The Blue Max - 2011/07

July 2011 21
8202
Below: Mike Wartman performs his
second flight while his girlfriend, Cindy
Kern, calls maneuvers for him. Mike’s
routine was enjoyable to watch and
listen to as he narrated his flight for
judges and spectators.
Mike Wartman (Gray TN) flies his Hangar 9
Fokker D.VII in the ARF category. Power is an
MP60 brushless motor using a 6S 5000 mAh Li-
Poly battery, swinging a Xoar 16 x 8 propeller.
Below: Steve Thomas—who owns Bob’s
Hobby Center in Orlando—assembles his
heavily armed Italian “balloon-busting”
Nieuport 17. It is a modified Balsa USA 1/3-
scale Nieuport 11 that has a Zenoah GT-80
engine swinging a Xoar 26 x 8 propeller.
some knowledge of what to expect, but this was
new to me—and to everyone, in a way.
The inaugural event, held in March last year,
SHADOWY FIGURES could be seen scurrying from aircraft to tent and back
again, in preparation of a new day at “The Front.” As the fiery orange ball of
sun rose over the Eastern horizon, the general major addressed his men, boys
really, giving them their orders.
Intelligence had been intercepted indicating that the Entente Forces had
amassed their airpower and were expected to attack either this day or the next,
and the Central Powers were ready to engage them in the air.
It’s easy to imagine such a scene nearly 100 years ago in Central Europe, but
it played out on the morning of April 15, 2011. It was at the second annual Blue
Max RC Scale Competition and Festival of Early Flight, held April 15-17 at
Kermit Weeks’ Fantasy of Flight Museum in Polk City, Florida.
I had never been to a contest, let alone a Scale contest, so I was excited about
this experience. From being in the hobby for the past 20-odd years, I had
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:35 AM Page 21
Right: In the Scratch
Built category, Rich
Feroldi (Winter
Springs FL) won
the Iron Cross for
his static score and the
Blue Max for his flight
score with his gorgeous
1/3-scale Albatros D.V.
He also took home the
Best Central Powers
award.
Above: Bruce Horvath’s
(S a f e t y H a r b or FL )
A r i z o na Mo d e l
Ai rcrafters 1/ 4-scale
Fokker D.VII, powered
b y a S a ito G 3 6 g as
engine, is shown during
a l e v e l pass over t he
r u nway in t he A R F
ca t e g or y. Br u c e w o n
the I r o n C r os s for h is
stati c sco r e a n d t he
Bl u e Ma x for h is fli ght
score.
Left: On Saturday
morning, aircraft were
prepped and placed
along the inside
barrier of the flightline
in anticipation of the
scored flight round.
B l u e
Max
The
22 MODEL AVIATION
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:44 AM Page 22
July 2011 23
Right: Doug Pierce’s
(Holly Hill FL) 1/3-
scale Glenn Torrance
Models Fokker D.VII
looks at home in the
dreary sky, intent on
shooting down the
enemy. Doug took
the Blue Max for his
flight score in the Kit
category.
Dawn Patrol Pilots by Cindy Kern produces well-dressed World
War I figures in 1/4 scale, and several were on display during the
static judging.
The “pilot’s office” in Todd Bi xby’s (Orlando FL) 1/3-s cale Mi ck
Reeves Sopwith Camel was expertly detailed, down to the pulleys
for contr o l c ables. Chec k o u t the metal w o rk on the for wa rd
fuselage.
Photos by the author
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:48 AM Page 23
24 MODEL AVIATION
Left: Walter Legan (Orlando FL) shows
his scratch-built 1/24-scale, electricpowered
Peanut Scale S.E.5a to a
group of EAA flying community
members, the Pear Park Pilots, who
stopped by to watch the Blue Max
flight round Saturday morning.
These are the awards at the Saturday-evening banquet in the Orlampa Conference Center at Fantasy of Flight. Prizes were given in the
four categories, with an Iron Cross for high static score and a Blue Max for high flight score. Additional honors were given for Best
Entente Powers aircraft, Best Central Powers aircraft, Pilots’ Choice, Best Crash, and Best Color Scheme.
Awards
Kit
Static: Todd Bixby Orlando FL 1/3-scale Mick Reeves Sopwith Camel
Flight: Doug Pierce Holly Hill FL 1/3-scale GTM Fokker D.VII
Scratch-built
Static: Rich Feraldi Winter Springs FL 1/3-scale Albatros D.V
Flight: Rich Feraldi Winter Springs FL 1/3-scale Albatros D.V
ARF
Static: Bruce Horvath Safety Harbor FL Arizona Models 1/4-scale D.VII
Flight: Bruce Horvath Safety Harbor FL Arizona Models 1/4-scale D.VII
Balsa USA
Static: Scott Lee Orlando FL 1/3-scale Sopwith Pup
Flight: Scott Lee Orlando FL 1/3-scale Sopwith Pup
Additional awards
• A signed print by artist Ronny Bar was given for Best Central Powers aircraft to Rich Feraldi, 1/3-scale scratch-built Albatros
D.V.
• A signed print by artist Ronny Bar was given for Best Entente Powers aircraft to Scott Lee for his 1/3-scale Balsa USA Sopwith
Pup.
• A plaque for Pilots’ Choice was awarded to Scott Lee for his 1/3-scale Balsa USA Sopwith Pup.
• A special award on behalf of Fantasy of Flight was given for “Outstanding Representation of Aviation in the Remote-Control
Field During the 2011 Blue Max Competition” to Steve Thomas of Bob’s Hobby Center, Orlando FL.
Sponsors
Bob’s Hobby Center
Balsa USA
Just Model Props
Over The Front
Williams Brothers Model
Products
Ohio Dawn Patrol
Russell Smith Studios
Ronny Bar Aircraft Profiles
GetStencils.com
RCScaleBuilder.com
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:50 AM Page 24
suffered from poor weather. As a result, this
year’s edition was held in April, in hopes of
better conditions.
Although many people in the Central US
faced severe weather that weekend, the Blue
Max was blessed with warm temperatures,
clear skies, and winds that only slightly
hampered daily flying.
Twenty-three pilots traveled from as far
as Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Indiana, and
New York (the majority were from Florida)
and registered in one of four categories:
Scratch Built, Kit, Balsa USA, and ARF.
Some fliers arrived early on the evening
of the 14th. They were allowed to set up
“pit” tents and drop off trailers for the
night. By Friday morning, most of the
participants had arrived and registered in
time for the pilots’ safety meeting held at
8:30.
After the pilot briefing, modelers began
to assemble their aircraft so they could
tweak the engines for local conditions,
ensure that all components were working
properly, and put in some practice rounds
to get familiar with the lay of the field.
Although the site was large enough, it
did have limitations. Those included a
road not to be flown over located to the
right of the pilots’ boxes; approach and
departure to one of the Fantasy of Flight
grass runways to the left; and trees
defining the “downwind” leg on the far
side, which encroached slightly on the
northwest side. The trees weren’t as close
as they first appeared, and all model pilots
maintained good clearance.
All models had to be in the Orlampa
Conference Center, which was
approximately 150 yards from the
flightline, and assembled for static judging
by 12:30 p.m. That wasn’t a big problem
because the winds had picked up, making
it slightly risky to fly lightly loaded World
War I aircraft. Judging lasted the rest of
the afternoon until about 5:30, behind
closed doors.
Unlike at other Scale competitions, the
Blue Max is all about aircraft from one era
in aviation history: the earliest years, from
1903-1919. Those models are separated
into categories; kits are judged against
kits, ARFs are pitted against ARFs,
scratch-built models compete against
scratch-built models, and, because of their
larger numbers, Balsa USA kits get a
category all their own.
Blue Max rules allow judges to walk
up to the models to scrutinize them, which
is unique in Scale contests. There were
two teams of three judges, several of
whom were also there to compete. But
they weren’t allowed to evaluate a
category in which they were entered,
ensuring no biases.
While the judges were busy, most
aeromodelers made their way to Kermit
Weeks’ Fantasy of Flight museum for the
afternoon. Part of the contest registration
fees covered admission to the museum for
the entire weekend.
Kermit’s is the largest privately owned
collection of rare, flyable aircraft in the
world. He is usually at the facility and
available to talk with the public.
However, the weekend of the Blue Max
he was in New Zealand looking at two
aircraft to add to his collection. Kermit has a
passion for World War I aircraft, and those
he went overseas to see were from that era,
built as reproductions. Fantasy of Flight tries
to acquire all original, flyable aircraft or
flyable reproductions of the originals,
making changes only in the interest of
safety.
The museum features flight
demonstrations and biplane rides, weather
permitting. There are also guided tours of
the restoration and wood shops, which give
visitors insight into the work that the
Airframe & Powerplant mechanics do to
keep the airplanes flying.
The ability to maintain and repair these
early aircraft is becoming a lost art;
technology is replacing the materials that
were once commonplace in their structure
and finish. When was the last time you saw
an airplane covered with corrugated metal?
Later that afternoon, the static judges
made their decisions and drew names to
form the order for the next day’s round of
flying competition. There was still enough
daylight and light breezes for those who
wanted or needed it to get in more practice
flying.
Saturday morning greeted everyone with
light breezes nearly directly down the
runway, much to the contestants’ delight. No
one breathed easy, though; the winds were
forecasted to strengthen to 15-25 mph. No
time was wasted briefing pilots on the flying
rules. Each would fly only one judged round
consisting of five mandatory maneuvers and
five approved maneuvers of their choice.
Judging would be conducted by one of two
two-man teams.
I was aware that the single round of
flying was also different from how it’s done
at most other contests. But it did make sense.
First, there was the wind to think about.
Early airplanes were notoriously light and
didn’t penetrate wind as well as later,
heavier aircraft used throughout the 1920s,
1930s, and into today. Having only one
round meant that all flying could likely be
completed before the wind picked up too
much, giving everyone the same flying
conditions for the most part.
Second, as the event grows, which it’s
sure to, one round of flight is simply
quicker. But it also means that there’s no
room for error if a pilot wants to score well.
The majority of models were either 1/4 or
1/3 scale; however, Walter Legan of Orlando,
Florida, arrived with two 1/24-scale Peanut
Scale models: a SPAD XIII finished in
American ace Eddie Rickenbacker’s “Hat in
the Ring” colors and an S.E.5a
“Schweinhund” that Walter built from
scratch. Both had electric power.
Walter flew each of his aircraft in
competition. However, the winds were
26 MODEL AVIATION
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:51 AM Page 26
July 2011 27
picking up at that time, which made them
hard to control and they scored low in flight
realism.
At the other end of the spectrum was
Keith Zimmerly of Mercerville, New
Jersey, flying the prototype Balsa USA 1/2-
scale Nieuport 11. Unlike the smaller
models, this one flew beautifully all
weekend.
Keith competed with the airplane, but as
a prototype it wasn’t highly detailed and he
didn’t expect to finish well. It was a Balsa
USA-sponsored build to gauge interest in
kitting a 1/2-scale Nieuport 11. It appeared
that interest was high!
Scott Annis of Milford, Massachusetts,
had the only serious crash of the weekend,
when he initiated a too-low stall turn during
a practice round Friday afternoon. His
model was reparable, but it was too much to
do in one night, before the Saturday flight
round. Scott’s disappointment was obvious.
As the morning turned to midday, the
flight round was coming to an end and the
forecasted winds were picking up. The 15-
25 mph wind speeds eventually
materialized and began to wreak havoc with
anything that was not tightly secured.
Models were either completely
disassembled or moved indoors. Unable to
fly, several pilots gathered under the shade
of “pit” tents and talked shop. Before long,
many headed back to the museum to get out
of the wind and sun before the evening
awards banquet in the conference center.
Everyone gathered for the banquet at 5:30.
A delicious catered meal of barbecue pork
and chicken, cole slaw, baked beans, salad,
and rolls was served before the awards were
presented.
Master of Ceremonies General Major
Mike Celeskey began by thanking everyone
for attending and making the Blue Max a
memorable and successful event. Awards
were presented for the highest static and
flight scores in each of the four categories.
Static winners received the Iron Cross for
their efforts, and flight winners received the
Blue Max for theirs.
The dawn patrol movement in RC has
seen abundant growth in the last decade,
and the Blue Max is a part of that.
Organizers Mike Celeskey, John Olsen, and
Ron Preston saw a need for those who fly
RC Scale models of early aircraft to gather
in a fun, friendly, laid-back atmosphere, to
compete for bragging rights.
There was no shortage of fun and
friendly spirits that weekend, and the
atmosphere was certainly laid-back, in part
because of the location at Fantasy of Flight
and the wonderful people who participated.
Although I’d never met most of the
modelers before that weekend, I immediately
found everyone to be open and receptive. At
times it felt more like a fun-fly than a
competition, and that’s exactly how it should
have felt.
If you’re interested in the early years of
powered flight and are considering
entering a Scale contest, start thinking now
about the 2012 Blue Max and become a
part of history.
A special thank-you goes to Christine
Stevens, events sales and services
coordinator at Fantasy of Flight, for
preparing all of the pilot registration
packages, answering the many emails and
telephone calls, ensuring that the field and
conference room were secured each night,
and keeping the entire function on schedule.
I and everyone else who attended the Blue
Max appreciate her hard work. MA
T.J. Rohyans
[email protected]
Sources:
Fantasy of Flight
(863) 984-3500
www.fantasyofflight.com
Blue Max
www.derblauermax.com
Balsa USA
(906) 863-6421
www.balsausa.com
Additional event photos:
www.tangojulietphotography.com
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:52 AM Page 27

July 2011 21
8202
Below: Mike Wartman performs his
second flight while his girlfriend, Cindy
Kern, calls maneuvers for him. Mike’s
routine was enjoyable to watch and
listen to as he narrated his flight for
judges and spectators.
Mike Wartman (Gray TN) flies his Hangar 9
Fokker D.VII in the ARF category. Power is an
MP60 brushless motor using a 6S 5000 mAh Li-
Poly battery, swinging a Xoar 16 x 8 propeller.
Below: Steve Thomas—who owns Bob’s
Hobby Center in Orlando—assembles his
heavily armed Italian “balloon-busting”
Nieuport 17. It is a modified Balsa USA 1/3-
scale Nieuport 11 that has a Zenoah GT-80
engine swinging a Xoar 26 x 8 propeller.
some knowledge of what to expect, but this was
new to me—and to everyone, in a way.
The inaugural event, held in March last year,
SHADOWY FIGURES could be seen scurrying from aircraft to tent and back
again, in preparation of a new day at “The Front.” As the fiery orange ball of
sun rose over the Eastern horizon, the general major addressed his men, boys
really, giving them their orders.
Intelligence had been intercepted indicating that the Entente Forces had
amassed their airpower and were expected to attack either this day or the next,
and the Central Powers were ready to engage them in the air.
It’s easy to imagine such a scene nearly 100 years ago in Central Europe, but
it played out on the morning of April 15, 2011. It was at the second annual Blue
Max RC Scale Competition and Festival of Early Flight, held April 15-17 at
Kermit Weeks’ Fantasy of Flight Museum in Polk City, Florida.
I had never been to a contest, let alone a Scale contest, so I was excited about
this experience. From being in the hobby for the past 20-odd years, I had
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:35 AM Page 21
Right: In the Scratch
Built category, Rich
Feroldi (Winter
Springs FL) won
the Iron Cross for
his static score and the
Blue Max for his flight
score with his gorgeous
1/3-scale Albatros D.V.
He also took home the
Best Central Powers
award.
Above: Bruce Horvath’s
(S a f e t y H a r b or FL )
A r i z o na Mo d e l
Ai rcrafters 1/ 4-scale
Fokker D.VII, powered
b y a S a ito G 3 6 g as
engine, is shown during
a l e v e l pass over t he
r u nway in t he A R F
ca t e g or y. Br u c e w o n
the I r o n C r os s for h is
stati c sco r e a n d t he
Bl u e Ma x for h is fli ght
score.
Left: On Saturday
morning, aircraft were
prepped and placed
along the inside
barrier of the flightline
in anticipation of the
scored flight round.
B l u e
Max
The
22 MODEL AVIATION
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:44 AM Page 22
July 2011 23
Right: Doug Pierce’s
(Holly Hill FL) 1/3-
scale Glenn Torrance
Models Fokker D.VII
looks at home in the
dreary sky, intent on
shooting down the
enemy. Doug took
the Blue Max for his
flight score in the Kit
category.
Dawn Patrol Pilots by Cindy Kern produces well-dressed World
War I figures in 1/4 scale, and several were on display during the
static judging.
The “pilot’s office” in Todd Bi xby’s (Orlando FL) 1/3-s cale Mi ck
Reeves Sopwith Camel was expertly detailed, down to the pulleys
for contr o l c ables. Chec k o u t the metal w o rk on the for wa rd
fuselage.
Photos by the author
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:48 AM Page 23
24 MODEL AVIATION
Left: Walter Legan (Orlando FL) shows
his scratch-built 1/24-scale, electricpowered
Peanut Scale S.E.5a to a
group of EAA flying community
members, the Pear Park Pilots, who
stopped by to watch the Blue Max
flight round Saturday morning.
These are the awards at the Saturday-evening banquet in the Orlampa Conference Center at Fantasy of Flight. Prizes were given in the
four categories, with an Iron Cross for high static score and a Blue Max for high flight score. Additional honors were given for Best
Entente Powers aircraft, Best Central Powers aircraft, Pilots’ Choice, Best Crash, and Best Color Scheme.
Awards
Kit
Static: Todd Bixby Orlando FL 1/3-scale Mick Reeves Sopwith Camel
Flight: Doug Pierce Holly Hill FL 1/3-scale GTM Fokker D.VII
Scratch-built
Static: Rich Feraldi Winter Springs FL 1/3-scale Albatros D.V
Flight: Rich Feraldi Winter Springs FL 1/3-scale Albatros D.V
ARF
Static: Bruce Horvath Safety Harbor FL Arizona Models 1/4-scale D.VII
Flight: Bruce Horvath Safety Harbor FL Arizona Models 1/4-scale D.VII
Balsa USA
Static: Scott Lee Orlando FL 1/3-scale Sopwith Pup
Flight: Scott Lee Orlando FL 1/3-scale Sopwith Pup
Additional awards
• A signed print by artist Ronny Bar was given for Best Central Powers aircraft to Rich Feraldi, 1/3-scale scratch-built Albatros
D.V.
• A signed print by artist Ronny Bar was given for Best Entente Powers aircraft to Scott Lee for his 1/3-scale Balsa USA Sopwith
Pup.
• A plaque for Pilots’ Choice was awarded to Scott Lee for his 1/3-scale Balsa USA Sopwith Pup.
• A special award on behalf of Fantasy of Flight was given for “Outstanding Representation of Aviation in the Remote-Control
Field During the 2011 Blue Max Competition” to Steve Thomas of Bob’s Hobby Center, Orlando FL.
Sponsors
Bob’s Hobby Center
Balsa USA
Just Model Props
Over The Front
Williams Brothers Model
Products
Ohio Dawn Patrol
Russell Smith Studios
Ronny Bar Aircraft Profiles
GetStencils.com
RCScaleBuilder.com
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:50 AM Page 24
suffered from poor weather. As a result, this
year’s edition was held in April, in hopes of
better conditions.
Although many people in the Central US
faced severe weather that weekend, the Blue
Max was blessed with warm temperatures,
clear skies, and winds that only slightly
hampered daily flying.
Twenty-three pilots traveled from as far
as Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Indiana, and
New York (the majority were from Florida)
and registered in one of four categories:
Scratch Built, Kit, Balsa USA, and ARF.
Some fliers arrived early on the evening
of the 14th. They were allowed to set up
“pit” tents and drop off trailers for the
night. By Friday morning, most of the
participants had arrived and registered in
time for the pilots’ safety meeting held at
8:30.
After the pilot briefing, modelers began
to assemble their aircraft so they could
tweak the engines for local conditions,
ensure that all components were working
properly, and put in some practice rounds
to get familiar with the lay of the field.
Although the site was large enough, it
did have limitations. Those included a
road not to be flown over located to the
right of the pilots’ boxes; approach and
departure to one of the Fantasy of Flight
grass runways to the left; and trees
defining the “downwind” leg on the far
side, which encroached slightly on the
northwest side. The trees weren’t as close
as they first appeared, and all model pilots
maintained good clearance.
All models had to be in the Orlampa
Conference Center, which was
approximately 150 yards from the
flightline, and assembled for static judging
by 12:30 p.m. That wasn’t a big problem
because the winds had picked up, making
it slightly risky to fly lightly loaded World
War I aircraft. Judging lasted the rest of
the afternoon until about 5:30, behind
closed doors.
Unlike at other Scale competitions, the
Blue Max is all about aircraft from one era
in aviation history: the earliest years, from
1903-1919. Those models are separated
into categories; kits are judged against
kits, ARFs are pitted against ARFs,
scratch-built models compete against
scratch-built models, and, because of their
larger numbers, Balsa USA kits get a
category all their own.
Blue Max rules allow judges to walk
up to the models to scrutinize them, which
is unique in Scale contests. There were
two teams of three judges, several of
whom were also there to compete. But
they weren’t allowed to evaluate a
category in which they were entered,
ensuring no biases.
While the judges were busy, most
aeromodelers made their way to Kermit
Weeks’ Fantasy of Flight museum for the
afternoon. Part of the contest registration
fees covered admission to the museum for
the entire weekend.
Kermit’s is the largest privately owned
collection of rare, flyable aircraft in the
world. He is usually at the facility and
available to talk with the public.
However, the weekend of the Blue Max
he was in New Zealand looking at two
aircraft to add to his collection. Kermit has a
passion for World War I aircraft, and those
he went overseas to see were from that era,
built as reproductions. Fantasy of Flight tries
to acquire all original, flyable aircraft or
flyable reproductions of the originals,
making changes only in the interest of
safety.
The museum features flight
demonstrations and biplane rides, weather
permitting. There are also guided tours of
the restoration and wood shops, which give
visitors insight into the work that the
Airframe & Powerplant mechanics do to
keep the airplanes flying.
The ability to maintain and repair these
early aircraft is becoming a lost art;
technology is replacing the materials that
were once commonplace in their structure
and finish. When was the last time you saw
an airplane covered with corrugated metal?
Later that afternoon, the static judges
made their decisions and drew names to
form the order for the next day’s round of
flying competition. There was still enough
daylight and light breezes for those who
wanted or needed it to get in more practice
flying.
Saturday morning greeted everyone with
light breezes nearly directly down the
runway, much to the contestants’ delight. No
one breathed easy, though; the winds were
forecasted to strengthen to 15-25 mph. No
time was wasted briefing pilots on the flying
rules. Each would fly only one judged round
consisting of five mandatory maneuvers and
five approved maneuvers of their choice.
Judging would be conducted by one of two
two-man teams.
I was aware that the single round of
flying was also different from how it’s done
at most other contests. But it did make sense.
First, there was the wind to think about.
Early airplanes were notoriously light and
didn’t penetrate wind as well as later,
heavier aircraft used throughout the 1920s,
1930s, and into today. Having only one
round meant that all flying could likely be
completed before the wind picked up too
much, giving everyone the same flying
conditions for the most part.
Second, as the event grows, which it’s
sure to, one round of flight is simply
quicker. But it also means that there’s no
room for error if a pilot wants to score well.
The majority of models were either 1/4 or
1/3 scale; however, Walter Legan of Orlando,
Florida, arrived with two 1/24-scale Peanut
Scale models: a SPAD XIII finished in
American ace Eddie Rickenbacker’s “Hat in
the Ring” colors and an S.E.5a
“Schweinhund” that Walter built from
scratch. Both had electric power.
Walter flew each of his aircraft in
competition. However, the winds were
26 MODEL AVIATION
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:51 AM Page 26
July 2011 27
picking up at that time, which made them
hard to control and they scored low in flight
realism.
At the other end of the spectrum was
Keith Zimmerly of Mercerville, New
Jersey, flying the prototype Balsa USA 1/2-
scale Nieuport 11. Unlike the smaller
models, this one flew beautifully all
weekend.
Keith competed with the airplane, but as
a prototype it wasn’t highly detailed and he
didn’t expect to finish well. It was a Balsa
USA-sponsored build to gauge interest in
kitting a 1/2-scale Nieuport 11. It appeared
that interest was high!
Scott Annis of Milford, Massachusetts,
had the only serious crash of the weekend,
when he initiated a too-low stall turn during
a practice round Friday afternoon. His
model was reparable, but it was too much to
do in one night, before the Saturday flight
round. Scott’s disappointment was obvious.
As the morning turned to midday, the
flight round was coming to an end and the
forecasted winds were picking up. The 15-
25 mph wind speeds eventually
materialized and began to wreak havoc with
anything that was not tightly secured.
Models were either completely
disassembled or moved indoors. Unable to
fly, several pilots gathered under the shade
of “pit” tents and talked shop. Before long,
many headed back to the museum to get out
of the wind and sun before the evening
awards banquet in the conference center.
Everyone gathered for the banquet at 5:30.
A delicious catered meal of barbecue pork
and chicken, cole slaw, baked beans, salad,
and rolls was served before the awards were
presented.
Master of Ceremonies General Major
Mike Celeskey began by thanking everyone
for attending and making the Blue Max a
memorable and successful event. Awards
were presented for the highest static and
flight scores in each of the four categories.
Static winners received the Iron Cross for
their efforts, and flight winners received the
Blue Max for theirs.
The dawn patrol movement in RC has
seen abundant growth in the last decade,
and the Blue Max is a part of that.
Organizers Mike Celeskey, John Olsen, and
Ron Preston saw a need for those who fly
RC Scale models of early aircraft to gather
in a fun, friendly, laid-back atmosphere, to
compete for bragging rights.
There was no shortage of fun and
friendly spirits that weekend, and the
atmosphere was certainly laid-back, in part
because of the location at Fantasy of Flight
and the wonderful people who participated.
Although I’d never met most of the
modelers before that weekend, I immediately
found everyone to be open and receptive. At
times it felt more like a fun-fly than a
competition, and that’s exactly how it should
have felt.
If you’re interested in the early years of
powered flight and are considering
entering a Scale contest, start thinking now
about the 2012 Blue Max and become a
part of history.
A special thank-you goes to Christine
Stevens, events sales and services
coordinator at Fantasy of Flight, for
preparing all of the pilot registration
packages, answering the many emails and
telephone calls, ensuring that the field and
conference room were secured each night,
and keeping the entire function on schedule.
I and everyone else who attended the Blue
Max appreciate her hard work. MA
T.J. Rohyans
[email protected]
Sources:
Fantasy of Flight
(863) 984-3500
www.fantasyofflight.com
Blue Max
www.derblauermax.com
Balsa USA
(906) 863-6421
www.balsausa.com
Additional event photos:
www.tangojulietphotography.com
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:52 AM Page 27

July 2011 21
8202
Below: Mike Wartman performs his
second flight while his girlfriend, Cindy
Kern, calls maneuvers for him. Mike’s
routine was enjoyable to watch and
listen to as he narrated his flight for
judges and spectators.
Mike Wartman (Gray TN) flies his Hangar 9
Fokker D.VII in the ARF category. Power is an
MP60 brushless motor using a 6S 5000 mAh Li-
Poly battery, swinging a Xoar 16 x 8 propeller.
Below: Steve Thomas—who owns Bob’s
Hobby Center in Orlando—assembles his
heavily armed Italian “balloon-busting”
Nieuport 17. It is a modified Balsa USA 1/3-
scale Nieuport 11 that has a Zenoah GT-80
engine swinging a Xoar 26 x 8 propeller.
some knowledge of what to expect, but this was
new to me—and to everyone, in a way.
The inaugural event, held in March last year,
SHADOWY FIGURES could be seen scurrying from aircraft to tent and back
again, in preparation of a new day at “The Front.” As the fiery orange ball of
sun rose over the Eastern horizon, the general major addressed his men, boys
really, giving them their orders.
Intelligence had been intercepted indicating that the Entente Forces had
amassed their airpower and were expected to attack either this day or the next,
and the Central Powers were ready to engage them in the air.
It’s easy to imagine such a scene nearly 100 years ago in Central Europe, but
it played out on the morning of April 15, 2011. It was at the second annual Blue
Max RC Scale Competition and Festival of Early Flight, held April 15-17 at
Kermit Weeks’ Fantasy of Flight Museum in Polk City, Florida.
I had never been to a contest, let alone a Scale contest, so I was excited about
this experience. From being in the hobby for the past 20-odd years, I had
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:35 AM Page 21
Right: In the Scratch
Built category, Rich
Feroldi (Winter
Springs FL) won
the Iron Cross for
his static score and the
Blue Max for his flight
score with his gorgeous
1/3-scale Albatros D.V.
He also took home the
Best Central Powers
award.
Above: Bruce Horvath’s
(S a f e t y H a r b or FL )
A r i z o na Mo d e l
Ai rcrafters 1/ 4-scale
Fokker D.VII, powered
b y a S a ito G 3 6 g as
engine, is shown during
a l e v e l pass over t he
r u nway in t he A R F
ca t e g or y. Br u c e w o n
the I r o n C r os s for h is
stati c sco r e a n d t he
Bl u e Ma x for h is fli ght
score.
Left: On Saturday
morning, aircraft were
prepped and placed
along the inside
barrier of the flightline
in anticipation of the
scored flight round.
B l u e
Max
The
22 MODEL AVIATION
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:44 AM Page 22
July 2011 23
Right: Doug Pierce’s
(Holly Hill FL) 1/3-
scale Glenn Torrance
Models Fokker D.VII
looks at home in the
dreary sky, intent on
shooting down the
enemy. Doug took
the Blue Max for his
flight score in the Kit
category.
Dawn Patrol Pilots by Cindy Kern produces well-dressed World
War I figures in 1/4 scale, and several were on display during the
static judging.
The “pilot’s office” in Todd Bi xby’s (Orlando FL) 1/3-s cale Mi ck
Reeves Sopwith Camel was expertly detailed, down to the pulleys
for contr o l c ables. Chec k o u t the metal w o rk on the for wa rd
fuselage.
Photos by the author
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:48 AM Page 23
24 MODEL AVIATION
Left: Walter Legan (Orlando FL) shows
his scratch-built 1/24-scale, electricpowered
Peanut Scale S.E.5a to a
group of EAA flying community
members, the Pear Park Pilots, who
stopped by to watch the Blue Max
flight round Saturday morning.
These are the awards at the Saturday-evening banquet in the Orlampa Conference Center at Fantasy of Flight. Prizes were given in the
four categories, with an Iron Cross for high static score and a Blue Max for high flight score. Additional honors were given for Best
Entente Powers aircraft, Best Central Powers aircraft, Pilots’ Choice, Best Crash, and Best Color Scheme.
Awards
Kit
Static: Todd Bixby Orlando FL 1/3-scale Mick Reeves Sopwith Camel
Flight: Doug Pierce Holly Hill FL 1/3-scale GTM Fokker D.VII
Scratch-built
Static: Rich Feraldi Winter Springs FL 1/3-scale Albatros D.V
Flight: Rich Feraldi Winter Springs FL 1/3-scale Albatros D.V
ARF
Static: Bruce Horvath Safety Harbor FL Arizona Models 1/4-scale D.VII
Flight: Bruce Horvath Safety Harbor FL Arizona Models 1/4-scale D.VII
Balsa USA
Static: Scott Lee Orlando FL 1/3-scale Sopwith Pup
Flight: Scott Lee Orlando FL 1/3-scale Sopwith Pup
Additional awards
• A signed print by artist Ronny Bar was given for Best Central Powers aircraft to Rich Feraldi, 1/3-scale scratch-built Albatros
D.V.
• A signed print by artist Ronny Bar was given for Best Entente Powers aircraft to Scott Lee for his 1/3-scale Balsa USA Sopwith
Pup.
• A plaque for Pilots’ Choice was awarded to Scott Lee for his 1/3-scale Balsa USA Sopwith Pup.
• A special award on behalf of Fantasy of Flight was given for “Outstanding Representation of Aviation in the Remote-Control
Field During the 2011 Blue Max Competition” to Steve Thomas of Bob’s Hobby Center, Orlando FL.
Sponsors
Bob’s Hobby Center
Balsa USA
Just Model Props
Over The Front
Williams Brothers Model
Products
Ohio Dawn Patrol
Russell Smith Studios
Ronny Bar Aircraft Profiles
GetStencils.com
RCScaleBuilder.com
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:50 AM Page 24
suffered from poor weather. As a result, this
year’s edition was held in April, in hopes of
better conditions.
Although many people in the Central US
faced severe weather that weekend, the Blue
Max was blessed with warm temperatures,
clear skies, and winds that only slightly
hampered daily flying.
Twenty-three pilots traveled from as far
as Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Indiana, and
New York (the majority were from Florida)
and registered in one of four categories:
Scratch Built, Kit, Balsa USA, and ARF.
Some fliers arrived early on the evening
of the 14th. They were allowed to set up
“pit” tents and drop off trailers for the
night. By Friday morning, most of the
participants had arrived and registered in
time for the pilots’ safety meeting held at
8:30.
After the pilot briefing, modelers began
to assemble their aircraft so they could
tweak the engines for local conditions,
ensure that all components were working
properly, and put in some practice rounds
to get familiar with the lay of the field.
Although the site was large enough, it
did have limitations. Those included a
road not to be flown over located to the
right of the pilots’ boxes; approach and
departure to one of the Fantasy of Flight
grass runways to the left; and trees
defining the “downwind” leg on the far
side, which encroached slightly on the
northwest side. The trees weren’t as close
as they first appeared, and all model pilots
maintained good clearance.
All models had to be in the Orlampa
Conference Center, which was
approximately 150 yards from the
flightline, and assembled for static judging
by 12:30 p.m. That wasn’t a big problem
because the winds had picked up, making
it slightly risky to fly lightly loaded World
War I aircraft. Judging lasted the rest of
the afternoon until about 5:30, behind
closed doors.
Unlike at other Scale competitions, the
Blue Max is all about aircraft from one era
in aviation history: the earliest years, from
1903-1919. Those models are separated
into categories; kits are judged against
kits, ARFs are pitted against ARFs,
scratch-built models compete against
scratch-built models, and, because of their
larger numbers, Balsa USA kits get a
category all their own.
Blue Max rules allow judges to walk
up to the models to scrutinize them, which
is unique in Scale contests. There were
two teams of three judges, several of
whom were also there to compete. But
they weren’t allowed to evaluate a
category in which they were entered,
ensuring no biases.
While the judges were busy, most
aeromodelers made their way to Kermit
Weeks’ Fantasy of Flight museum for the
afternoon. Part of the contest registration
fees covered admission to the museum for
the entire weekend.
Kermit’s is the largest privately owned
collection of rare, flyable aircraft in the
world. He is usually at the facility and
available to talk with the public.
However, the weekend of the Blue Max
he was in New Zealand looking at two
aircraft to add to his collection. Kermit has a
passion for World War I aircraft, and those
he went overseas to see were from that era,
built as reproductions. Fantasy of Flight tries
to acquire all original, flyable aircraft or
flyable reproductions of the originals,
making changes only in the interest of
safety.
The museum features flight
demonstrations and biplane rides, weather
permitting. There are also guided tours of
the restoration and wood shops, which give
visitors insight into the work that the
Airframe & Powerplant mechanics do to
keep the airplanes flying.
The ability to maintain and repair these
early aircraft is becoming a lost art;
technology is replacing the materials that
were once commonplace in their structure
and finish. When was the last time you saw
an airplane covered with corrugated metal?
Later that afternoon, the static judges
made their decisions and drew names to
form the order for the next day’s round of
flying competition. There was still enough
daylight and light breezes for those who
wanted or needed it to get in more practice
flying.
Saturday morning greeted everyone with
light breezes nearly directly down the
runway, much to the contestants’ delight. No
one breathed easy, though; the winds were
forecasted to strengthen to 15-25 mph. No
time was wasted briefing pilots on the flying
rules. Each would fly only one judged round
consisting of five mandatory maneuvers and
five approved maneuvers of their choice.
Judging would be conducted by one of two
two-man teams.
I was aware that the single round of
flying was also different from how it’s done
at most other contests. But it did make sense.
First, there was the wind to think about.
Early airplanes were notoriously light and
didn’t penetrate wind as well as later,
heavier aircraft used throughout the 1920s,
1930s, and into today. Having only one
round meant that all flying could likely be
completed before the wind picked up too
much, giving everyone the same flying
conditions for the most part.
Second, as the event grows, which it’s
sure to, one round of flight is simply
quicker. But it also means that there’s no
room for error if a pilot wants to score well.
The majority of models were either 1/4 or
1/3 scale; however, Walter Legan of Orlando,
Florida, arrived with two 1/24-scale Peanut
Scale models: a SPAD XIII finished in
American ace Eddie Rickenbacker’s “Hat in
the Ring” colors and an S.E.5a
“Schweinhund” that Walter built from
scratch. Both had electric power.
Walter flew each of his aircraft in
competition. However, the winds were
26 MODEL AVIATION
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:51 AM Page 26
July 2011 27
picking up at that time, which made them
hard to control and they scored low in flight
realism.
At the other end of the spectrum was
Keith Zimmerly of Mercerville, New
Jersey, flying the prototype Balsa USA 1/2-
scale Nieuport 11. Unlike the smaller
models, this one flew beautifully all
weekend.
Keith competed with the airplane, but as
a prototype it wasn’t highly detailed and he
didn’t expect to finish well. It was a Balsa
USA-sponsored build to gauge interest in
kitting a 1/2-scale Nieuport 11. It appeared
that interest was high!
Scott Annis of Milford, Massachusetts,
had the only serious crash of the weekend,
when he initiated a too-low stall turn during
a practice round Friday afternoon. His
model was reparable, but it was too much to
do in one night, before the Saturday flight
round. Scott’s disappointment was obvious.
As the morning turned to midday, the
flight round was coming to an end and the
forecasted winds were picking up. The 15-
25 mph wind speeds eventually
materialized and began to wreak havoc with
anything that was not tightly secured.
Models were either completely
disassembled or moved indoors. Unable to
fly, several pilots gathered under the shade
of “pit” tents and talked shop. Before long,
many headed back to the museum to get out
of the wind and sun before the evening
awards banquet in the conference center.
Everyone gathered for the banquet at 5:30.
A delicious catered meal of barbecue pork
and chicken, cole slaw, baked beans, salad,
and rolls was served before the awards were
presented.
Master of Ceremonies General Major
Mike Celeskey began by thanking everyone
for attending and making the Blue Max a
memorable and successful event. Awards
were presented for the highest static and
flight scores in each of the four categories.
Static winners received the Iron Cross for
their efforts, and flight winners received the
Blue Max for theirs.
The dawn patrol movement in RC has
seen abundant growth in the last decade,
and the Blue Max is a part of that.
Organizers Mike Celeskey, John Olsen, and
Ron Preston saw a need for those who fly
RC Scale models of early aircraft to gather
in a fun, friendly, laid-back atmosphere, to
compete for bragging rights.
There was no shortage of fun and
friendly spirits that weekend, and the
atmosphere was certainly laid-back, in part
because of the location at Fantasy of Flight
and the wonderful people who participated.
Although I’d never met most of the
modelers before that weekend, I immediately
found everyone to be open and receptive. At
times it felt more like a fun-fly than a
competition, and that’s exactly how it should
have felt.
If you’re interested in the early years of
powered flight and are considering
entering a Scale contest, start thinking now
about the 2012 Blue Max and become a
part of history.
A special thank-you goes to Christine
Stevens, events sales and services
coordinator at Fantasy of Flight, for
preparing all of the pilot registration
packages, answering the many emails and
telephone calls, ensuring that the field and
conference room were secured each night,
and keeping the entire function on schedule.
I and everyone else who attended the Blue
Max appreciate her hard work. MA
T.J. Rohyans
[email protected]
Sources:
Fantasy of Flight
(863) 984-3500
www.fantasyofflight.com
Blue Max
www.derblauermax.com
Balsa USA
(906) 863-6421
www.balsausa.com
Additional event photos:
www.tangojulietphotography.com
07sig1.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/24/11 11:52 AM Page 27