Sal Taibi passed away on December
13, 2012. This column doesn’t
always acknowledge the passing
of pioneers in model aviation because so
many are currently making that fi nal big
thermal.
There is usually more coverage space
available at other sources, so in fairness
to all, let’s consider this as another
overdue biographical sketch.
Sal is one of the best-known fi gures in
the aeromodeling community, especially
among the FF and RC Society of
Antique Modelers (SAM) fl iers.
Sal was one of many successful
modelers who went on to either
supplement or make his living from his
model designs, engines, and specialty
items. But his businesses (Competition
Models and others) were considered
sidelines because he was known
primarily as a lifelong model designer,
builder, and competition fl ier.
His passion for modeling lasted more
than 70 years, and as age and eyesight
problems cropped up, he still turned
out regularly to fl ying sessions. His
practical advice was much sought after
and he freely shared his accumulation
of knowledge and expertise, both off the
fi eld and during the heat of competition.
Sal prepared an autobiography in
1996 for the AMA’s Model Aviation Hall
of Fame, into which he was inducted in
1974. The usual statistics about model
designs, contest wins, halls of fame,
and other awards, were covered, but
what stands out in reading the fi rstperson
narrative is his lifelong passion
for actively building and fl ying models.
That’s why he touched so many people,
leaving most of us with one or more Sal
Taibi stories to tell.
One thing not mentioned in the
offi cial biography was his famous
turquoise-and-white 1956 Chevrolet
sedan. It often indicated whether Sal was
present at an event. Several years back,
I asked the mileage on the car and he
reported something like 650,000 miles,
mostly racked up going cross-country to
contests. He liked to explain that the car
was still using the original set of brakes,
then he’d add, “But it’s on its third new
horn.”
After Sal discovered SAM in later
years, he gave back to that part of the
hobby by serving as the secretary and
later as SAM president for a couple of
terms. His stature and calm demeanor
were stabilizing forces at a time when
the organization was undergoing some
turmoil over bylaws and rules changes.
We’ve all matured in more ways than
one since then, but fi rm opinions and
tensions still crop up during each fi veyear
rules-change cycle.
In my October 2008 column, I
wrote some notes about Sal, along
with a photo of him launching his
Brooklyn Dodger. In the June 2011
column there are photos of the
Brooklyn Dodger and the Powerhouse,
two of his best-known Old-Timer
Find past issues in the
new digital Library!
Visit www.ModelAviation.com,
click on Library, and search for
author Bob Angel.
(OT) designs, as re-created by others.
His modeling career was almost
entirely FF, with two short ventures
into RC. His fi rst RC experience was
designing a 12-foot RC model for Joe
Raspante, who at the time was also
building his striking Snow White model
(pictured in the February 2012 “Old-
Timers” column). He acted as crew
chief for Joe in the 1939 and 1940
Nats, fi nishing second in RC behind the
famous Good brothers.
Years later I attended a SAM meet
near Salinas, California, where Sal
showed up to fl y RC. We RC fl iers
greeted this historic event with open
arms. I think he took third place, but
I also believe that was his only RC
contest. He may have found little
challenge when he didn’t have to fi netrim
his model, but simply steer it out
of any bad attitude it may have gotten
itself into.
Besides wins and trophies, Sal may
Sal Taibi autographed Dick
Bartkowski’s Pacer C in Muncie
IN. Designers are traditionally
asked to sign their designs at
OT gatherings.
hold a record for competing in the most AMA Nats and SAM Championships. He reported having attended every Nats from 1939 to 1994, missing only the 1946 event while he was stationed in Germany.
He attended every SAM Championships starting in 1966, and was still going strong when he wrote that 1996 autobiography. It was as late as the 2007 SAM Championships that I can vouch for his attendance, because I recall sharing a table with him at the bean feed.
Model Aviation Digital Library
The AMA website’s new feature, presenting previous editions of Model Aviation, is one of the reasons I cited past columns. If you’re not aware, you can now peruse scanned versions of any page in any issue of Model
Right: Gliders are big at OT meets in Europe. This gathering is from the VII Euro Championships in Suhl, Germany. Photo submitted by Dave Harding.
As storm clouds cleared, Ed Lamb presented his Miss World’s Fair during a Nevada SAM Championships. Photo submitted by Gene Wallock.Aviation from 1975 forward.
I was able to look up specific articles, which were clear and printable, but it wasn’t quick or easy and it required me to override a security warning. [Note: this issue is specific to older browsers.]I assume it’s a work in progress, which should be more user-friendly by the time you read this.
Engine Collector’s Journal
During the holidays I paged through some back issues of Engine Collector’s Journal. In rereading, it came as a surprise as to how the periodical changed throughout the years. Today it’s pretty much specifically for the serious engine collector.
You won’t find much performance data, but what you will find are some highly detailed descriptions of various makes, models, and running changes of both common and rare engines. With a little research through the indexes and photos, you can usually identify not only the maker of your unknown engine, but probably the year(s) of production, approximate production numbers, and any unusual design characteristics.
Earlier issues had a different flavor. There was a broader range of discussion about models, contests, and personalities. The Model Engine Collector’s Association (MECA) and SAM were in their formative years.
It was relaxing—similar to reading
a historical novel. John Pond was a
regular contributor, writing his chatty
“Gas ’N Oil” column. There were many
black-and-white photos of airplanes,
engines, and contest events. There were
three-views of classic models, and some
interesting classified ads. We’d all like to
have some of those sale items available
today. It was all in fairly fine print with
small margins, so each issue was packed
with information.
Engine Collector’s Journal was started
by Joe Wagner in 1959 as the Model
Engine Collector, but changed to its
current publisher and name in 1963.
I found some of the 1960s issues the
most interesting. For anyone wanting to
research our history, I recommend this
source. Fortunately there are reprints
still available, mostly in bound volumes
of six issues each. Check “Sources” for
availability.
There are 36 volumes currently listed,
but the website doesn’t identify them
by dates. They weren’t published strictly
bimonthly, so generally a six-issue
volume will cover slightly more than a
calendar year.
Engine Collector’s Journal is published
in Aurora, Colorado, by Tim Dannels.
Bill Bickel, of Phoenix, has assembled
an index for the publication if you’d
like to look up articles about a certain
subject. The index comes in two printed
volumes costing $10 each. Check the
“Sources” for contact information.
SOURCES:
Sal Taibi’s biography
www.modelaircraft.org/files/TaibiRSal.pdf
Model Aviation Digital Library
https://library.modelaviation.com
Engine Collector’s Journal reprints
Box 243
Buena Vista CO 81211.
[email protected]
www.modelenginecollecting.com
Engine Collector’s Journal index
Bill Bickel
3121 Cavedale Dr.
Phoenix AZ 85083
(623) 582-0211
[email protected]
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/04
Page Numbers: 89,90,91
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/04
Page Numbers: 89,90,91
Sal Taibi passed away on December
13, 2012. This column doesn’t
always acknowledge the passing
of pioneers in model aviation because so
many are currently making that fi nal big
thermal.
There is usually more coverage space
available at other sources, so in fairness
to all, let’s consider this as another
overdue biographical sketch.
Sal is one of the best-known fi gures in
the aeromodeling community, especially
among the FF and RC Society of
Antique Modelers (SAM) fl iers.
Sal was one of many successful
modelers who went on to either
supplement or make his living from his
model designs, engines, and specialty
items. But his businesses (Competition
Models and others) were considered
sidelines because he was known
primarily as a lifelong model designer,
builder, and competition fl ier.
His passion for modeling lasted more
than 70 years, and as age and eyesight
problems cropped up, he still turned
out regularly to fl ying sessions. His
practical advice was much sought after
and he freely shared his accumulation
of knowledge and expertise, both off the
fi eld and during the heat of competition.
Sal prepared an autobiography in
1996 for the AMA’s Model Aviation Hall
of Fame, into which he was inducted in
1974. The usual statistics about model
designs, contest wins, halls of fame,
and other awards, were covered, but
what stands out in reading the fi rstperson
narrative is his lifelong passion
for actively building and fl ying models.
That’s why he touched so many people,
leaving most of us with one or more Sal
Taibi stories to tell.
One thing not mentioned in the
offi cial biography was his famous
turquoise-and-white 1956 Chevrolet
sedan. It often indicated whether Sal was
present at an event. Several years back,
I asked the mileage on the car and he
reported something like 650,000 miles,
mostly racked up going cross-country to
contests. He liked to explain that the car
was still using the original set of brakes,
then he’d add, “But it’s on its third new
horn.”
After Sal discovered SAM in later
years, he gave back to that part of the
hobby by serving as the secretary and
later as SAM president for a couple of
terms. His stature and calm demeanor
were stabilizing forces at a time when
the organization was undergoing some
turmoil over bylaws and rules changes.
We’ve all matured in more ways than
one since then, but fi rm opinions and
tensions still crop up during each fi veyear
rules-change cycle.
In my October 2008 column, I
wrote some notes about Sal, along
with a photo of him launching his
Brooklyn Dodger. In the June 2011
column there are photos of the
Brooklyn Dodger and the Powerhouse,
two of his best-known Old-Timer
Find past issues in the
new digital Library!
Visit www.ModelAviation.com,
click on Library, and search for
author Bob Angel.
(OT) designs, as re-created by others.
His modeling career was almost
entirely FF, with two short ventures
into RC. His fi rst RC experience was
designing a 12-foot RC model for Joe
Raspante, who at the time was also
building his striking Snow White model
(pictured in the February 2012 “Old-
Timers” column). He acted as crew
chief for Joe in the 1939 and 1940
Nats, fi nishing second in RC behind the
famous Good brothers.
Years later I attended a SAM meet
near Salinas, California, where Sal
showed up to fl y RC. We RC fl iers
greeted this historic event with open
arms. I think he took third place, but
I also believe that was his only RC
contest. He may have found little
challenge when he didn’t have to fi netrim
his model, but simply steer it out
of any bad attitude it may have gotten
itself into.
Besides wins and trophies, Sal may
Sal Taibi autographed Dick
Bartkowski’s Pacer C in Muncie
IN. Designers are traditionally
asked to sign their designs at
OT gatherings.
hold a record for competing in the most AMA Nats and SAM Championships. He reported having attended every Nats from 1939 to 1994, missing only the 1946 event while he was stationed in Germany.
He attended every SAM Championships starting in 1966, and was still going strong when he wrote that 1996 autobiography. It was as late as the 2007 SAM Championships that I can vouch for his attendance, because I recall sharing a table with him at the bean feed.
Model Aviation Digital Library
The AMA website’s new feature, presenting previous editions of Model Aviation, is one of the reasons I cited past columns. If you’re not aware, you can now peruse scanned versions of any page in any issue of Model
Right: Gliders are big at OT meets in Europe. This gathering is from the VII Euro Championships in Suhl, Germany. Photo submitted by Dave Harding.
As storm clouds cleared, Ed Lamb presented his Miss World’s Fair during a Nevada SAM Championships. Photo submitted by Gene Wallock.Aviation from 1975 forward.
I was able to look up specific articles, which were clear and printable, but it wasn’t quick or easy and it required me to override a security warning. [Note: this issue is specific to older browsers.]I assume it’s a work in progress, which should be more user-friendly by the time you read this.
Engine Collector’s Journal
During the holidays I paged through some back issues of Engine Collector’s Journal. In rereading, it came as a surprise as to how the periodical changed throughout the years. Today it’s pretty much specifically for the serious engine collector.
You won’t find much performance data, but what you will find are some highly detailed descriptions of various makes, models, and running changes of both common and rare engines. With a little research through the indexes and photos, you can usually identify not only the maker of your unknown engine, but probably the year(s) of production, approximate production numbers, and any unusual design characteristics.
Earlier issues had a different flavor. There was a broader range of discussion about models, contests, and personalities. The Model Engine Collector’s Association (MECA) and SAM were in their formative years.
It was relaxing—similar to reading
a historical novel. John Pond was a
regular contributor, writing his chatty
“Gas ’N Oil” column. There were many
black-and-white photos of airplanes,
engines, and contest events. There were
three-views of classic models, and some
interesting classified ads. We’d all like to
have some of those sale items available
today. It was all in fairly fine print with
small margins, so each issue was packed
with information.
Engine Collector’s Journal was started
by Joe Wagner in 1959 as the Model
Engine Collector, but changed to its
current publisher and name in 1963.
I found some of the 1960s issues the
most interesting. For anyone wanting to
research our history, I recommend this
source. Fortunately there are reprints
still available, mostly in bound volumes
of six issues each. Check “Sources” for
availability.
There are 36 volumes currently listed,
but the website doesn’t identify them
by dates. They weren’t published strictly
bimonthly, so generally a six-issue
volume will cover slightly more than a
calendar year.
Engine Collector’s Journal is published
in Aurora, Colorado, by Tim Dannels.
Bill Bickel, of Phoenix, has assembled
an index for the publication if you’d
like to look up articles about a certain
subject. The index comes in two printed
volumes costing $10 each. Check the
“Sources” for contact information.
SOURCES:
Sal Taibi’s biography
www.modelaircraft.org/files/TaibiRSal.pdf
Model Aviation Digital Library
https://library.modelaviation.com
Engine Collector’s Journal reprints
Box 243
Buena Vista CO 81211.
[email protected]
www.modelenginecollecting.com
Engine Collector’s Journal index
Bill Bickel
3121 Cavedale Dr.
Phoenix AZ 85083
(623) 582-0211
[email protected]
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/04
Page Numbers: 89,90,91
Sal Taibi passed away on December
13, 2012. This column doesn’t
always acknowledge the passing
of pioneers in model aviation because so
many are currently making that fi nal big
thermal.
There is usually more coverage space
available at other sources, so in fairness
to all, let’s consider this as another
overdue biographical sketch.
Sal is one of the best-known fi gures in
the aeromodeling community, especially
among the FF and RC Society of
Antique Modelers (SAM) fl iers.
Sal was one of many successful
modelers who went on to either
supplement or make his living from his
model designs, engines, and specialty
items. But his businesses (Competition
Models and others) were considered
sidelines because he was known
primarily as a lifelong model designer,
builder, and competition fl ier.
His passion for modeling lasted more
than 70 years, and as age and eyesight
problems cropped up, he still turned
out regularly to fl ying sessions. His
practical advice was much sought after
and he freely shared his accumulation
of knowledge and expertise, both off the
fi eld and during the heat of competition.
Sal prepared an autobiography in
1996 for the AMA’s Model Aviation Hall
of Fame, into which he was inducted in
1974. The usual statistics about model
designs, contest wins, halls of fame,
and other awards, were covered, but
what stands out in reading the fi rstperson
narrative is his lifelong passion
for actively building and fl ying models.
That’s why he touched so many people,
leaving most of us with one or more Sal
Taibi stories to tell.
One thing not mentioned in the
offi cial biography was his famous
turquoise-and-white 1956 Chevrolet
sedan. It often indicated whether Sal was
present at an event. Several years back,
I asked the mileage on the car and he
reported something like 650,000 miles,
mostly racked up going cross-country to
contests. He liked to explain that the car
was still using the original set of brakes,
then he’d add, “But it’s on its third new
horn.”
After Sal discovered SAM in later
years, he gave back to that part of the
hobby by serving as the secretary and
later as SAM president for a couple of
terms. His stature and calm demeanor
were stabilizing forces at a time when
the organization was undergoing some
turmoil over bylaws and rules changes.
We’ve all matured in more ways than
one since then, but fi rm opinions and
tensions still crop up during each fi veyear
rules-change cycle.
In my October 2008 column, I
wrote some notes about Sal, along
with a photo of him launching his
Brooklyn Dodger. In the June 2011
column there are photos of the
Brooklyn Dodger and the Powerhouse,
two of his best-known Old-Timer
Find past issues in the
new digital Library!
Visit www.ModelAviation.com,
click on Library, and search for
author Bob Angel.
(OT) designs, as re-created by others.
His modeling career was almost
entirely FF, with two short ventures
into RC. His fi rst RC experience was
designing a 12-foot RC model for Joe
Raspante, who at the time was also
building his striking Snow White model
(pictured in the February 2012 “Old-
Timers” column). He acted as crew
chief for Joe in the 1939 and 1940
Nats, fi nishing second in RC behind the
famous Good brothers.
Years later I attended a SAM meet
near Salinas, California, where Sal
showed up to fl y RC. We RC fl iers
greeted this historic event with open
arms. I think he took third place, but
I also believe that was his only RC
contest. He may have found little
challenge when he didn’t have to fi netrim
his model, but simply steer it out
of any bad attitude it may have gotten
itself into.
Besides wins and trophies, Sal may
Sal Taibi autographed Dick
Bartkowski’s Pacer C in Muncie
IN. Designers are traditionally
asked to sign their designs at
OT gatherings.
hold a record for competing in the most AMA Nats and SAM Championships. He reported having attended every Nats from 1939 to 1994, missing only the 1946 event while he was stationed in Germany.
He attended every SAM Championships starting in 1966, and was still going strong when he wrote that 1996 autobiography. It was as late as the 2007 SAM Championships that I can vouch for his attendance, because I recall sharing a table with him at the bean feed.
Model Aviation Digital Library
The AMA website’s new feature, presenting previous editions of Model Aviation, is one of the reasons I cited past columns. If you’re not aware, you can now peruse scanned versions of any page in any issue of Model
Right: Gliders are big at OT meets in Europe. This gathering is from the VII Euro Championships in Suhl, Germany. Photo submitted by Dave Harding.
As storm clouds cleared, Ed Lamb presented his Miss World’s Fair during a Nevada SAM Championships. Photo submitted by Gene Wallock.Aviation from 1975 forward.
I was able to look up specific articles, which were clear and printable, but it wasn’t quick or easy and it required me to override a security warning. [Note: this issue is specific to older browsers.]I assume it’s a work in progress, which should be more user-friendly by the time you read this.
Engine Collector’s Journal
During the holidays I paged through some back issues of Engine Collector’s Journal. In rereading, it came as a surprise as to how the periodical changed throughout the years. Today it’s pretty much specifically for the serious engine collector.
You won’t find much performance data, but what you will find are some highly detailed descriptions of various makes, models, and running changes of both common and rare engines. With a little research through the indexes and photos, you can usually identify not only the maker of your unknown engine, but probably the year(s) of production, approximate production numbers, and any unusual design characteristics.
Earlier issues had a different flavor. There was a broader range of discussion about models, contests, and personalities. The Model Engine Collector’s Association (MECA) and SAM were in their formative years.
It was relaxing—similar to reading
a historical novel. John Pond was a
regular contributor, writing his chatty
“Gas ’N Oil” column. There were many
black-and-white photos of airplanes,
engines, and contest events. There were
three-views of classic models, and some
interesting classified ads. We’d all like to
have some of those sale items available
today. It was all in fairly fine print with
small margins, so each issue was packed
with information.
Engine Collector’s Journal was started
by Joe Wagner in 1959 as the Model
Engine Collector, but changed to its
current publisher and name in 1963.
I found some of the 1960s issues the
most interesting. For anyone wanting to
research our history, I recommend this
source. Fortunately there are reprints
still available, mostly in bound volumes
of six issues each. Check “Sources” for
availability.
There are 36 volumes currently listed,
but the website doesn’t identify them
by dates. They weren’t published strictly
bimonthly, so generally a six-issue
volume will cover slightly more than a
calendar year.
Engine Collector’s Journal is published
in Aurora, Colorado, by Tim Dannels.
Bill Bickel, of Phoenix, has assembled
an index for the publication if you’d
like to look up articles about a certain
subject. The index comes in two printed
volumes costing $10 each. Check the
“Sources” for contact information.
SOURCES:
Sal Taibi’s biography
www.modelaircraft.org/files/TaibiRSal.pdf
Model Aviation Digital Library
https://library.modelaviation.com
Engine Collector’s Journal reprints
Box 243
Buena Vista CO 81211.
[email protected]
www.modelenginecollecting.com
Engine Collector’s Journal index
Bill Bickel
3121 Cavedale Dr.
Phoenix AZ 85083
(623) 582-0211
[email protected]
