District IV Report - 2003/02
On September 14, 2002, the Northern Virginia Control Line Association held its 6th annual Walter A. Musciano Commemorative Control Line (CL) Event to recognize and honor Walt for his achievements and contributions to model aviation.
Overview
The event centered around the small 1/2A CL models that Walt designed for the Scientific Model Airplane Company and that were featured in their ads in Air Trails, Model Airplane News, and Flying Models throughout the 1950s and 1960s. There are roughly 70 of these little jewels; they all featured a solid carved balsa fuselage and solid balsa wings.
Event format and rules
All events were conducted in accordance with AMA regulations. Models were selected and constructed from a plan listing provided in the rules; the only deviation allowed was the wing airfoil (builder’s choice). Modern hinges and adjustable lead-outs were permitted.
- Line length: 35-foot lines, either .008-inch steel-stranded cable or Spectra/Spiderwire 20 lb test fishing line.
- Fuel: 15% 1/2A fuel was provided by the club; diesel entrants provided their own fuel.
- Engine requirement: .049 or smaller, limited to the following nostalgia-period engines listed in the rules:
- Atwood Wasp
- Cox Baby Bee (early single transfer model)
- Fox .049
- Holland Wasp
- K&B Infant .020
- Torpedo .035
- Torpedo .049
- McCoy .049 (diesel or glow)
- OK Cub .049 (or smaller)
Events
There were four events:
- Craftsmanship and Appearance
- Speed
- Team Race
- Stunt (modified)
The modified Stunt event was based on old-time stunt maneuvers and consisted of:
- a standard wingover
- a climb
- a dive
- two inside loops
- an approach and landing
An optional outside loop and two Lazy 8s could be flown for additional points.
Results and highlights
- Craftsmanship and Appearance: 34 entries were judged on workmanship and appearance. The judge was Walt Musciano, who traveled from New Jersey to participate and award the prizes. Walt selected a Bullet, entered and flown by Bob Zambelli, as the winner. Bob’s Bullet was powered by an OK Cub B and was also flown in the modified Stunt event. As winner of Craftsmanship and Appearance, Bob had to fly and qualify in one of the other events to receive his prize.
- Speed: First place went to Dan Banjock flying a Red Devil powered by a Fox .049.
- Team Race: Dan Banjock also won the Team Race with the same Red Devil.
This type of event—with simple model design and a limited, nostalgia-period engine choice—offers a day of old-time flying fun and a relaxed get-together.
Hosts and participants
The members of the Northern Virginia Control Line Association, especially Contest Director Tom McClain, hosted a great event that gave everyone the opportunity to fly for fun and enjoy visiting with fellow modelers. Plans were underway for next year’s event.
Hall of Fame awards
In conjunction with the event, two Hall of Fame awards were presented:
- John Frisoli Sr. (accepted by John Frisoli Jr.): The Frisoli family owned and operated Scientific Models, which made many of the models flown at the event. Walt Musciano designed many of those models. John Frisoli Jr. accepted the award accompanied by his wife Sandra, son Adam, and sister Diane Frisoli Nolan. The Frisoli family presented a knife and catalog set for everyone. Micro-Mark is the present business selling models by the Frisolis.
- John Hunton: John was instrumental in the design of both the Reston and Muncie Museum buildings. He was accompanied by his wife Mary and Jack Dennis. John designs buildings and models and is known as a friend of modelers in need. It was a pleasure and privilege to present him with one of the AMA’s highest awards.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to Rod Baddorf for some of the text and to Walt Musciano and Mary Hunton for the pictures.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
