Indiana Warbird Campaign
by Michael Ramsey
Overview
The International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana, is partially known for its National Model Aviation Museum, which, in many of its thousands of displays, glorifies the trials and triumphs of our hobby and sport. The IAC also hosts many model aviation flying events, and one that serves as a great historic tribute to full-scale aviation is the Indiana Warbird Campaign (IWC), which was in its fifth year in 2008. The 2008 edition of the heavy-metal event was held Labor Day weekend: August 29–31.
Host and Venue
The Henry County Wright Flyers of Millville, Indiana (roughly a half-hour from Muncie), has hosted the IWC at AMA Headquarters several times. This club is honored to have a home flying site bathed in aviation greatness: the Wilbur Wright Birthplace and Museum. The field is shaded with tall trees along the pit area, features manicured grass, and an Eighth Army Air Force flight-tower replica watches over the field.
The club members fly almost every type of RC model, but they have a strong interest in International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA)-legal aircraft—particularly warbirds.
Facilities and Camping
The IAC can accommodate modelers who travel cross-country in ways the Wright Flyers’ field cannot. It offers on-site camping with electrical hookups; tent campers can pay a smaller fee than those with RVs. Several hotels are available nearby, but camping on-site is popular because the show often continues after the 5 p.m. closing bell.
Trailers were parked wheel to wheel in the pit area, and pilots were allowed to pitch E-Z Up-type tents close by; there was no lugging 30-pound models a football-field’s length from the parking lot to the flying area. Pilots’ tents were so close to each other that they nearly staked their structures’ legs together, creating plentiful shaded seating and a friendly, communal atmosphere.
Fees and Catering
To participate in the 2008 IWC, there was a $20 fee for use of the paved crosswind runway and an additional $10 charge for the Saturday-night dinner. The catered meal, held under clear, starlit skies, was compliments of Robart Manufacturing.
Vendors and Demonstrations
Some big-name companies with long traditions in aeromodeling attended and brought talented staff to support customers and demonstrate products. Check the vendor list to see what was available on the other side of the flightline. Skilled pilots also made demonstration flights with turbine-powered models throughout the weekend.
Atmosphere and Theme
In many ways, this yearly tribute to the heroes of aviation is a reunion of old friends, but often multiple generations of modelers attend. Jack Benny tunes played through the loudspeaker harmonized with the roar of engines, while new IMAA members were welcomed and shown the ropes.
Elements surrounding the field were in character with the military-campaign theme. The sponsors were generous, and displays such as Sam Norris’s deuce-and-a-half truck added to the setting.
Participants and Aircraft
The IWC welcomes all military aircraft representations, no matter the conflict era. Gas-engine-powered World War II fighters were the most popular; almost every Nick Ziroli model was present. The P-47 Thunderbolt was the most popular warbird, with the P-51 Mustang a distant second. The crosswind, paved, 800-foot runway was ideal for models with sensitive retract systems.
Notable aircraft and pilots included:
- Zack Spychalla (Watertown, WI) — his clipped-wing Yellow Aircraft Spitfire demonstrated a wide speed range; he avoided inducing high-speed stalls through loops.
- Carl Bachhuber (Mayville, WI) — builder of a Lockheed Constellation Model 749 from his own plans, powered with four Fuji 32 gas engines.
- Carl Bachhuber — also scratch-built a C-124 Globemaster (200-inch span) that flies with four Zenoah G-45 engines; he flew solo demo flights only and has an AMA waiver for it.
- Randy Jensen (Stanton? Staunton, MI) — flew a replica of the "Big Beautiful Doll" P-51 Mustang, featuring full flaps and pneumatic retracts.
- Eric Karl (Oswego, IL) — flew a prototype Ziroli F9F-2B Panther built roughly 20 years ago; it is in beautiful shape and now flies with a FunSonic 13.5-pound-thrust turbine.
Throughout the weekend, piston-powered fighters were flown exceptionally well, and multiple parades of aircraft occurred on an almost hourly basis. Almost every aircraft taken to the flightline elicited a gasp from the crowd.
Entertainment and Extras
The Military Vehicle Preservation Association of Indiana provided a display. Carl Bachhuber and Paul LeTourneau performed some “Big Bird Flights,” and a few helicopters added classic whoops of sound to the air show. A large dining canopy served to store assembled models overnight and was used for the Saturday-night Robart roast.
Flight Operations and Safety
Behind the scenes is a dedicated group of people who keep everything organized and keep the loudspeaker announcer informed about the aircraft performing overhead. Besides Event Director Gary Bussell, the event benefits from the organization and guidance of Linda Crooks, Connie Bussell, and Shirley Stoltz.
Safety procedures are taken seriously. Each of the four flight stations typically has two flags: a white one to alert pilots of a takeoff and a red one (and a holler from the line boss) to announce that a model is landing. These volunteers know what is invested in those precious models and prioritize attendees’ and property safety.
Conclusion
The IWC is a crowd-pleaser that welcomes a high caliber of models and modelers. The demonstrations, the historic atmosphere, and the sense of community make the Henry County Wright Flyers’ Indiana Warbird Campaign well worth attending.
Michael Ramsey [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
