Warbirds Over Delaware was held July 10-14, 2013, at Lums Pond State Park in Delaware. Turnout this year was good with more than 150 registered pilots. This has always been a perfect venue for the gathering of so many warbird models from all over the country. This was apparent by the rows of tents on the flightline and the numerous campers parked around the grounds.
Model storage was again provided by the large hangar tent in the parking area. By the looks of it at night, the participants fully utilized this tent and if you didn’t get in early you would miss a spot. I imagine if it was twice the size, it would still fill up. This was a nice addition for most of us who had rather large models that could not be easily taken apart each night. With the marginal weather during the week it was nice to have such a facility.
Each year, AMA representatives come to this event and this year was no exception. AMA President Bob Brown and Executive Director Dave Mathewson along with District IV Vice President Bliss Teague present for the event. The host club’s member and District IV Associate Vice President (AVP) John Kirchstein and I (also a district AVP) were there as well.
The International Miniature Aircraft Association was represented by its president, Frank Fels, and staff. The tents were side by side so you could get to meet everyone without going very far.
There were other recognizable names present at this event as well, including Nick Ziroli of Ziroli Plans, Dave Wigley of Top Gun fame, Matt Chapman from Hobbico, Andy Kane from CARF models, Mac Hodges and his B-29 team, and Carl Bachhuber and Paul LeTourneau with their impressive large models. In addition to this impressive list of names, the event was blessed by the presence of several combat veterans whose service spanned the years from World War II up to the present conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Balsa USA had its new Albatross model there and flew it well with great scale detail. Pete and Dave Malchione brought their new Skymaster A-10 twin turbine along and Paul LeTourneau had his Adam Martin A-10 twin turbine.
Carl Bachhuber brought his new Hudson MK-5 with a 180-inch wingspan and his 200-inch wingspan Convair CC109 Cosmopolitan. He managed to get in many great flights on both. Dave Wigley brought a magnificent, scratch-built Bristol Beaufighter and won Top Gun for 2013.
The most unusual airplane there was a model of an electric-powered HO-229 twin jet that was designed but never flown in the latter days of WW II. Thomas White designed this model and has produced a short kit. He did something the Horton Brothers never did. He actually flew the design.
On Saturday night, the annual barbecue was held for everyone. From the looks of the long line, everyone there attended. Even with the long line it was worth it to partake in the great pork, chicken, corn on the cob, sauerkraut, brats, cookies, and drinks that were provided.
After this was over the electric mayhem took place and everyone had a blast shooting at some aircraft with airsoft guns and whatever would propel an object. This was then followed by night flying after sunset.
This is a must-attend event if you are ever in the area in July. It is one of the best warbird gatherings in the country.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2014/06
Page Numbers: 138