Twelve O'Clock High 2014
by Barry Vaught
A warbird and classic event in warm and sunny Florida
Twelve O’Clock High has developed into a fun and relaxing model airplane fly-in for RC model airplane enthusiasts from around the world. The event includes three days of beautiful Florida weather, good conversation, and lots of flying — plus many thrilling moments. The 2014 event, held October 23–25 at Paradise Field in Lakeland, Florida, drew 74 pilots and 125 airplanes, including huge monster-size models, jets, propeller-driven aircraft, experimental planes, and even 15 minutes of foamie fun.
The Twelve O’Clock High Runway Walk gave fans a chance to see the models up close and meet the pilots. First-time visitors were often amazed and many parents asked how to get their children started in the hobby. They were directed to the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and to local RC airplane clubs. Many attendees were surprised that getting started need not be expensive: the AMA offers free youth memberships for those under age 19 as of July 1 each year. AMA youth members can join a local RC airplane club and learn to fly at no cost. Visit the AMA website for details.
Warbird models at the event included the F6F Hellcat — credited with roughly 75% of the U.S. Navy’s air combat victories in World War II — and the Douglas C-47, which General Dwight D. Eisenhower called one of the most important Allied weapons of WWII. Jerry Deluyck brought a Stuka Ju 87 dive bomber complete with its terrifying screaming siren. "Stuka" is short for Sturzkampfflugzeug, which is German for "dive bomber."
Shani Studnik brought several jets, including a 1/4-scale Skymaster T-45 Goshawk with a 96-inch wingspan. That model weighs about 50 pounds, is powered by a JetCat turbine, and uses a JR 12X radio. Mark Shapiro won the Best Jet award with his 1/5-scale Airworld F9F Panther (92-inch wingspan) finished in scale aluminum trim.
Todd Hicks’ monster World War I de Havilland D.H.1A biplane (13-foot wingspan) experienced an engine stoppage during flight but still returned safely to the runway with only minor damage to the undercarriage. It is expected to be repaired and flying again soon.
Many pilots at the event are like rock stars in their own way; watching them prepare and fly their aircraft provides an excellent learning opportunity. They serve as outstanding role models for younger or less experienced pilots — especially in how they handle problems when things go wrong.
One of the unexpected highlights was meeting Nick Ziroli, a legend in model aviation. He brought a couple of airplanes, including his AD-1 Skyraider, and then began naming other models he had designed that were at the event — about 11 in all.
The new paved runway was a big hit. Congratulations to Frank Tiano Enterprises, Contest Director Frank Tiano, and all of the sponsors, volunteers, pilots, families, and supporters for another well-run, fun, and entertaining event. Frank also wanted to thank Polk County Sports Marketing for their support of RC airplane events at Paradise Field. Frank flew his Macchi MC.200 several times and often likes to fly early before the day's activities begin.
As a longtime modeler and AMA member, I thank Model Aviation for the opportunity to cover Twelve O’Clock High 2014. It was a great gathering.
—Barry Vaught [email protected]
Sources
- Frank Tiano Enterprises — www.franktiano.com
- Twelve O’Clock High — www.franktiano.com/MonsterPlanesFrameset.htm
- Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) — www.modelaircraft.org
- Illustrated Encyclopedia of Major Aircraft of World War II, Francis K. Mason
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
