the worth of model-airplane building as a pastime.
He is considering publishing a thoughtful book on the subject.
David Boals of Monrovia, California, shared delightful
reminiscences about his experiences as a model builder. Larry Dodd
took some beautiful pictures that he had developed during the
contest and graciously presented them to me.
I learned that my friends Del Balunek of Avon, Ohio, and Rocky
Russo of Salt Lake City, Utah, share an encyclopedic knowledge of,
among other things, the French and Indian War. They regaled many
of us with their insightful and frequently humorous remarks.
The 2006 FAC Nats was not without its moments of comical
catastrophe and mystery. Vance Gilbert crashed his Jumbo Avia
BH-25 so severely that, with his permission, John Stott administered
a coup de grâce by running it over with his motorbike. Vance then
scooped the remains into a ball and crushed them further by bear
hugging Dave Stott. Bob Bojanowski is to mount the flattened
remains under glass.
Friday night it was decided to have a memorial flight saluting the
February 2007 35
Individual vendors showed up later on the flying field. Gary
Zamory presented two new Speedee-Bilt kits—a Fairchild PT-19
and a Beech Bonanza—designed and manufactured by R.W.
Anderson, 115 Sue Ann Ct., Sterling VA 20164. If you haven’t seen
these kits yet, you are in for a treat when you do.
In addition to manufacturing new types, R.W. Anderson has also
made replicas of the original Speedee-Bilt series. Mark Fineman
reported that he is dealing in modelers’ estates and recently acquired
a collection of 47 boxes of kits. Those who are interested may
contact him at AeroIndex, Box 1135, Cheshire CT 06410; E-mail:
[email protected].
Greg Thomas of Thomas Designs also showed up on the field.
He markets an exquisite line of original fine-scale kits, plans, and
accessories. You can contact Greg at 505 Wildflower, Burnsville
MN; Tel.: (952) 453-9527; E-mail: [email protected].
Perhaps the most exciting new event was Jet Scale, with models
powered by Jetex or the new Rapier rocket engines. (The latter are
available from Shorty’s Basement, [740] 223-7471; E-mail:
[email protected].)
If there were Jetex-powered models flown, I did not see them.
However, Rapier-powered aircraft were flown by Ronny Gosselin
(Opal Rakar), Dan Kane (Blohm und Voss P.215, Focke-Wulf
Flitzer, and Hawker Hunter), Paul Morris (BAC Lightning), Marty
Richey (Blohm und Voss P.215 and P.212), Lindsey Smith (Blohm
und Voss P.215), Chris Starleaf (MiG-17), Mike Stuart (F-105 and
Fiat G.91), Phillip Weinstein (Blohm und Voss P.215), and myself
(Hawker Hunter).
The Blohm und Voss P.215 was an obvious favorite and a
phenomenal flier, with flights typically in the 35- to 40-second
range. Judging by the crowd reaction, it looks as though Jet Scale
may become a premier event in future FAC competitions.
One of the most enthusiastic groups present were members of
A rare Peanut
Scale twin—
Richard
Adams’ Arado
Ar.440 V1—
would give
anyone a bad
case of nacelle
envy. Clemens
photo.
Interesting FAC Nats Mark XV Facts
• This was the 15th biennial FAC Nats competition.
• FAC members with perfect Nats attendance were Lin
Reichel, Ross Mayo, John Stott, Juanita Reichel, Jack Moses,
Fernando Ramos.
• Memorable happenings were Vance Gilbert’s Avia BH-25
crash, the Hurst Bowers Memorial Flight, the FAC
Tribute to Departed Members, and Jack Moses meeting
FAC Squadron 71.
• A total of 39 events were contested.
• There was a total of 150 contestants.
• A total of 226 Scale models were judged. (There was
a limit of two aircraft per Scale event per contestant.)
• A total of 1,007 official flights were made.
• A total of 190 maxes (maximum time limit reached)
were achieved.
• There were 335 mass-launch flights. MA
—Dennis Norman
Above: Rapier-powered Jets made their debut at the 2006 FAC
Nats. A gaggle of these exciting models awaits Scale judging.
Clemens photo. Directly above: A part of the crowd at the indoor
Scale judging at the Quality Inn. In the foreground CFFS member
Roy Divis inspects some Fiction Flyers. Clemens photo.
late Hurst Bowers. Don Srull brought Hurst’s faded orange-andblack
General Aristocrat that had a pilot figure representing
Hurst’s friend Bill Winter and placed a 30-minute charge on the
model’s battery.
At 8:30 p.m., before a large crowd of onlookers, Don launched
the model for its final flight. The General Aristocrat circled slowly
to the right and rose majestically away.
After flying approximately 100 yards the Aristocrat began to
gallop like a rubber-powered model whose motor had shifted to the
rear. However, its behavior was baffling since it was not rubber
powered. The airplane slowly lost altitude and appeared to be on
the verge of crashing, but it managed to land and keep rolling on
the ground until it regained enough speed to rise again and
smoothly soar out of sight.
At roughly 9 p.m. a local farmer appeared at the field with
Hurst’s model. It had landed on his farm and the kindhearted soul
returned it unscathed. Don had left the field, but others accepted
the model and gleefully placed it outside his closed door and
knocked. Don came to the door and nearly had a heart attack when
he saw Hurst’s model sitting at his feet!
A third weird incident occurred at noon on July 16, when the
faithful gathered to toast a tribute to departed FAC members. A
small, yellow model was attached to a colorful cluster of heliumfilled
balloons. After Ralph Kuenz gave a toast, Dave Stott
released the balloons, which were intended to carry the model
upward.
The balloons (with the airplane attached) drifted horizontally
for a while and then descended to what appeared to be an
ignominious end. Amazingly, the same force that “rescued” Hurst
Bowers’ model reappeared, and the balloons began rising, taking
the tribute into a powerful thermal.
A fourth bizarre occurrence was when Jack Moses’
Messerschmitt M-20 was snagged in midair by a streamer from
the Montreal’s Snow Owl Squadron’s flagpole. The model floated
gracefully in place for several minutes before being rescued.
England was proudly represented at the FAC Nats by Lindsey
Smith and his charming wife Jane, Mike Stuart, and expatriate
Brits Paul Morris (now of Canada), Ted Allebone (now residing in
Michigan), and Tony Hall-Willis. Each of them brought colorful,
beautifully crafted models for all to enjoy.
Far left: Bob Clemens’ 21-
inch-span Farman 400 won
Golden Age Civil Scale in a
three-model flyoff. The 17-
gram model was built from
enlarged Mike Nassise Dime
Scale plans. Clemens photo.
Left: In a moment of power
and beauty, Chris Starleaf
launches his rubber-powered
Jumbo B-24J—one of several
crowd-pleasers at the event.
Clemens photo.
Right: Connie Murray holds
her husband Patrick’s
Grumman Avenger as he
prepares to compete in the
popular WW II Combat
competition. The event
requires a mechanic. Clemens
photo.
Far right: Showing classic FAC
form, Vance Gilbert launches
his Avia BH-25 on a
magnificent flight. Brown
photo.
EVENT WINNER MODEL
FAC Rubber Scale Vance Gilbert de Havilland Flamingo
FAC Peanut Scale Tom Nallen II Jodel D.9
FAC Hi-Wing Peanut Scale Steve Griebling Lacey M-10
FAC Jumbo Scale Bill Henn Focke-Wulf Fw 189-V6
FAC Giant Scale Bill Henn Reggiane Re 2005 twin
FAC Powder Puff Scale Juanita Reichel Piper Clipper
FAC Old Time Kit Scale Scot Dobberfuhl Mister Mulligan
FAC Dime Scale Dan Kane de Havilland Tiger Moth
Pioneer Scale Tom Hallman Blériot 25
WW I Combat Walt Farrell Fokker D.VII
Golden Age Civil Scale Bob Clemens Farman 400
Fairchild 24 Event Orville Olm Fairchild 24
Golden Age Military Scale Bill Henn Dornier Do Falke
WW II Combat Paul Stott Fiat G.55
AT-6 Endurance Event Richard Zapf AT-6
Modern Age Civil Scale Scot Dobberfuhl Piper Clipper
Modern Age Military Scale Bill Henn MiG-9
Contra Prop Scale John Regalbuto Macchi CS-15
Shell Speed Dash Race Bill Henn Chambermaid
Thompson Trophy Race Tom Hallman Loose Special
Greve Race Bill Henn Chambermaid
EVENT WINNER MODEL
Aerol Trophy Race Dan Kane P-W Mr. Smoothie
Blur Race Ed Pelatowski Folkerts SK-2
Goodyear/Formula Race Richard Zapf WLH-1
FAC Fiction Flyer Scale Rich Weber Mystery Tailless
FAC No-Cal Profile Scale John Stott Extra 400
Power Scale Single Engine Tom Hallman de Havilland D.H.2
Power Scale Multi Engine Chris Starleaf Lockheed L-188
FAC Embryo Endurance Chris Boehm Yellow Cab
FAC Old Time Stick Vic Nippert Thermalier
FAC Old Time Rubber Dan Driscoll Wren
Ted Teach Miss Canada
FAC 2 Bit Old Time Rubber George Mansfield Flying Aces Moth
FAC Jimmie Allen Event Marcie Green Skokie
Phantom Flash, Open Richard Zapf Phantom Flash
FAC Old Time Gas Replica Jerry Crawmer Zipper
Hurst Bowers Scale John Houck RWD-5
Hurst Bowers Mass Launch Jack Moses Poncelet Vivette
Rapier Jet Scale Chris Starleaf MiG-17
Low Wing Trainer Scale Buzz Trabbic Miles Magister
Dan Kane Arado 396
AT-6 Mass Launch Richard Zapf AT-6 MA
An icon of the Flying
Aces magazine was the
character “Phineas
Pinkham,” who
made his
appearance
at the 2006
FAC
Nats
in the
form
of this lifesized
drawing.
Clemens
photo.
FACS NATS MARK XV WINNERS
Although the recipients of the many awards
and honors are presented here in tabular
format, I want to give special recognition to
this year’s FAC Hall of Fame inductees.
• Peck-Polymers, Inc. (It was owned by the late
Bob Peck and his hardworking widow Sandy,
who recently put the company up for sale.)
• Bob Schlosberg (longtime CD, great builder,
and innovator)
• Mike Nassise (newsletter editor, plans
designer, CD, and FAC Council member)
• Vance Gilbert (great modeler, helper, and
entertainer)
Many others are worthy of future Hall of
Fame recognition, but the preceding certainly
deserved the honor.
Thanks to the efforts of Lin and Juanita
Reichel, Roy and Diane Courtney, Ross Mayo,
Fran Ptaszkeiwicz, Sue Starleaf, and a
magnificent group of volunteers, this year’s
FAC Nats was one of the smoothest and most
enjoyable to date. Thanks also to Russ Brown,
Bob Clemens, Larry Dodd, and Fred Wunsche
for providing excellent photographic coverage
for MA.
If you want more information about the FAC
or if you want to become a member and
receive the FAC’s unique, multipage, plansfilled
newsletter, contact Colonel Lin Reichel,
Commander in Chief FAC, at FAC-GHQ,
3301 Cindy Ln., Erie PA 16506. MA
Dennis O. Norman
[email protected]