Vintage Stunt Championships XVIII — 2006/03/15–18
by Bob Hunt
Overview
The 18th edition of the Vintage Stunt Championships (VSC) took place March 15–18, 2006, at Christopher Columbus Park in Tucson, Arizona. This was the 16th trip I have made to compete in this annual classic. I missed the first VSC, which was held at Whittier Narrows in California, and I missed last year's event because of a severe kidney stone. To say I was eager to get back to the desert for a week of flying fun would be a monumental understatement.
For those who are part of the extended VSC family, the event has become much more than a model-airplane contest. It is a virtual mecca for all who love the designs of CL Precision Aerobatics' past, and it is a respite from the realities of "modern" life. A week at a VSC is like taking a trip in a time machine back to a simpler, perhaps friendlier, era.
Started by Mike and JoAnn Keville in 1989 and now administered by the Cholla Choppers Model Airplane Club of Tucson, the VSC has grown into an affair that lures modelers from around the world and from all corners of the United States.
The road trip and travel
One of the best parts of the VSC experience for me for many years was the road trip from the Northeast to Tucson. Bill Werwage and I made this trek 10 times in a row in my venerable Chevy Astro Van (which now has 250,000 miles on it).
I would leave my home in Stockertown (about as far east as you can go in Pennsylvania) at approximately 8 p.m. Thursday and pick up Bill at his home in Berea, Ohio, at roughly 3 a.m. Friday. Then we would drive straight through and arrive in Tucson by mid-Saturday afternoon. We rested a full day before attempting to fly. The trip gave us time to talk about our airplanes, discuss what to work on in our patterns, and an opportunity to psych each other out. That was always the most fun part with Billy. I usually lost, however.
This year Bill and I flew to the contest. Our good friends Warren and Barbara Tiahrt invited us to stay in their gorgeous new home just north of Tucson. I want to thank them for their warm hospitality.
Practice and weather
Most VSC attendees arrive as much as a week early to take advantage of the normally great spring weather in the region. For many it is their first chance to do any significant practicing after a long, cold winter. However, this year the weather was cold and wet on the days just before the meet. No problem — everyone used the downtime for hangar flying (read: bull sessions).
The weather finally began cooperating by Monday morning, and the five circles at the field were filled with fliers shaking down their equipment. There are usually so many pilots trying to get in practice flights that it is common to wait at least an hour between flights. This lull is a great time to visit with competitors, shoot photos of their airplanes, and ask questions about the models they are flying.
The appeal: obscure and classic designs
One of the real treats at the VSC is seeing obscure designs. Many pilots get their kicks by finding models in the archives that have never been flown at a VSC. Most of the time the more unknown models are not all that competitive, but some pilots make them work well enough to win, and that is especially rewarding.
This year’s entry counts were the largest to date: 83 entries in Old Time Stunt (OTS), 97 in Classic Stunt, and 17 in Ignition OTS. The airplanes described below were my favorites among many outstanding entries.
Notable models and pilots
- B-26 Marauder (Joe D'Amico design, RC Scale Flying Models, July 1969) — Retired Lt. Col. Tom McClain flew an amazing conversion of this bomber to CL. Built light and powered correctly, it could handle vertical and overhead maneuvers with surprising ease. Tom powered the bomber with two Randy Smith tuned Magnum .36 engines, each swinging an APC four-blade 10x6 propeller. The model weighed about 112 ounces on 850 square inches of wing area — heavy, but impressive. It demonstrated what disk area and thrust can do in the air. It was not really competitive in Classic, but it was one of the most impressive models ever flown at a VSC.
- Rare and well-finished models — There were dozens of other extremely well-crafted and finished models. The love of and reverence for older designs has driven craftsmanship to new levels across the board.
- Bill Werwage’s 1962 Ares — Jim Tichy built Bill Werwage’s 1962 Ares and painted it in a scheme reminiscent of Ray Marlowe’s 1956 Pegasus. Jim is known for beautiful finishes, and the Ares he brought to VSC was one of his best. It flew well, powered by a RoJett .40 rear-exhaust engine.
- Bill Werwage (reigning CL Aerobatics World Champion) — Bill flew his original 1962 Ares. This was the fourth time he flew this metallic-green Ares at the VSC, resulting in his fourth win with this model and his ninth win overall. Bill has won the Classic crown at half of the VSCs held. The 1962 Ares was originally developed to be powered by a Johnson engine that never reached fruition. With the arrival of the Aero Tiger .36, the larger Ares finally had suitable power and showed its capabilities. Three Ares were entered this year: Bill, Jim Tichy, and Bob McDonald.
- Dragonfly (John Triollo design) — VSC CD Lou Wolgast reprised John Triollo’s unique-looking Dragonfly. John flew his original Dragonfly at the 1961 AMA Nats in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. The Dragonfly had a bit of notoriety when a three-view was published in American Modeler in the early 1960s. Lou’s entry drew interest for its unusual aesthetics.
- Gambler (Russ Snyder design) — Retired Col. Keith Trostle gave his Pagan a rest and flew a large Gambler this year. The Gambler, built by retired Col. Frank McMillan, has more than 700 square inches of wing area, weighs 53 ounces, and is powered by a Super Tigre .60. With it, Keith placed second in OTS by a single point.
- Madman / Fleet biplane — Placing first in OTS by that one point was Bart Klapinski. He had to go to a backup model at the 11th hour after his Fleet biplane shed its upper wing in practice. He used Larry Foster’s gorgeous Madman to win on his second flight with a nearly perfect score.
- Belfry Bound (Dale Kirn design, Carl Shoup’s version) — Carl Shoup’s version of Dale Kirn’s Belfry Bound, with a batlike wing shape and a helmet cowling for a side-mounted LA .40 engine, drew lots of attention. Despite its extreme aesthetics, the model flies superbly. Carl uses it in both OTS and Classic. Two years ago, confined to a wheelchair after a severe motorcycle accident, Carl flew the Belfry Bound in high wind conditions, operating the left wheelchair wheel with his left hand and flying with his right; his pattern was terrific.
- Venus (Jim Ebejer design) — Warren Tiahrt’s Venus (designed by Jim Ebejer, 1952 Plymouth Internats Senior division winner) is a flapped model with an extraordinarily long tail moment, allowing a small horizontal stabilizer and elevator to be efficient. It exhibits great turn properties and looks extremely smooth in the air. Warren’s replica was the Concours winner at the 2005 VSC, powered by an Aero Tiger .36 and beautifully finished with Randkoph dope.
To see dozens more impressive models, plan to trek to Tucson next March and find your favorites.
Competition format and conditions
The competition aspect of the VSC is almost anticlimactic. While you are allowed to try to win, the real point of the VSC is the celebration of Stunt development and design and the gathering of enthusiasts.
With such a large turnout, competition days were long and the extremes of weather were remarkable. The desert can be cold and calm in the morning and warm and windy by afternoon; temperatures can rise by 50° or more, which challenges judges and competitors alike. Judges had to stay consistent and focused while watching as many as 48 flights in a single round.
- OTS and Ignition OTS are contested on Wednesday and Thursday, with one flight each day.
- In OTS and Classic the competitors perform one flight on one circle on Day One and another flight on a different circle on Day Two; judges stay on the same circle each day.
- Ignition OTS has its own grass circle, with both flights executed over two days.
The paved circles at the VSC have deteriorated over the years. The town resurfaced them recently, but sealing was still needed. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that the two asphalt circles had been sealed thanks to funds donated by Bill and Elaine Heyworth. Competitors extend their heartfelt thanks to the Heyworths for this generous act.
Results (highlights)
- Ignition OTS winner: Jim Kraft
- OTS champion: Bart Klapinski
- Classic Stunt champion: Bill Werwage
For a complete listing of results (too long to include here) and many photos, visit the Cholla Choppers' Web site: www.ccmaconline.org. All results, photos, and a list of volunteers are posted there. Cholla Choppers' club treasurer and VSC Assistant CD Robin Sizemore designs and maintains the site.
Memorial: Royal "Lucky" Pyatt
On a sad note, Royal "Lucky" Pyatt — one of Stunt's dearest friends and most beloved individuals — passed away during the first week of this year. His passing leaves a void in our community that can never be filled. Lucky was consumed with the spirit of goodwill and friendship and had a smile that spoke volumes about fun and camaraderie. To Lucky's wife, Rickii, we offer our condolences and support.
Following tradition at the VSC and the AMA Nats, a memorial ceremony for Lucky was conducted. One of his models was set on the flightline with lines and handle attached; attendees filed onto the circle, held the control handle, and moved the controls a couple of times. Keith Trostle gave a moving eulogy, and Rickii received hugs from her extended modeling family. We all felt Lucky's spirit present at this VSC.
Social events and gatherings
One of the major changes in recent years has been the number of evening social gatherings. Many fliers now live in Tucson and open their homes to the VSC family. Keeping track of the parties almost requires a social secretary.
This year’s gatherings included:
- Tuesday evening: Bill and Elaine Heyworth hosted at their beautifully decorated Southwestern cowboy-motif home. They served Philly cheesesteak sandwiches made to order.
- Wednesday evening: Rickii Pyatt hosted a warm and friendly Mexican buffet. Entertainment was provided by Bill Werwage on guitar, accompanied by me.
- Friday evening: Keith and Barbara Trostle hosted an open house with potluck fare. The Bill and Bob guitar duo performed an encore.
- Sunday evening after the contest: Bill and Elaine Heyworth hosted again, serving Italian fare with impressively large meatballs.
Clearly, the opportunity to spend time with others who share the same interests is as much a draw as the contest itself. Thanks to those who opened their homes and hearts to everyone.
Awards and banquet
The Saturday-night VSC banquet is the official ending of the VSC experience. All who won awards during the flying received their prizes, and many special awards were handed out. For the full list of awards and recipients, see www.ccmaconline.org.
- Bob Gialdini Sportsmanship Award: Dale and Linda Gleason (popular choice, received an extended standing ovation).
Special thanks to Mike Keville for the painting he did of my Genesis Extreme, which was published on the cover of a recent issue of PAMPA's Stunt News. Mike presented me with the original canvas at the banquet; it now hangs in a place of honor in my home.
Jim and Sharon Hoffman do a fantastic job organizing the banquet each year. The food and room were excellent — nice job, you two!
Volunteers and acknowledgments
A contest the size of the VSC does not happen without many dedicated volunteers. Please take a moment to visit the Cholla Choppers Web site and note the volunteers' names. When you see these people at the field, thank them — without them the VSC would not survive.
Key volunteers and contributors:
- Contest Director (CD): Lou Wolgast
- Assistant CD / web designer: Robin Sizemore
- Campanions and donors: Bill and Elaine Heyworth (donated funds to seal two asphalt circles; hosted multiple social events)
- Banquet organizers: Jim and Sharon Hoffman
- Sportsmanship award recipients: Dale and Linda Gleason
- Photo contributors: Ken Budensiek (supplied photos for this article and asked that several proceeds be donated to the 2006 F2B Team Fund), Elwyn Aud, Will Hubin, and Rickii Pyatt (offered photos as backup)
Robin was presented a T-shirt by Eric Rule that read: "We can blame everything on Lou!" — a reasonable sentiment.
Final thoughts and thanks
Please join us next year in March in the desert. Tucson is beautiful at that time of year (and truly beautiful any time), and the VSC is where it's at if you love vintage CL Aerobatics.
My thanks go to Ken Budensiek for supplying photos for this article, and to Elwyn Aud, Will Hubin, and Rickii Pyatt for offering photos if needed. Ken’s images were more than adequate, and it was generous of him to suggest donating proceeds to the Team Fund — what a guy!
It truly is a giving and sharing modeling community.
Bob Hunt [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
