Author: Gus Phillips
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/01
Page Numbers: 27,28,29,30,31,32
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Warbirds Over the Pacific

by Gus Phillips

July 26, 2010—the day after the anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War—was a cool morning. I woke at daybreak to the voices and bustling of pilots as they prepared for the day's flying.

I have been a passionate modeler for roughly 30 years and have had the pleasure of watching model aviation technology advance to the point of excitement 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 in his 80s, 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 ground-support 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, which 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 liked 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 full-scale 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!

Gus Phillips [email protected]

Sources

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.