Author: Tony Stilman
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/10
Page Numbers: 175

District V Report - 2009/10

Hal deBolt VR/CS Reunion — Dunnellon, FL (March 14–15, 2009)

Report submitted by Lyman Slack

The 10th annual Hal deBolt VR/CS (Vintage R/C Society) Reunion, hosted by the Tri-County R/C Club, was held in Dunnellon, Florida, March 14–15, 2009. Pappy deBolt is no longer with us, but his event carries on.

This year the turnout was slightly down, but the 27 pilots, their crews, and all of their models shared great company and even greater weather—light breezes, sunny skies, and temperatures in the mid-to-high 70s.

There were many snowbirds; registration showed modelers from Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, and Canada, with the remainder from across Florida.

Honoree and special guests

  • VR/CS honoree: Carl Goldberg. A large storyboard showcasing Goldberg designs was on display at the field and at the banquet.
  • Two AMA Hall of Fame members attended: Ron Morgan (noted for involvement with the annual AMA Nats) and Norm Rosenstock (AMA Historian).

Norm Rosenstock judged the three subjective awards (with no set criteria): Best deBolt Model, Best Goldberg Model, and the Spirit of VR/CS Award. After reviewing the displayed models, he placed the plaques next to the winners.

Award winners:

  • Spirit of VR/CS Award: Don Ogren, three-channel Champ
  • Best Goldberg Model: Lyman Slack, E-conversion Goldberg Zipper
  • Best deBolt Model: Joe Fife, Interceptor

Flying and demonstrations

There was open flying all day with no demonstrations or other breaks. As has been the policy in Florida, Society of Antique Modelers (SAM) members and their RC models were also invited; several historic Old-Timers were seen meandering around the sky.

Very low-key VR/CS Pattern was flown and judged. Pilots picked up a score sheet, requested a judge when ready, and flew. For the second year in a row, there were no entries in Class I (rudder only).

Pattern results:

  1. Class II (rudder and elevator): Don Ogren, Champ — first place
  2. Class III (full house): Rich Ernst, Beachcomber — first place
  • Second place: John Castronover, E-conversion Taurus (same plans from the original Kazmirski Taurus the VR/CS purchased last year from Kaz's estate). John's E-conversion has a 60-size electric motor and is finished with silk and Aero Gloss dope.
  • Close behind: Red Scholefield, Telemaster

On display (but not flown) was a stablemate and backup Taurus, also built by Ed Kazmirski. This "Number 2" model was jointly acquired by John Castronover and Duane Wilson.

Thanks and logistics

Many volunteers made the event a success. Special thanks to:

  • Event director: Dick Lafontaine
  • Newsletter editor and graphics/advertising: Dave Small and his wife Judie (they also prepared the storyboard)

An album/slide show with photos of the event is available. Copy this URL into your browser: www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=emsniz3.2qfy8mbz&x=0&y=-rcvff...

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.