CONTROL LINE AEROBATICS
Frank McMillan
12106 Gunter Grove, San Antonio, TX 78231
Vintage Stunt Championships — Silverbell Park, Tucson, AZ
The latest edition of the Vintage Stunt Championships was magnificent! Again hosted by the Cholla Choppers Club of Tucson, Arizona, at Silverbell Park, it was an absolutely beautiful venue. This year’s event was several weeks later than previous editions, and the weather was excellent. Many contestants arrived several days early to sightsee, fly a little, and enjoy the marvelous Tucson climate.
Entries increased again this year, reaching 68 in Old-Time and Nostalgia. Many veterans returned and brought newcomers. Kaz Minato brought several friends from Japan to compete, and Carlos Vellareal came from Cuba to fly his Super Master, giving the contest a fine international flavor.
For those of us who have flown stunt for many years, it’s the association with wonderful people that keeps us coming back. The Vintage Stunt Championships give everyone a unique opportunity to see and talk with legends from the early days. We’re all getting on, so I encourage everyone to take advantage of these gatherings and be part of the experience.
Notable people and aircraft
Bob Hunt persuaded his dad, Jim, to attend. Jim, who had just turned 80, built a new version of his Travelair Sportster (originally published in Model Airplane News in 1952). After trimming the line rigging the model was capable of loops and inverted flight, remarkable considering its near-scale configuration. Jim’s construction was both light and exceptionally rigid. He pointed out that he originated the klunk metal tank design shown in the article, and he also fashioned an adjustable aluminum leadout guide attached to the cabane struts permitting fore-and-aft as well as vertical movement. Jim was honored with the "Spirit of '52" and "Keeper of the Flame" awards—well deserved. We hope he returns to many more Vintage Stunt Champs.
I remember the 1963 NATS when Bob Gialdini—tall, slender, all in white—arrived with a striking jet-style model, the original Sting Ray. He won Open Stunt that year and later represented the United States on the F2B Team with the Sting Ray design. This year Bob opened his transport case at the Championships and there was the original Sting Ray—scarred but magnificent, with FAI processing stickers documenting its history. When Bob flew it, the motor ran strong and clear, as it had 30 years before. That’s what the VSC is all about.
Dave Henstraught attended his first VSC with a lovely P-39 Airacobra. The design was quite petite and finished with superb camouflage; details like the tank access hatch were exceptional. Dave also helped out with two PT-19 examples of his design from many years ago.
There were several new planes, showing that builders are still looking for the next neat model:
- Charlie Reeves brought a brand-new Stunt Wagon 60 powered by a long-shaft Fox .59. The finish was cream with metallic maroon and a super-gloss clear coat. It flew fast and loud.
- Ted Fancher brought a Stunt Wagon 60 with a short-shaft Fox .59. His finish and workmanship were flawless. These two Stunt Wagons were among the finest examples of the design ever built.
- Jim Lee won the Old-Time class flying a Hotter-n-That, a very simple combat-type design with wire landing gear that can be built in about a week.
- Allen Brickhaus placed second in Old-Time with an All American.
Nostalgia was a real shootout, with many fliers taking advantage of the nice weather for practice. Bob Hunt had his Tucker Special running well with a Webra .28 ABC. As usual, Bob Whitely and his well-traveled Ken Hi Panther and Ted Fancher with his classic Chief were there to compete. Ted bested Bob Hunt, with Bob Whitely close behind.
The spirit of VSC
The competitive aspect is secondary at the VSC. The emphasis is on meeting great people and sharing experiences. Where else can you see a 30-year-old classic flown by its original designer (age undetermined)?
Kaz Minato mentioned a friend building a Quasar from the 1968 NATS. Since Bob English, the Quasar’s designer, was in attendance, introductions were made; in addition to an autograph, the builder will receive accurate plans.
There are also informal swap opportunities, vintage kits, plans, and more. If you’ve never attended a VSC, you’ve missed some fun.
Eastern States Vintage Championship — Tifton, GA
Tom Dixon is organizing an Eastern States Vintage Championship this year. The site will be the Tifton, Georgia, airport on September 18–19. There are four circles on the parking ramp, and Tom guarantees turbulence-free air. The airport personnel are eager to host the contest, which will be set up as a benefit for a selected charity, such as the Boy Scouts.
For more information, send a #2 SASE to: Tom Dixon 3390 Woodrun Trail Marietta, GA 30062
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
