Sal Taibi, an aeromodeling pioneer
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 final big thermal. There is usually more coverage space available at other sources, so in fairness to all, consider this an overdue biographical sketch.
Sal is one of the best-known figures in the aeromodeling community, especially among free-flight (FF) and RC Society of Antique Modelers (SAM) fliers. He was one of many successful modelers who went on to supplement or make a living from model designs, engines, and specialty items. His businesses (Competition Models and others) were considered sidelines because he was known primarily as a lifelong model designer, builder, and competition flier.
His passion for modeling lasted more than 70 years. Even as age and eyesight problems cropped up, he still regularly turned out to flying sessions. His practical advice was much sought after, and he freely shared his accumulation of knowledge and expertise, both off the field 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 the first-person narrative is his lifelong passion for actively building and flying 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 official 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 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 firm opinions and tensions still crop up during each five-year 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 designs, as re-created by others.
His modeling career was almost entirely free flight, with two short ventures into RC. His first RC experience was designing a 12-foot RC model for Joe Raspante, who at the time was also building his striking Snow White model. Sal acted as crew chief for Joe in the 1939 and 1940 Nats, finishing second in RC behind the famous Good brothers.
Years later I attended a SAM meet near Salinas, California, where Sal showed up to fly RC. We RC fliers 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 fine-trim his model, but simply steer it out of any bad attitude it may have gotten itself into.
Besides wins and trophies, Sal may 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 a useful resource. You can now peruse scanned versions of any page in any issue of Model Aviation from 1975 forward. I was able to look up specific articles, which were clear and printable, though the interface wasn't quick or easy and required me to override a security warning in an older browser. I assume it's a work in progress and will be more user-friendly over time.
Engine Collector's Journal
During the holidays I paged through some back issues of Engine Collector's Journal. It was surprising how the periodical changed over the years. Today it's largely for the serious engine collector: you won't find much performance data, but you will find 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 an unknown engine but also probable years of production, approximate production numbers, and unusual design characteristics.
Earlier issues had a broader range of discussion about models, contests, and personalities. The Model Engine Collector's Association (MECA) and SAM were in their formative years, and those issues were relaxing to read—similar to reading a nostalgic hobby magazine.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
