Flying Aces Club Nationals

April 2003 37
THE FLYING ACES CLUB (FAC) Nationals (Nats) Mark XIII,
held July 19-21, 2002, at Geneseo, New York, is in the books. It is
hard to believe that it has been 24 years since Dave Stott and Bob
Thompson created this event. (Neither one of them was there in 2002).
Going by memory, I believe the first Nats, which was held at Willow
Grove Naval Air Station in Pennsylvania, had approximately 70
contestants. This year there were more than 160!
The majority of the contestants are senior citizens, which may be
expected; however, a number of young modelers are making their
mark. This is very good to see, but Junior numbers are still lacking.
There is also a large number of people who attend just for the pure joy
of watching hundreds of models take to the air during the three days of
competition.
As in the past, Tom Arnold and I flew into Washington Dulles
International Airport, where Don Srull picked us up. We spent the
night at Don and his wife Nancy’s. Lindsey and Jane Smith of England
were also there, which added class to Tom’s and my presence. After
spending several hours in Don’s unbelievable workshop, we retired in
preparation for the long drive from Virginia to Geneseo the following
day. We motor-pool with several of the D.C. Maxecuters, which makes
the long drive more enjoyable.
For the first time, the judging was held at a local motel where a large
number of modelers were staying. For the longest time, Tom and I
stayed in the college dorms at SUNY (the State University of New
York). The dorm rooms are not air-conditioned, so, because of the
usual heat and humidity in the summer, we opted to stay in a motel for
the past couple of contests.
After receiving our contestant packets, we entered our models. The
number of airplanes on display was just a few, to say the least. I
thought surely there had to be more models than that since I was
contestant number 115.
Later I learned that the judging started at 2 p.m., but we didn’t arrive
until 5:30. The models were not displayed after they were judged; the
modelers took them back to their rooms or their cars. I (and many
others) really felt cheated because I missed one of the grandest parts of
the “happening”! It is wonderful to see in one place all the models that
are going to be competing for the Scale events. (Even though models in
the mass launches—of which there are several—are Scale, they are not
judged like the “real” Scale events. That is done quickly on the
flightline to make certain that no “ghost ships” are entered.)
I heard one remark that the larger static-judging facility we have
used many times in the past was more expensive. This new site, with a
smaller room, made it impossible for the already-judged models and the
models waiting to be judged to all be displayed for everyone to see.
What makes this situation particularly annoying is that when you see an
outstanding model (which most are) on display, you can look up the
individual and see when he or she is planning an official flight.
Flying Aces Club
Nationals
■ Fernando Ramos
Vance Gilbert is famous in the FAC ranks for showing up with unusual subjects; this is his ANT-14. Tom Hallman photo.
Jack Kacian launches his 9-inch-span Gee Bee R-1 racer. The
diminutive model flies incredibly well! Frank Rowsome photo.
04sig2.QXD 1.23.03 1:15 pm Page 37
The Place Court Torpedo is another Dave Rees creation. It’s
beautiful work. Dave is a many-time FAC champion! Rowsome
Dave Rees—owner of the HiLine company—shows off his newest photo.
kit offering: the General Aristocrat. Rowsome photo.
Terry Pittman won the Multi Power Scale event with this excellent
Farman Jabiru. Note the wide-chord wing. Rowsome photo.
Grand Champion Chris Starleaf displays his Laird Super Solution
after its Golden Age Mass Launch-event win. Hallman photo.
Tom Hallman’s Airco D.H.2 is powered by a Brown A-23 CO2 motor. It won the Single Power Scale event. Hallman photo.
Photos by the author except as noted Graphic Design by Lydia Whitehead
38 MODEL AVIATION
04sig2.QXD 1.23.03 1:16 pm Page 38
April 2003 39
Flying Aces Club
Nationals
Bob Wetherall traveled all the way from San Diego, California, to Geneseo to enter his
beautiful diesel-powered Monocoupe in competition.
Tom Arnold prepares to test-glide his Junkers 635. From the fullpower
inset shot, you know that the testing went well!
The incomparable Pres Bruning holds his stunning Hall Racer.
The author says it flies better than the full-scale version did!
Dan Marek entered this gorgeous Sikorsky S-5A. It spans 30
inches and has electric power. Dan Marek photo.
This is the hard-working crew at FAC headquarters. There were
many contestants, and everything ran smoothly. Good job!
04sig2.QXD 1.23.03 1:17 pm Page 39
Ross Mayo gives final instructions to the many competitors in the WW II Mass Launch event. It takes skill and luck to place!
Mass launches are most popular features of FAC events. This is
Standing with Earl Stahl (R), Tom Hallman holds his Blériot XXV start of Golden Age Biplane Mass Launch. Hallman photo.
that placed second in the Pioneer event. Hallman photo.
In this start of the WW II Mass Launch final round, notice the
varied attitudes in which these models are released.
Dan Kranis likes the large models! He is holding his 50-inch-span
Found design. These larger models are great fliers.
40 MODEL AVIATION
04sig2.QXD 1.23.03 1:18 pm Page 40
Don’t get me wrong; I still saw many
outstanding models and flights. Plus, it is
always great to see many old friends and
make new acquaintances.
The weather wasn’t too bad for the most
part; that is, it never rained. The early
mornings were best, with virtually no wind.
The wind would come up later in the day, and
those retrieving for the mass-launch events
had to hustle great distances.
There are so many mass-launch events
that it is hard to keep up, but they remain so
popular. All of those who participate in these
events are dynamite Rubber fliers; you have
to be to keep placing to reach the final round.
However, that isn’t the only requirement; age
is also an important consideration if one is
planning to become Grand Champion. You
have to be in great shape to retrieve round
after round, event after event!
Jumbo and Giant Scale events are judged
at the field. Unfortunately because of their
size, they cannot be displayed with all of the
other models. You can look up periodically
and see one of the majestic masterpieces
cruising along oh so realistically. There is no
doubt that bigger is better!
Just imagine three days of this event!
There is nothing like it on the planet. I had the
opportunity to meet many new people and
visit with old friends, and that alone is worth
the trip.
Many cottage industries displayed an array
of goodies they had for sale. I got to meet the
new owner of Easy Built Models, Dave
Niedzielski. This young man has a lot of
spunk and enthusiasm, and he will do well
with the business. Dave Diels had his tent up
selling his line of World War I Rubber
models, and Golden Age Reproductions was
on hand.
Dave Rees, who had quite a line of
paraphernalia for the Rubber and Electric
flier, is branching into the kit business, and
his first is of the General Aristocrat. He built
one from his kit to make sure all is okay and
brought it with him to compete in Jumbo
Scale. It flew out of sight! It is a beautiful kit
and a terrific flier.
GizmoGeezer (Orv Olm) and his lovely
wife Marcy Green were quite busy selling
their products. They have added a winder
with an interesting torque meter which is like
a revolving bar graph.
Dennis Norman, who wrote the “Color
Copier Techniques” article published in the
June 2002 Model Aviation, has for sale his
recent article about how to make lozenge
patterns and other details on tissue with the
computer. He had on hand the Spad that was
featured in his article, a Fokker D.VII, and an
Me 109.
I purchased the Fokker packet and was
thoroughly impressed. You get two classy
booklets: one on documentation of the aircraft
and one on how to build and cover it, and you
get the set of drawings for building the model.
But the real kicker is that all of the covering
for the model is printed onto Japanese tissue
using the correct lozenge pattern and correct
color. This includes the fuselage and tail. All
have the crosses, detailed as required. Also
included is a colored three-view, from which
all of the printing was taken.
All of the preceding was in a foam-board
packet so that nothing would get wrinkled or
destroyed. For anyone who is interested in
acquiring any of the three rubber-powered
model packets, Dennis’s telephone number is
(216) 631-7774.
After the flying ended on Sunday, a brief rest
was needed before attending the banquet in
the evening. A zillion trophies were awarded
to those warriors who were winners in the
many and various events.
Chris Starleaf won Grand Champion again
(he was the 2000 winner), and deservedly so.
He brought 19 airplanes! This gives you an
idea of what it takes to be at the top in
addition to the energy of 10 teenagers. The
old stalwarts are still winning and placing, but
the energy required to fly as many events as
necessary keeps them from being the top dog.
If Chris brought 19 models, I am
assuming that the average number of models
each modeler brings is 10; that makes at least
1,600 models! Where but at the FAC Nats
will you ever see this?
The FAC Nats wouldn’t be what it is
without the presence of Earl Stahl, who is
respected throughout the world. He is
important in the Free Flight Rubber Scale
arena, and he designed many great plans
when he was 15. I got the chance to visit with
him. He’s a gentleman’s gentleman!
Thanks to Tom Hallman, Bob Clemens, and
Frank Rowsome for their fantastic photos and
for being where I couldn’t be. MA
Fernando Ramos
19361 Mesa Dr.
Villa Park CA 92861
[email protected]

April 2003 37
THE FLYING ACES CLUB (FAC) Nationals (Nats) Mark XIII,
held July 19-21, 2002, at Geneseo, New York, is in the books. It is
hard to believe that it has been 24 years since Dave Stott and Bob
Thompson created this event. (Neither one of them was there in 2002).
Going by memory, I believe the first Nats, which was held at Willow
Grove Naval Air Station in Pennsylvania, had approximately 70
contestants. This year there were more than 160!
The majority of the contestants are senior citizens, which may be
expected; however, a number of young modelers are making their
mark. This is very good to see, but Junior numbers are still lacking.
There is also a large number of people who attend just for the pure joy
of watching hundreds of models take to the air during the three days of
competition.
As in the past, Tom Arnold and I flew into Washington Dulles
International Airport, where Don Srull picked us up. We spent the
night at Don and his wife Nancy’s. Lindsey and Jane Smith of England
were also there, which added class to Tom’s and my presence. After
spending several hours in Don’s unbelievable workshop, we retired in
preparation for the long drive from Virginia to Geneseo the following
day. We motor-pool with several of the D.C. Maxecuters, which makes
the long drive more enjoyable.
For the first time, the judging was held at a local motel where a large
number of modelers were staying. For the longest time, Tom and I
stayed in the college dorms at SUNY (the State University of New
York). The dorm rooms are not air-conditioned, so, because of the
usual heat and humidity in the summer, we opted to stay in a motel for
the past couple of contests.
After receiving our contestant packets, we entered our models. The
number of airplanes on display was just a few, to say the least. I
thought surely there had to be more models than that since I was
contestant number 115.
Later I learned that the judging started at 2 p.m., but we didn’t arrive
until 5:30. The models were not displayed after they were judged; the
modelers took them back to their rooms or their cars. I (and many
others) really felt cheated because I missed one of the grandest parts of
the “happening”! It is wonderful to see in one place all the models that
are going to be competing for the Scale events. (Even though models in
the mass launches—of which there are several—are Scale, they are not
judged like the “real” Scale events. That is done quickly on the
flightline to make certain that no “ghost ships” are entered.)
I heard one remark that the larger static-judging facility we have
used many times in the past was more expensive. This new site, with a
smaller room, made it impossible for the already-judged models and the
models waiting to be judged to all be displayed for everyone to see.
What makes this situation particularly annoying is that when you see an
outstanding model (which most are) on display, you can look up the
individual and see when he or she is planning an official flight.
Flying Aces Club
Nationals
■ Fernando Ramos
Vance Gilbert is famous in the FAC ranks for showing up with unusual subjects; this is his ANT-14. Tom Hallman photo.
Jack Kacian launches his 9-inch-span Gee Bee R-1 racer. The
diminutive model flies incredibly well! Frank Rowsome photo.
04sig2.QXD 1.23.03 1:15 pm Page 37
The Place Court Torpedo is another Dave Rees creation. It’s
beautiful work. Dave is a many-time FAC champion! Rowsome
Dave Rees—owner of the HiLine company—shows off his newest photo.
kit offering: the General Aristocrat. Rowsome photo.
Terry Pittman won the Multi Power Scale event with this excellent
Farman Jabiru. Note the wide-chord wing. Rowsome photo.
Grand Champion Chris Starleaf displays his Laird Super Solution
after its Golden Age Mass Launch-event win. Hallman photo.
Tom Hallman’s Airco D.H.2 is powered by a Brown A-23 CO2 motor. It won the Single Power Scale event. Hallman photo.
Photos by the author except as noted Graphic Design by Lydia Whitehead
38 MODEL AVIATION
04sig2.QXD 1.23.03 1:16 pm Page 38
April 2003 39
Flying Aces Club
Nationals
Bob Wetherall traveled all the way from San Diego, California, to Geneseo to enter his
beautiful diesel-powered Monocoupe in competition.
Tom Arnold prepares to test-glide his Junkers 635. From the fullpower
inset shot, you know that the testing went well!
The incomparable Pres Bruning holds his stunning Hall Racer.
The author says it flies better than the full-scale version did!
Dan Marek entered this gorgeous Sikorsky S-5A. It spans 30
inches and has electric power. Dan Marek photo.
This is the hard-working crew at FAC headquarters. There were
many contestants, and everything ran smoothly. Good job!
04sig2.QXD 1.23.03 1:17 pm Page 39
Ross Mayo gives final instructions to the many competitors in the WW II Mass Launch event. It takes skill and luck to place!
Mass launches are most popular features of FAC events. This is
Standing with Earl Stahl (R), Tom Hallman holds his Blériot XXV start of Golden Age Biplane Mass Launch. Hallman photo.
that placed second in the Pioneer event. Hallman photo.
In this start of the WW II Mass Launch final round, notice the
varied attitudes in which these models are released.
Dan Kranis likes the large models! He is holding his 50-inch-span
Found design. These larger models are great fliers.
40 MODEL AVIATION
04sig2.QXD 1.23.03 1:18 pm Page 40
Don’t get me wrong; I still saw many
outstanding models and flights. Plus, it is
always great to see many old friends and
make new acquaintances.
The weather wasn’t too bad for the most
part; that is, it never rained. The early
mornings were best, with virtually no wind.
The wind would come up later in the day, and
those retrieving for the mass-launch events
had to hustle great distances.
There are so many mass-launch events
that it is hard to keep up, but they remain so
popular. All of those who participate in these
events are dynamite Rubber fliers; you have
to be to keep placing to reach the final round.
However, that isn’t the only requirement; age
is also an important consideration if one is
planning to become Grand Champion. You
have to be in great shape to retrieve round
after round, event after event!
Jumbo and Giant Scale events are judged
at the field. Unfortunately because of their
size, they cannot be displayed with all of the
other models. You can look up periodically
and see one of the majestic masterpieces
cruising along oh so realistically. There is no
doubt that bigger is better!
Just imagine three days of this event!
There is nothing like it on the planet. I had the
opportunity to meet many new people and
visit with old friends, and that alone is worth
the trip.
Many cottage industries displayed an array
of goodies they had for sale. I got to meet the
new owner of Easy Built Models, Dave
Niedzielski. This young man has a lot of
spunk and enthusiasm, and he will do well
with the business. Dave Diels had his tent up
selling his line of World War I Rubber
models, and Golden Age Reproductions was
on hand.
Dave Rees, who had quite a line of
paraphernalia for the Rubber and Electric
flier, is branching into the kit business, and
his first is of the General Aristocrat. He built
one from his kit to make sure all is okay and
brought it with him to compete in Jumbo
Scale. It flew out of sight! It is a beautiful kit
and a terrific flier.
GizmoGeezer (Orv Olm) and his lovely
wife Marcy Green were quite busy selling
their products. They have added a winder
with an interesting torque meter which is like
a revolving bar graph.
Dennis Norman, who wrote the “Color
Copier Techniques” article published in the
June 2002 Model Aviation, has for sale his
recent article about how to make lozenge
patterns and other details on tissue with the
computer. He had on hand the Spad that was
featured in his article, a Fokker D.VII, and an
Me 109.
I purchased the Fokker packet and was
thoroughly impressed. You get two classy
booklets: one on documentation of the aircraft
and one on how to build and cover it, and you
get the set of drawings for building the model.
But the real kicker is that all of the covering
for the model is printed onto Japanese tissue
using the correct lozenge pattern and correct
color. This includes the fuselage and tail. All
have the crosses, detailed as required. Also
included is a colored three-view, from which
all of the printing was taken.
All of the preceding was in a foam-board
packet so that nothing would get wrinkled or
destroyed. For anyone who is interested in
acquiring any of the three rubber-powered
model packets, Dennis’s telephone number is
(216) 631-7774.
After the flying ended on Sunday, a brief rest
was needed before attending the banquet in
the evening. A zillion trophies were awarded
to those warriors who were winners in the
many and various events.
Chris Starleaf won Grand Champion again
(he was the 2000 winner), and deservedly so.
He brought 19 airplanes! This gives you an
idea of what it takes to be at the top in
addition to the energy of 10 teenagers. The
old stalwarts are still winning and placing, but
the energy required to fly as many events as
necessary keeps them from being the top dog.
If Chris brought 19 models, I am
assuming that the average number of models
each modeler brings is 10; that makes at least
1,600 models! Where but at the FAC Nats
will you ever see this?
The FAC Nats wouldn’t be what it is
without the presence of Earl Stahl, who is
respected throughout the world. He is
important in the Free Flight Rubber Scale
arena, and he designed many great plans
when he was 15. I got the chance to visit with
him. He’s a gentleman’s gentleman!
Thanks to Tom Hallman, Bob Clemens, and
Frank Rowsome for their fantastic photos and
for being where I couldn’t be. MA
Fernando Ramos
19361 Mesa Dr.
Villa Park CA 92861
[email protected]