Warbirds Over the Pacific - 2011/01

Martin Sherman, Korean War, Jim YOurdon,built his KMP
P-38 Lightning three years ago. It features two
Saito .82 engines and Robart landing gear. Bob said that twins
are interesting and fun, and that the P-38 flies like a dream.The US Marine Corps Color Guard marches up the runway
in perfect form, to open Warbirds Over the Pacific Plus,
and Lydia Miller (Eugene OR) sang the national anthem.
South Lane’s veterans thank the US Marine Corps.The US Marine Corps Color Guard marches up the runway
in perfect form, to open Warbirds Over the Pacific Plus,
and Lydia Miller (Eugene OR) sang the national anthem.
South Lane’s veterans thank the US Marine Corps.Larry Church (Creswell OR) treated
event-goers to his full-scale flying
replica of a World War I Nieuport
11. Graham Lee plans inspired
Larry, who is an EAA pilot, to build
a different type of aircraft. It sports
a Volkswagen 1,800cc air-cooled
engine. During a slow, high flyby at
noon, Larry wagged his airplane’s
wings as he flew off to find that dang
Fokker.Above left: Martin Sherman’s Stearman
rolls out after one of its numerous flights.
The awesome power of the RCS 215cc
radial engine effortlessly pulled the 43-
pound model through full aerobatic
maneuvers in the Oregon sky.
Larry Church (Creswell OR) treated
event-goers to his full-scale flying
replica of a World War I Nieuport
11. Graham Lee plans inspired
Larry, who is an EAA pilot, to build
a different type of aircraft. It sports
a Volkswagen 1,800cc air-cooled
engine. During a slow, high flyby at
noon, Larry wagged his airplane’s
wings as he flew off to find that dang
Fokker.Left: South Lane R/C Modelers member
David Dybevik (Springfield OR) attended
the event with his beautiful O.S. .60-
powered Top Flite “Redbox” P-39, which
took him a year to construct. He finished
the model with Coverite material and
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch.Event Winners
Best of Show: Martin Sherman’s Stearman biplane
Best Military: Bob Campbell’s P-38 Lightning
Second Place Military: Richard Schwergerl’s
AD-2 Skyraider
Best Civilian: Larry Myers’ Super Cub
Second Place Civilian: Joe Owens’ Monocoupe
A b ove: Gus Phillip s
Right: Dave Sharp (Eugene OR) retrieves Tom Larson’s AT-6
Texan from the weeds after a missed landing. Tom is a South
Lane R/C Modelers member who served as a weapons technician
for the Air Force in Thailand in 1966. Dave served in the Army in
Vietnam, operating antiaircraft batteries in 1967 and 1968.
enthusiasts, enjoy regularly. Today there is
excitement in the air as we get to enjoy that
technology and apply it to our fancy.
However, July 26 was not quite business
as usual at a warbird event; there was a
twist.
A Scale event that I attended in the state of
Washington roughly five years ago left me
with a new perspective on how people as a
whole perceive model aviation. We are so
different, yet are alike in many ways.
Warbirds Over Washougal in
Washougal, Washington, sounded fun. I
went to participate, finding friends and
companionship with others who had the
same interests. I learned that at that event
they love veterans.
The majority of the audience comprised
World War II pilots who were extremely
appreciative of being able to see most of
their rides fly again, as in the days when the
“scramble” meant something more than
stirred-up fried eggs. I was drawn to the real
thing—those pilots who really did it.
I landed my Kondor Model Products
(KMP) Me 109E—the nemesis of the Battle
of Britain—to meet these air warriors who
blessed us with their presence. As the
amazing stories unfolded, triggered by the
fast-moving model fighters, I noticed one
man who was untouched and quiet.
Unable to curb my curiosity, I introduced
myself and asked him what he thought of the
show. His face said it all, but his words
confirmed his feelings of disappointment.
“I don’t see an F4U Corsair,” he said. “It
was the plane that carried me home time and
time again.”
I unpacked my F4U from the trailer and
fired it up. I taxied the gull-winged model,
doing a weave pattern on the runway to
make sure he noticed. He did; the pleasure
on his face indicated that.
I applied full throttle and then right
rudder, the tail came up, and the Corsair
lifted off—not too steep to deliver the scale
effect. After performing low passes and a
few rolls, I landed the aircraft
professionally.
I walked over to the veteran and said,
“For you sir.” He placed his hand over his
face and cried as memories flooded back.
That moment stuck with me and inspired
Warbirds Over the Pacific.
Our club is a modest group, known in the
Willamette Valley of Oregon as South Lane
R/C Modelers. One of the sad things that
happens in life is that our older citizens pass
away. The loss of experience and knowledge
that goes with that is sad but a real part of
life.
Our group consists of many veterans, and
two of those were war heroes. Guy Oliver,
who was a lieutenant in the Marines and one
of the club’s founding fathers, flew 81
missions against the Japanese in the Pacific
campaign.
I became close friends with this man,
who was 80-some years old, and asked him
about his medals. That is how I learned
about his service in the Marine Corps.
Guy had piloted an F4U Corsair in the
Pacific, experiencing 12 engagements with
Japanese Zeros and many harrowing groundsupport
missions. He had earned the
Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Medal,
and two Purple Hearts. On Guy’s 81st
mission he was downed 70 miles out at sea
and suffered third-degree burns before he
was rescued by the Navy.
Guy died of cancer before the first
Warbirds Over the Pacific was held, to
honor him and all veterans. We have lost
three others since his death.
I want to bring awareness to the young,
those who don’t know, and those who have
forgotten that serving your country is more
than merely a job; it is an honor for all
Americans. This is the South Lane R/C
Modelers club members’ purpose and the
vision.
Every year Warbirds Over the Pacific is
blessed with US Marines honoring their own
by conducting our opening ceremony, and
Lydia Miller of Eugene, Oregon, sings the
national anthem beautifully.
This year I was surprised by the combat
veterans in attendance who saluted smartly
and shared their unit designations with each
other. The Marines retired to post after the
national anthem and remained in formation
as I delivered the eulogy to honor those who
have served.
Then the 9:30 pilots’ meeting was held,
at which rules and flying patterns were
described. The pilots were released to get
back to their models as quickly as possible.
The club decided to open the event to scale
civilian models as well this year, hence the
gathering’s new name: Warbirds Over the
Pacific Plus.
A 600-foot runway of closely cropped
grass served as the launching pad for some
wonderfully detailed aircraft. Martin
Sherman of Medford, Oregon, flew a 1/3-
scale Stearman biplane powered by a Moki
radial engine. The flying expertise required
to operate such a model earned Martin the
largest trophy at the event: Best of Show.
There was flying fun and excitement
throughout the event. Between close calls
and repeated displays of flying skills, the
public, which was invited from the
community, looked on with fascination and
pleasure. Bob Campbell of Yoncalla,
Oregon, wrenched the KMP P-38 Lightning
into and out of low, tight turns and passes.
Richard Schwergerl of Medford, Oregon,
flew his KMP Douglas Skyraider to
impressive vertical climbs, thanks to the YS
140 in its nose. Those Medford pilots simply
put a few wings on their engines, which is
what warbird action requires.
The large-scale World War I models
included two Sopwith Pups with interesting
markings. Bruce Harlow, who is an AMA
District XI associate vice president, gave an
interesting response when I asked him why
his Pup didn’t have markings.
“It is as the plane was delivered in its
prototype condition for evaluation,” he said.
Bruce obviously researched the history of
that particular aircraft when he modeled it.
At noon the runway was shut down for
static judging. The public was invited to
vote for the airplanes they like best. Many
people had questions, and numerous
attendees were fascinated by the models.
The information booth on-site distributed
12 AMA applications and 12 club
applications. Our group does offer training
and pilot instruction.
One of the biggest benefits we reaped at
this event was the interest of Lane County’s
Park and Recreation director, who was
inspired by what he saw. The South Lane
R/C Modelers is interested in establishing an
RC airpark with a paved strip and facilities,
for the benefit of veterans and aeromodeling
as a whole.
A real treat was when the field was shut
down and Larry Church of Creswell,
Oregon, performed a flyby with a fullscale
World War I Nieuport 11 replica. As
it lumbered by, the entire field cheered as
he wagged his airplane’s wings and waved.
Event attendees spent the rest of the day
enjoying the food and much more flying.
The day gave way to dusk, and those
who stayed to enjoy the camping experience
shared stories. At sunrise on Sunday, the
previous morning’s hustle and bustle was
repeated and pilots took to the air with their
models. Spectators showed up, and all
aircraft took to the air at noon for the
Warbird Gaggle.
Prizes and awards were given as part of
the raffle that went on throughout the
weekend. Each pilot earned a raffle ticket
every time he or she flew.
As CD of Warbirds Over the Pacific
Plus, I appreciate our sponsors for the
gracious support they have given to model
aviation and this event. See the “Sources”
listing for sponsor information.
Until next year, may all of you who are
overseas protecting our country return home
safe and whole. God bless you, and God
bless America! MA
GusPhillips
[email protected]
Sources:
South Lane R/C Modelers (Kenneth Perkins,
president)
(541) 942-6105
http://home.comcast.net/~taj450/index.html
Kondor Model Products
(888) 968-7251
www.kmp.ca
Valley View RC
(253) 875-6890
www.valleyviewrc.com
Eugene Toy & Hobby

Martin Sherman, Korean War, Jim YOurdon,built his KMP
P-38 Lightning three years ago. It features two
Saito .82 engines and Robart landing gear. Bob said that twins
are interesting and fun, and that the P-38 flies like a dream.The US Marine Corps Color Guard marches up the runway
in perfect form, to open Warbirds Over the Pacific Plus,
and Lydia Miller (Eugene OR) sang the national anthem.
South Lane’s veterans thank the US Marine Corps.The US Marine Corps Color Guard marches up the runway
in perfect form, to open Warbirds Over the Pacific Plus,
and Lydia Miller (Eugene OR) sang the national anthem.
South Lane’s veterans thank the US Marine Corps.Larry Church (Creswell OR) treated
event-goers to his full-scale flying
replica of a World War I Nieuport
11. Graham Lee plans inspired
Larry, who is an EAA pilot, to build
a different type of aircraft. It sports
a Volkswagen 1,800cc air-cooled
engine. During a slow, high flyby at
noon, Larry wagged his airplane’s
wings as he flew off to find that dang
Fokker.Above left: Martin Sherman’s Stearman
rolls out after one of its numerous flights.
The awesome power of the RCS 215cc
radial engine effortlessly pulled the 43-
pound model through full aerobatic
maneuvers in the Oregon sky.
Larry Church (Creswell OR) treated
event-goers to his full-scale flying
replica of a World War I Nieuport
11. Graham Lee plans inspired
Larry, who is an EAA pilot, to build
a different type of aircraft. It sports
a Volkswagen 1,800cc air-cooled
engine. During a slow, high flyby at
noon, Larry wagged his airplane’s
wings as he flew off to find that dang
Fokker.Left: South Lane R/C Modelers member
David Dybevik (Springfield OR) attended
the event with his beautiful O.S. .60-
powered Top Flite “Redbox” P-39, which
took him a year to construct. He finished
the model with Coverite material and
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch.Event Winners
Best of Show: Martin Sherman’s Stearman biplane
Best Military: Bob Campbell’s P-38 Lightning
Second Place Military: Richard Schwergerl’s
AD-2 Skyraider
Best Civilian: Larry Myers’ Super Cub
Second Place Civilian: Joe Owens’ Monocoupe
A b ove: Gus Phillip s
Right: Dave Sharp (Eugene OR) retrieves Tom Larson’s AT-6
Texan from the weeds after a missed landing. Tom is a South
Lane R/C Modelers member who served as a weapons technician
for the Air Force in Thailand in 1966. Dave served in the Army in
Vietnam, operating antiaircraft batteries in 1967 and 1968.
enthusiasts, enjoy regularly. Today there is
excitement in the air as we get to enjoy that
technology and apply it to our fancy.
However, July 26 was not quite business
as usual at a warbird event; there was a
twist.
A Scale event that I attended in the state of
Washington roughly five years ago left me
with a new perspective on how people as a
whole perceive model aviation. We are so
different, yet are alike in many ways.
Warbirds Over Washougal in
Washougal, Washington, sounded fun. I
went to participate, finding friends and
companionship with others who had the
same interests. I learned that at that event
they love veterans.
The majority of the audience comprised
World War II pilots who were extremely
appreciative of being able to see most of
their rides fly again, as in the days when the
“scramble” meant something more than
stirred-up fried eggs. I was drawn to the real
thing—those pilots who really did it.
I landed my Kondor Model Products
(KMP) Me 109E—the nemesis of the Battle
of Britain—to meet these air warriors who
blessed us with their presence. As the
amazing stories unfolded, triggered by the
fast-moving model fighters, I noticed one
man who was untouched and quiet.
Unable to curb my curiosity, I introduced
myself and asked him what he thought of the
show. His face said it all, but his words
confirmed his feelings of disappointment.
“I don’t see an F4U Corsair,” he said. “It
was the plane that carried me home time and
time again.”
I unpacked my F4U from the trailer and
fired it up. I taxied the gull-winged model,
doing a weave pattern on the runway to
make sure he noticed. He did; the pleasure
on his face indicated that.
I applied full throttle and then right
rudder, the tail came up, and the Corsair
lifted off—not too steep to deliver the scale
effect. After performing low passes and a
few rolls, I landed the aircraft
professionally.
I walked over to the veteran and said,
“For you sir.” He placed his hand over his
face and cried as memories flooded back.
That moment stuck with me and inspired
Warbirds Over the Pacific.
Our club is a modest group, known in the
Willamette Valley of Oregon as South Lane
R/C Modelers. One of the sad things that
happens in life is that our older citizens pass
away. The loss of experience and knowledge
that goes with that is sad but a real part of
life.
Our group consists of many veterans, and
two of those were war heroes. Guy Oliver,
who was a lieutenant in the Marines and one
of the club’s founding fathers, flew 81
missions against the Japanese in the Pacific
campaign.
I became close friends with this man,
who was 80-some years old, and asked him
about his medals. That is how I learned
about his service in the Marine Corps.
Guy had piloted an F4U Corsair in the
Pacific, experiencing 12 engagements with
Japanese Zeros and many harrowing groundsupport
missions. He had earned the
Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Medal,
and two Purple Hearts. On Guy’s 81st
mission he was downed 70 miles out at sea
and suffered third-degree burns before he
was rescued by the Navy.
Guy died of cancer before the first
Warbirds Over the Pacific was held, to
honor him and all veterans. We have lost
three others since his death.
I want to bring awareness to the young,
those who don’t know, and those who have
forgotten that serving your country is more
than merely a job; it is an honor for all
Americans. This is the South Lane R/C
Modelers club members’ purpose and the
vision.
Every year Warbirds Over the Pacific is
blessed with US Marines honoring their own
by conducting our opening ceremony, and
Lydia Miller of Eugene, Oregon, sings the
national anthem beautifully.
This year I was surprised by the combat
veterans in attendance who saluted smartly
and shared their unit designations with each
other. The Marines retired to post after the
national anthem and remained in formation
as I delivered the eulogy to honor those who
have served.
Then the 9:30 pilots’ meeting was held,
at which rules and flying patterns were
described. The pilots were released to get
back to their models as quickly as possible.
The club decided to open the event to scale
civilian models as well this year, hence the
gathering’s new name: Warbirds Over the
Pacific Plus.
A 600-foot runway of closely cropped
grass served as the launching pad for some
wonderfully detailed aircraft. Martin
Sherman of Medford, Oregon, flew a 1/3-
scale Stearman biplane powered by a Moki
radial engine. The flying expertise required
to operate such a model earned Martin the
largest trophy at the event: Best of Show.
There was flying fun and excitement
throughout the event. Between close calls
and repeated displays of flying skills, the
public, which was invited from the
community, looked on with fascination and
pleasure. Bob Campbell of Yoncalla,
Oregon, wrenched the KMP P-38 Lightning
into and out of low, tight turns and passes.
Richard Schwergerl of Medford, Oregon,
flew his KMP Douglas Skyraider to
impressive vertical climbs, thanks to the YS
140 in its nose. Those Medford pilots simply
put a few wings on their engines, which is
what warbird action requires.
The large-scale World War I models
included two Sopwith Pups with interesting
markings. Bruce Harlow, who is an AMA
District XI associate vice president, gave an
interesting response when I asked him why
his Pup didn’t have markings.
“It is as the plane was delivered in its
prototype condition for evaluation,” he said.
Bruce obviously researched the history of
that particular aircraft when he modeled it.
At noon the runway was shut down for
static judging. The public was invited to
vote for the airplanes they like best. Many
people had questions, and numerous
attendees were fascinated by the models.
The information booth on-site distributed
12 AMA applications and 12 club
applications. Our group does offer training
and pilot instruction.
One of the biggest benefits we reaped at
this event was the interest of Lane County’s
Park and Recreation director, who was
inspired by what he saw. The South Lane
R/C Modelers is interested in establishing an
RC airpark with a paved strip and facilities,
for the benefit of veterans and aeromodeling
as a whole.
A real treat was when the field was shut
down and Larry Church of Creswell,
Oregon, performed a flyby with a fullscale
World War I Nieuport 11 replica. As
it lumbered by, the entire field cheered as
he wagged his airplane’s wings and waved.
Event attendees spent the rest of the day
enjoying the food and much more flying.
The day gave way to dusk, and those
who stayed to enjoy the camping experience
shared stories. At sunrise on Sunday, the
previous morning’s hustle and bustle was
repeated and pilots took to the air with their
models. Spectators showed up, and all
aircraft took to the air at noon for the
Warbird Gaggle.
Prizes and awards were given as part of
the raffle that went on throughout the
weekend. Each pilot earned a raffle ticket
every time he or she flew.
As CD of Warbirds Over the Pacific
Plus, I appreciate our sponsors for the
gracious support they have given to model
aviation and this event. See the “Sources”
listing for sponsor information.
Until next year, may all of you who are
overseas protecting our country return home
safe and whole. God bless you, and God
bless America! MA
GusPhillips
[email protected]
Sources:
South Lane R/C Modelers (Kenneth Perkins,
president)
(541) 942-6105
http://home.comcast.net/~taj450/index.html
Kondor Model Products
(888) 968-7251
www.kmp.ca
Valley View RC
(253) 875-6890
www.valleyviewrc.com
Eugene Toy & Hobby