The Inside Loop
Modeling is an adventure. Not like the old U-Haul commercials about "Adventures in Moving" that, for most, were actually nightmares—moving frightening enough to scare matched china bowl sets into hiding under floorboards. Think instead of an "Indiana Jones"–type adventure—something that includes a hint of fortune, lots of glory, and a zealous quest for truth (and fact).
As in the Lucas/Spielberg adventure tales, our almost archeological quest involved a worldly cast outside of the library. Instead of boarding a China Clipper or Ford Tri-Motor, our heroes traveled virtually (visit the long thread on RC Universe). The project drew a host of talent that rallied around a single quest—the model aircraft Holy Grail to some—but they didn’t need bullwhips to get cracking.
From a maze of material, an ocean of sweat, and a little luck and opportunity, Ed Kazmirski’s lost aircraft was born again. A resurrection of sorts would be more accurate.
Duane Wilson and Jeff Petroski led a team of technical advisors that included:
- Kevin Clark (US)
- Ray Jennings (Ireland)
- Evan Pimms (New Zealand)
- Burkhard Edlenbruch (Germany)
- Andy Kunz (US)
This band of engineers, experts, and dreamers echoes the spirit of what aeromodeling is all about: skill, teamwork, and camaraderie. A tiny part of the five-year project even included me. I only mention this because I am honored to have helped bring to life something connected with our RC modeling roots.
I hope you remember the "Kaz!" article that we published in the August 2010 MA. My take on the article was that our personal relationships with the hobby/sport can rise to any level. When you love what you do, good things are more likely to come.
Kaz loved to fly, and his enthusiasm inspired others to join in and create successes from their ideas. Replicating the Simla is proof that the spirit of Kaz is still with us.
The Simla Replica
The day that the Simla replica flew for real had to be one of intense satisfaction. On his tour to show off the Simla, Duane stopped by Muncie, Indiana, and invited me to fly his model. That particular day predicted rain, strong winds, and temperatures in the 50s.
We flew anyway. I think Duane deserves a Sportsmanship Award for putting his prized possession in my charge on a day when even FAI world-class pilots would have packed up and gone home. Duane wanted to see the Simla enjoyed, and enjoyed it was.
We put three flights on the model between rainstorms. That's "plane" crazy, isn't it? Two guys in the middle of a field, with an airplane in the rain. I still smile about it to this day. After all, 45 years ago the Simla represented ideas that were ahead of its time.
In a way, Duane and I re-created a moment in time. It was the moment when Pattern flying was in its infancy, and the path that it would leap down was before us.
Today the Simla is ours to enjoy. I found it to groove extremely well. It can execute sport aerobatic maneuvers with a grace that is common with the modern Pattern airplane. Grab a set of plans. I understand that a laser-cut short kit will be available soon.
World Soaring Masters
The World Soaring Masters is another event in aeromodeling that exemplifies a sense of adventure. And it happened in yet another time in Muncie when weather challenged the boundaries of acceptable flying conditions. Mother Nature threw everything at these folks during the three-day event, and everyone still went home smiling.
The story will have you wanting to compete in RC Soaring. Gordon Buckland not only reported on, but also competed in the event. I'm guessing that's how he was able to compile such detailed blow-by-blow coverage.
I know that Gordon wanted to write more, but his editor (that's I) limited his page count. I give him free reign when he comes to the Nats to write for our daily newsletter.
The grace and skill of Soaring couldn't possibly have been better represented at this event. I hope that if you find a Soaring fun-fly or contest in your area that you can enjoy the adventure, and the fun, for yourself.
Go fly! MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
