The greater San Francisco Bay area is rich in aviation history. The region was home to many large military airbases throughout the 20th century.
One of the busiest of all was the Alameda Naval Air Station, located on the Bay between the cities of San Francisco and Oakland. This sprawling, concrete-covered megabase was once home to countless squadrons of Navy and Marine aircraft, as well as nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
Although the base has been shuttered since the end of the last century, its long runways and abundant open space have been pressed into service for a wide variety of uses, including an AMA chartered club field.
Preparations were made to host the 34th annual U.S. Scale Masters Championships at this exciting and historically rich site. The best laid plans are often torn asunder however, and unforeseen events beyond the control of the U.S. Scale Masters Association (USSMA) planning committee created a sudden need for a last-minute change of venue—after nearly 21/2 years of preparatory work to hold the contest at the naval base!
The club officers had wisely arranged a contingency plan. Within mere days of learning that Alameda was a no-go, the contest was moved to the Woodland Davis Aeromodelers’ Mavis Henson Field located 80 miles to the north. Club board member, Jeff Lovitt, stepped forward to CD the event. All of the club members deserve commendation for diligently working to finalize the necessary arrangements within a short deadline.
USSMA’s mission is to “develop and promote an interest in Scale Aircraft Modeling, accomplishing this by bringing people together to learn about the fascinating aspects of Aviation, Scale Realism, Competition, and Sportsmanship.”
Regional qualifier events are held throughout the first nine months of the year at club fields scattered across the US. Those who advance to the Scale Championships must earn their way in, with minimum qualification scores to be met in any of the five classes: Expert, Team, Advanced, ProAm/Pro, and ProAm Sportsman.
Many observers who attend the Scale Championships may limit their focus to the meticulously scaled models that are often the best of the best. However, it is worth noting that this entire competition is not just limited to modelers who have spent their lives honing their aircraft construction skills to the level of artiste.
The five classes are in place to encourage newer and less-experienced modelers and pilots to taste the excitement of this Scale competition, even if only at a novice level. One does not have to possess a lifetime of learned modeling and piloting skills to compete in this event. The Pro/Am Sportsman class is a great way to ease into the excitement of competing.
The variety of models flown at the event represented nearly every genre of the hobby. An abundance of warbirds from all eras of aviation was present. Notable World War I-era aircraft included John Cole’s stunning scratch-built de Havilland D.H.1a, which placed third in the Expert class.
The D.H.1 was Geoffrey de Havilland’s first commercial design, featuring a pusher configuration. This arrangement allowed for the gunner’s unobstructed view. The dummy Beardmore in-line six-cylinder engine on John’s model was made from cast resin, wood, plastic, brass, and aluminum. John actuated the control surfaces using cable control loops—the exact system utilized on the full-scale airplane. This model looked majestic in flight!
The fighters used during World War II are some of the most exciting airplanes ever produced. Tom Wolf’s de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI placed first in the Expert class and looked every bit the part of the full-scale British twin-engine fighter/bomber, especially when making a low-level bomb drop!
Other notable warbirds were Randy Warkentin’s impressively detailed F6F-3 Hellcat; Edward Becker’s sleek Supermarine Spitfire Mk XIVc; and a powerful-looking Hawker Sea Fury from Mike Ingram. Mike unfortunately had one of the main gear retracts collapse on his landing during flight judging on Friday.
The modern era of jet aviation was also well covered at the Scale Masters Championships, with aircraft powered by electric ducted fans and turbine power systems competing. A pair of turbine F-100 Super Sabres looked menacing in flight. Jack G. Diaz claimed second place in the Advanced class with his F model, while Rod Snyder got the top podium spot flying his D model.
Another aircraft from the modern era was an electric-powered, delta-wing Mirage, built and flown by Chris Wolfe. Chris’ Dassault Mirage IIIRS is a Jet Hangar Hobbies short kit and is powered by an E-Turbax ducted-fan unit on 12S LiPos. It is finished in a commemorative scheme used by the Swiss Air Force during the Mirage’s last active year of service. Chris placed fourth in the Advanced class with his attractively finished, delta wing jet.
Although the P-51 Mustang is perhaps the most popular piston-powered aircraft ever to have flown, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was the WW II fighter of choice for contest participants. Seven were flown at the competition.
Finessing the control sticks on one .60-size Hangar 9 P-47 was a pilot named Dylan Baltazar. Many of the more mature, veteran pilots in attendance sported gray hair, but not Dylan. He is a mere nine years old and walked away with the title of youngest competitor at the event!
Dylan and his father, Armand, were thrilled to attend their first Scale Masters Championships. Dylan was as cool as the proverbial cucumber while performing for the judges.
This young man is amazing to watch and represents the youth that is needed in the USSMA. Many of the competitors have participated for years and even decades, and the membership needs to attract a new generation of pilots to keep the passion for Scale aircraft models alive. Young Dylan had a respectable third-place finish in the ProAm/Sportsman class.
One cannot write about the youngest competitor in attendance without also bearing tribute to the “most mature” competitor as well. Mel Santmyers is a young 81 years of age and amazingly enough, has attended every Scale Masters competition—34— since the inaugural event in 1980.
Mel has been modeling for more than 57 years and competed in the Advanced class this year with his 96-inch wingspan Hangar 9 Cub. Mel was kind enough to pen a short autobiography covering his many experiences and accomplishments in the hobby throughout his career that is available on the USSMA website.
Mel’s Cub was not the only general aviation aircraft flown. Mike Brewer, from Astoria, Oregon, flew a lovely low-wing Ercoupe. He garnered sixth place in the Expert class with this 110-inch wingspan, gas-powered, 28-pound model.
Pilot Curtis Kitteringham and builder Ron Peterka grabbed the third spot in the Team class with a 98-inch wingspan, scratch-built Stinson SR-5 Reliant. This model features a scale interior and is based on a full-scale aircraft that was previously on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum annex. It looked fantastic in the air and captured the nostalgia associated with airplanes from this period in aviation history.
This was the first Scale Masters event that I have attended. In my 30 years of modeling, I have yet to feel the urge to compete. Having seen articles throughout the years covering this contest, my perception was always that it was beyond my abilities as a self-proclaimed “Joe Average” modeler. After all, many of the aircraft used in the competition and seen in the event photos feature an extreme level of scale detail and realism and are built and flown by some of the best pilots.
My perception that this event is only for advanced modelers who are at the head of the class and pinnacle of their modeling careers was wrong! The competition is designed so that both expert and novice Scale modelers—and everyone in between—can participate together.
The atmosphere at the Scale Masters Championships was friendly and relaxed. Although I am certainly not a Mel Santmyers or a Dylan Baltazar, I am a passionate modeler who loves the sight of a Scale model in flight.
Perhaps you also are drawn to scale realism. Will you consider joining the ranks next year? Don’t be surprised if you see me there too, making my bid to qualify in the ProAm/Sportsman class!
Edition: Model Aviation - 2014/02
Page Numbers: 37,38,39,40
Edition: Model Aviation - 2014/02
Page Numbers: 37,38,39,40
The greater San Francisco Bay area is rich in aviation history. The region was home to many large military airbases throughout the 20th century.
One of the busiest of all was the Alameda Naval Air Station, located on the Bay between the cities of San Francisco and Oakland. This sprawling, concrete-covered megabase was once home to countless squadrons of Navy and Marine aircraft, as well as nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
Although the base has been shuttered since the end of the last century, its long runways and abundant open space have been pressed into service for a wide variety of uses, including an AMA chartered club field.
Preparations were made to host the 34th annual U.S. Scale Masters Championships at this exciting and historically rich site. The best laid plans are often torn asunder however, and unforeseen events beyond the control of the U.S. Scale Masters Association (USSMA) planning committee created a sudden need for a last-minute change of venue—after nearly 21/2 years of preparatory work to hold the contest at the naval base!
The club officers had wisely arranged a contingency plan. Within mere days of learning that Alameda was a no-go, the contest was moved to the Woodland Davis Aeromodelers’ Mavis Henson Field located 80 miles to the north. Club board member, Jeff Lovitt, stepped forward to CD the event. All of the club members deserve commendation for diligently working to finalize the necessary arrangements within a short deadline.
USSMA’s mission is to “develop and promote an interest in Scale Aircraft Modeling, accomplishing this by bringing people together to learn about the fascinating aspects of Aviation, Scale Realism, Competition, and Sportsmanship.”
Regional qualifier events are held throughout the first nine months of the year at club fields scattered across the US. Those who advance to the Scale Championships must earn their way in, with minimum qualification scores to be met in any of the five classes: Expert, Team, Advanced, ProAm/Pro, and ProAm Sportsman.
Many observers who attend the Scale Championships may limit their focus to the meticulously scaled models that are often the best of the best. However, it is worth noting that this entire competition is not just limited to modelers who have spent their lives honing their aircraft construction skills to the level of artiste.
The five classes are in place to encourage newer and less-experienced modelers and pilots to taste the excitement of this Scale competition, even if only at a novice level. One does not have to possess a lifetime of learned modeling and piloting skills to compete in this event. The Pro/Am Sportsman class is a great way to ease into the excitement of competing.
The variety of models flown at the event represented nearly every genre of the hobby. An abundance of warbirds from all eras of aviation was present. Notable World War I-era aircraft included John Cole’s stunning scratch-built de Havilland D.H.1a, which placed third in the Expert class.
The D.H.1 was Geoffrey de Havilland’s first commercial design, featuring a pusher configuration. This arrangement allowed for the gunner’s unobstructed view. The dummy Beardmore in-line six-cylinder engine on John’s model was made from cast resin, wood, plastic, brass, and aluminum. John actuated the control surfaces using cable control loops—the exact system utilized on the full-scale airplane. This model looked majestic in flight!
The fighters used during World War II are some of the most exciting airplanes ever produced. Tom Wolf’s de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI placed first in the Expert class and looked every bit the part of the full-scale British twin-engine fighter/bomber, especially when making a low-level bomb drop!
Other notable warbirds were Randy Warkentin’s impressively detailed F6F-3 Hellcat; Edward Becker’s sleek Supermarine Spitfire Mk XIVc; and a powerful-looking Hawker Sea Fury from Mike Ingram. Mike unfortunately had one of the main gear retracts collapse on his landing during flight judging on Friday.
The modern era of jet aviation was also well covered at the Scale Masters Championships, with aircraft powered by electric ducted fans and turbine power systems competing. A pair of turbine F-100 Super Sabres looked menacing in flight. Jack G. Diaz claimed second place in the Advanced class with his F model, while Rod Snyder got the top podium spot flying his D model.
Another aircraft from the modern era was an electric-powered, delta-wing Mirage, built and flown by Chris Wolfe. Chris’ Dassault Mirage IIIRS is a Jet Hangar Hobbies short kit and is powered by an E-Turbax ducted-fan unit on 12S LiPos. It is finished in a commemorative scheme used by the Swiss Air Force during the Mirage’s last active year of service. Chris placed fourth in the Advanced class with his attractively finished, delta wing jet.
Although the P-51 Mustang is perhaps the most popular piston-powered aircraft ever to have flown, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was the WW II fighter of choice for contest participants. Seven were flown at the competition.
Finessing the control sticks on one .60-size Hangar 9 P-47 was a pilot named Dylan Baltazar. Many of the more mature, veteran pilots in attendance sported gray hair, but not Dylan. He is a mere nine years old and walked away with the title of youngest competitor at the event!
Dylan and his father, Armand, were thrilled to attend their first Scale Masters Championships. Dylan was as cool as the proverbial cucumber while performing for the judges.
This young man is amazing to watch and represents the youth that is needed in the USSMA. Many of the competitors have participated for years and even decades, and the membership needs to attract a new generation of pilots to keep the passion for Scale aircraft models alive. Young Dylan had a respectable third-place finish in the ProAm/Sportsman class.
One cannot write about the youngest competitor in attendance without also bearing tribute to the “most mature” competitor as well. Mel Santmyers is a young 81 years of age and amazingly enough, has attended every Scale Masters competition—34— since the inaugural event in 1980.
Mel has been modeling for more than 57 years and competed in the Advanced class this year with his 96-inch wingspan Hangar 9 Cub. Mel was kind enough to pen a short autobiography covering his many experiences and accomplishments in the hobby throughout his career that is available on the USSMA website.
Mel’s Cub was not the only general aviation aircraft flown. Mike Brewer, from Astoria, Oregon, flew a lovely low-wing Ercoupe. He garnered sixth place in the Expert class with this 110-inch wingspan, gas-powered, 28-pound model.
Pilot Curtis Kitteringham and builder Ron Peterka grabbed the third spot in the Team class with a 98-inch wingspan, scratch-built Stinson SR-5 Reliant. This model features a scale interior and is based on a full-scale aircraft that was previously on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum annex. It looked fantastic in the air and captured the nostalgia associated with airplanes from this period in aviation history.
This was the first Scale Masters event that I have attended. In my 30 years of modeling, I have yet to feel the urge to compete. Having seen articles throughout the years covering this contest, my perception was always that it was beyond my abilities as a self-proclaimed “Joe Average” modeler. After all, many of the aircraft used in the competition and seen in the event photos feature an extreme level of scale detail and realism and are built and flown by some of the best pilots.
My perception that this event is only for advanced modelers who are at the head of the class and pinnacle of their modeling careers was wrong! The competition is designed so that both expert and novice Scale modelers—and everyone in between—can participate together.
The atmosphere at the Scale Masters Championships was friendly and relaxed. Although I am certainly not a Mel Santmyers or a Dylan Baltazar, I am a passionate modeler who loves the sight of a Scale model in flight.
Perhaps you also are drawn to scale realism. Will you consider joining the ranks next year? Don’t be surprised if you see me there too, making my bid to qualify in the ProAm/Sportsman class!
Edition: Model Aviation - 2014/02
Page Numbers: 37,38,39,40
The greater San Francisco Bay area is rich in aviation history. The region was home to many large military airbases throughout the 20th century.
One of the busiest of all was the Alameda Naval Air Station, located on the Bay between the cities of San Francisco and Oakland. This sprawling, concrete-covered megabase was once home to countless squadrons of Navy and Marine aircraft, as well as nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
Although the base has been shuttered since the end of the last century, its long runways and abundant open space have been pressed into service for a wide variety of uses, including an AMA chartered club field.
Preparations were made to host the 34th annual U.S. Scale Masters Championships at this exciting and historically rich site. The best laid plans are often torn asunder however, and unforeseen events beyond the control of the U.S. Scale Masters Association (USSMA) planning committee created a sudden need for a last-minute change of venue—after nearly 21/2 years of preparatory work to hold the contest at the naval base!
The club officers had wisely arranged a contingency plan. Within mere days of learning that Alameda was a no-go, the contest was moved to the Woodland Davis Aeromodelers’ Mavis Henson Field located 80 miles to the north. Club board member, Jeff Lovitt, stepped forward to CD the event. All of the club members deserve commendation for diligently working to finalize the necessary arrangements within a short deadline.
USSMA’s mission is to “develop and promote an interest in Scale Aircraft Modeling, accomplishing this by bringing people together to learn about the fascinating aspects of Aviation, Scale Realism, Competition, and Sportsmanship.”
Regional qualifier events are held throughout the first nine months of the year at club fields scattered across the US. Those who advance to the Scale Championships must earn their way in, with minimum qualification scores to be met in any of the five classes: Expert, Team, Advanced, ProAm/Pro, and ProAm Sportsman.
Many observers who attend the Scale Championships may limit their focus to the meticulously scaled models that are often the best of the best. However, it is worth noting that this entire competition is not just limited to modelers who have spent their lives honing their aircraft construction skills to the level of artiste.
The five classes are in place to encourage newer and less-experienced modelers and pilots to taste the excitement of this Scale competition, even if only at a novice level. One does not have to possess a lifetime of learned modeling and piloting skills to compete in this event. The Pro/Am Sportsman class is a great way to ease into the excitement of competing.
The variety of models flown at the event represented nearly every genre of the hobby. An abundance of warbirds from all eras of aviation was present. Notable World War I-era aircraft included John Cole’s stunning scratch-built de Havilland D.H.1a, which placed third in the Expert class.
The D.H.1 was Geoffrey de Havilland’s first commercial design, featuring a pusher configuration. This arrangement allowed for the gunner’s unobstructed view. The dummy Beardmore in-line six-cylinder engine on John’s model was made from cast resin, wood, plastic, brass, and aluminum. John actuated the control surfaces using cable control loops—the exact system utilized on the full-scale airplane. This model looked majestic in flight!
The fighters used during World War II are some of the most exciting airplanes ever produced. Tom Wolf’s de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI placed first in the Expert class and looked every bit the part of the full-scale British twin-engine fighter/bomber, especially when making a low-level bomb drop!
Other notable warbirds were Randy Warkentin’s impressively detailed F6F-3 Hellcat; Edward Becker’s sleek Supermarine Spitfire Mk XIVc; and a powerful-looking Hawker Sea Fury from Mike Ingram. Mike unfortunately had one of the main gear retracts collapse on his landing during flight judging on Friday.
The modern era of jet aviation was also well covered at the Scale Masters Championships, with aircraft powered by electric ducted fans and turbine power systems competing. A pair of turbine F-100 Super Sabres looked menacing in flight. Jack G. Diaz claimed second place in the Advanced class with his F model, while Rod Snyder got the top podium spot flying his D model.
Another aircraft from the modern era was an electric-powered, delta-wing Mirage, built and flown by Chris Wolfe. Chris’ Dassault Mirage IIIRS is a Jet Hangar Hobbies short kit and is powered by an E-Turbax ducted-fan unit on 12S LiPos. It is finished in a commemorative scheme used by the Swiss Air Force during the Mirage’s last active year of service. Chris placed fourth in the Advanced class with his attractively finished, delta wing jet.
Although the P-51 Mustang is perhaps the most popular piston-powered aircraft ever to have flown, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was the WW II fighter of choice for contest participants. Seven were flown at the competition.
Finessing the control sticks on one .60-size Hangar 9 P-47 was a pilot named Dylan Baltazar. Many of the more mature, veteran pilots in attendance sported gray hair, but not Dylan. He is a mere nine years old and walked away with the title of youngest competitor at the event!
Dylan and his father, Armand, were thrilled to attend their first Scale Masters Championships. Dylan was as cool as the proverbial cucumber while performing for the judges.
This young man is amazing to watch and represents the youth that is needed in the USSMA. Many of the competitors have participated for years and even decades, and the membership needs to attract a new generation of pilots to keep the passion for Scale aircraft models alive. Young Dylan had a respectable third-place finish in the ProAm/Sportsman class.
One cannot write about the youngest competitor in attendance without also bearing tribute to the “most mature” competitor as well. Mel Santmyers is a young 81 years of age and amazingly enough, has attended every Scale Masters competition—34— since the inaugural event in 1980.
Mel has been modeling for more than 57 years and competed in the Advanced class this year with his 96-inch wingspan Hangar 9 Cub. Mel was kind enough to pen a short autobiography covering his many experiences and accomplishments in the hobby throughout his career that is available on the USSMA website.
Mel’s Cub was not the only general aviation aircraft flown. Mike Brewer, from Astoria, Oregon, flew a lovely low-wing Ercoupe. He garnered sixth place in the Expert class with this 110-inch wingspan, gas-powered, 28-pound model.
Pilot Curtis Kitteringham and builder Ron Peterka grabbed the third spot in the Team class with a 98-inch wingspan, scratch-built Stinson SR-5 Reliant. This model features a scale interior and is based on a full-scale aircraft that was previously on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum annex. It looked fantastic in the air and captured the nostalgia associated with airplanes from this period in aviation history.
This was the first Scale Masters event that I have attended. In my 30 years of modeling, I have yet to feel the urge to compete. Having seen articles throughout the years covering this contest, my perception was always that it was beyond my abilities as a self-proclaimed “Joe Average” modeler. After all, many of the aircraft used in the competition and seen in the event photos feature an extreme level of scale detail and realism and are built and flown by some of the best pilots.
My perception that this event is only for advanced modelers who are at the head of the class and pinnacle of their modeling careers was wrong! The competition is designed so that both expert and novice Scale modelers—and everyone in between—can participate together.
The atmosphere at the Scale Masters Championships was friendly and relaxed. Although I am certainly not a Mel Santmyers or a Dylan Baltazar, I am a passionate modeler who loves the sight of a Scale model in flight.
Perhaps you also are drawn to scale realism. Will you consider joining the ranks next year? Don’t be surprised if you see me there too, making my bid to qualify in the ProAm/Sportsman class!
Edition: Model Aviation - 2014/02
Page Numbers: 37,38,39,40
The greater San Francisco Bay area is rich in aviation history. The region was home to many large military airbases throughout the 20th century.
One of the busiest of all was the Alameda Naval Air Station, located on the Bay between the cities of San Francisco and Oakland. This sprawling, concrete-covered megabase was once home to countless squadrons of Navy and Marine aircraft, as well as nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
Although the base has been shuttered since the end of the last century, its long runways and abundant open space have been pressed into service for a wide variety of uses, including an AMA chartered club field.
Preparations were made to host the 34th annual U.S. Scale Masters Championships at this exciting and historically rich site. The best laid plans are often torn asunder however, and unforeseen events beyond the control of the U.S. Scale Masters Association (USSMA) planning committee created a sudden need for a last-minute change of venue—after nearly 21/2 years of preparatory work to hold the contest at the naval base!
The club officers had wisely arranged a contingency plan. Within mere days of learning that Alameda was a no-go, the contest was moved to the Woodland Davis Aeromodelers’ Mavis Henson Field located 80 miles to the north. Club board member, Jeff Lovitt, stepped forward to CD the event. All of the club members deserve commendation for diligently working to finalize the necessary arrangements within a short deadline.
USSMA’s mission is to “develop and promote an interest in Scale Aircraft Modeling, accomplishing this by bringing people together to learn about the fascinating aspects of Aviation, Scale Realism, Competition, and Sportsmanship.”
Regional qualifier events are held throughout the first nine months of the year at club fields scattered across the US. Those who advance to the Scale Championships must earn their way in, with minimum qualification scores to be met in any of the five classes: Expert, Team, Advanced, ProAm/Pro, and ProAm Sportsman.
Many observers who attend the Scale Championships may limit their focus to the meticulously scaled models that are often the best of the best. However, it is worth noting that this entire competition is not just limited to modelers who have spent their lives honing their aircraft construction skills to the level of artiste.
The five classes are in place to encourage newer and less-experienced modelers and pilots to taste the excitement of this Scale competition, even if only at a novice level. One does not have to possess a lifetime of learned modeling and piloting skills to compete in this event. The Pro/Am Sportsman class is a great way to ease into the excitement of competing.
The variety of models flown at the event represented nearly every genre of the hobby. An abundance of warbirds from all eras of aviation was present. Notable World War I-era aircraft included John Cole’s stunning scratch-built de Havilland D.H.1a, which placed third in the Expert class.
The D.H.1 was Geoffrey de Havilland’s first commercial design, featuring a pusher configuration. This arrangement allowed for the gunner’s unobstructed view. The dummy Beardmore in-line six-cylinder engine on John’s model was made from cast resin, wood, plastic, brass, and aluminum. John actuated the control surfaces using cable control loops—the exact system utilized on the full-scale airplane. This model looked majestic in flight!
The fighters used during World War II are some of the most exciting airplanes ever produced. Tom Wolf’s de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI placed first in the Expert class and looked every bit the part of the full-scale British twin-engine fighter/bomber, especially when making a low-level bomb drop!
Other notable warbirds were Randy Warkentin’s impressively detailed F6F-3 Hellcat; Edward Becker’s sleek Supermarine Spitfire Mk XIVc; and a powerful-looking Hawker Sea Fury from Mike Ingram. Mike unfortunately had one of the main gear retracts collapse on his landing during flight judging on Friday.
The modern era of jet aviation was also well covered at the Scale Masters Championships, with aircraft powered by electric ducted fans and turbine power systems competing. A pair of turbine F-100 Super Sabres looked menacing in flight. Jack G. Diaz claimed second place in the Advanced class with his F model, while Rod Snyder got the top podium spot flying his D model.
Another aircraft from the modern era was an electric-powered, delta-wing Mirage, built and flown by Chris Wolfe. Chris’ Dassault Mirage IIIRS is a Jet Hangar Hobbies short kit and is powered by an E-Turbax ducted-fan unit on 12S LiPos. It is finished in a commemorative scheme used by the Swiss Air Force during the Mirage’s last active year of service. Chris placed fourth in the Advanced class with his attractively finished, delta wing jet.
Although the P-51 Mustang is perhaps the most popular piston-powered aircraft ever to have flown, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was the WW II fighter of choice for contest participants. Seven were flown at the competition.
Finessing the control sticks on one .60-size Hangar 9 P-47 was a pilot named Dylan Baltazar. Many of the more mature, veteran pilots in attendance sported gray hair, but not Dylan. He is a mere nine years old and walked away with the title of youngest competitor at the event!
Dylan and his father, Armand, were thrilled to attend their first Scale Masters Championships. Dylan was as cool as the proverbial cucumber while performing for the judges.
This young man is amazing to watch and represents the youth that is needed in the USSMA. Many of the competitors have participated for years and even decades, and the membership needs to attract a new generation of pilots to keep the passion for Scale aircraft models alive. Young Dylan had a respectable third-place finish in the ProAm/Sportsman class.
One cannot write about the youngest competitor in attendance without also bearing tribute to the “most mature” competitor as well. Mel Santmyers is a young 81 years of age and amazingly enough, has attended every Scale Masters competition—34— since the inaugural event in 1980.
Mel has been modeling for more than 57 years and competed in the Advanced class this year with his 96-inch wingspan Hangar 9 Cub. Mel was kind enough to pen a short autobiography covering his many experiences and accomplishments in the hobby throughout his career that is available on the USSMA website.
Mel’s Cub was not the only general aviation aircraft flown. Mike Brewer, from Astoria, Oregon, flew a lovely low-wing Ercoupe. He garnered sixth place in the Expert class with this 110-inch wingspan, gas-powered, 28-pound model.
Pilot Curtis Kitteringham and builder Ron Peterka grabbed the third spot in the Team class with a 98-inch wingspan, scratch-built Stinson SR-5 Reliant. This model features a scale interior and is based on a full-scale aircraft that was previously on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum annex. It looked fantastic in the air and captured the nostalgia associated with airplanes from this period in aviation history.
This was the first Scale Masters event that I have attended. In my 30 years of modeling, I have yet to feel the urge to compete. Having seen articles throughout the years covering this contest, my perception was always that it was beyond my abilities as a self-proclaimed “Joe Average” modeler. After all, many of the aircraft used in the competition and seen in the event photos feature an extreme level of scale detail and realism and are built and flown by some of the best pilots.
My perception that this event is only for advanced modelers who are at the head of the class and pinnacle of their modeling careers was wrong! The competition is designed so that both expert and novice Scale modelers—and everyone in between—can participate together.
The atmosphere at the Scale Masters Championships was friendly and relaxed. Although I am certainly not a Mel Santmyers or a Dylan Baltazar, I am a passionate modeler who loves the sight of a Scale model in flight.
Perhaps you also are drawn to scale realism. Will you consider joining the ranks next year? Don’t be surprised if you see me there too, making my bid to qualify in the ProAm/Sportsman class!
