Vintage Stunt Championships
The 1997 Vintage Stunt Championships (VSC) was held in March at Tuscon, Arizona, and although the event is organized as a contest, it is much more - it is a celebration of the history of Stunt. The legends, names, and airplanes are there to experience and to share, which is the attraction for those who attend once and return many times thereafter. VSC is the opportunity to return to youth and to visit with many old, cherished friends, and it is an opportunity for experts and beginners to share a circle with the people who made this event what it is. This was the ninth VSC, and the eighth held at Tucson. The first running, held in 1988 at Whittier Narrows in Southern California, marked the realization of a dream for Mike Keville, as many great ideas are wont to do.
Control Line: Aerobatics
This is a wonderful time to be modeling - especially for Control Line Stunters. Every day new products entice modelers and make modeling more enjoyable. However, everyone should be aware that many suppliers are small operations, and that they are in the business as much for the love of the hobby as for personal gain. These businesses are proud of their products, as well they should be. The following are some of the more recent items that you may find interesting. One of the more significant trends in Precision Aerobatics in the last five years has been information and designs shared by the Stunt legends. Looking at the competitive history of Stunt, some of the most famous designs that have stood the test of time have been Bill Werwage's.
Control Line: Aerobatics
FOR MOST OF MY MODELING LIFE I've been fascinated by the superb transparent finishes common in Free Flight; the colors are beautiful and the sun shining through the structure gives me a thrill. I realize that plastic films can accomplish this, but I'm going toward the more traditional methods. With the exploding popularity of Old Time and Classic events, I was looking for a procedure with which to cover and finish transparent surfaces to high standards. For those of you who haven't tried a sealed finish, it requires quite a few coats of dope. I know I'll get comments, but my experience has been that it's difficult to get a good surface seal against heavy fuel exposure with a clear finish. Covering with dyed tissue requires quite a bit of technique and practice to get a high-quality job, free of visible seams and overlaps. Some of you who have tried it know that it takes time and effort, so I was looking for a better way.
Control Line: Aerobatics
WHEN I THINK of the big competitive events, such as the Nationals, the Team Trials, the Vintage Stunt Championships, etc., the people who usually come to mind are the winners or the unusual performers. However, I'd like to express gratitude, on behalf of the Stunt community, to the volunteers who make the competitions happen; events running so efficiently is a tribute to their dedication, talent, and selflessness. Warren Tiahrt, Bruce Gifford, Jo Ann Keville, Shareen Fancher, Lila Lee, the superior cadre of judges-led and trained for many years by Dave Cook and Gary McClellan - are but a few. As you reflect on the 1997 competition, remember that the results reflect what you, as a flier, did. If they were not what was expected, so be it. You had the same opportunity as everyone else. Celebrate the competition; it's the best it's ever been, and it keeps getting better because of dedicated volunteers.
Control Line: Aerobatics
Congratulations to John Brodak on his inaugural Fly-In, held Father's Day weekend. For many years, John has been a supporter of Control Line modeling through his hobby shop and kit manufacturing. John's facility, located at Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, has long been a topic of conversation for many who have had the opportunity to visit. In addition to his manufacturing facility and shop area, he has developed a generous portion of his property into a superior flying field, with four circles. Set in the green, rolling Pennsylvania hills, it makes a marvelous host site for what could become the Eastern spring meet. Approximately 80 contestants were at the fly-in-a great turnout! Featured Stunt events were Old Time, Classic, Profile, and Precision Aerobatics. PAMPA (Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association) classes were run in all events, making for a very busy weekend. Noted Stunt personalities George Aldrich and Bob Hunt were in attendance, spinning stories about the old days.
