Vintage Stunt Championships
Frank McMillan
The 1997 Vintage Stunt Championships (VSC) was held in March at Tucson, Arizona. Although organized as a contest, the event 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 an opportunity to return to youth, to visit with old cherished friends, and for experts and beginners to share a circle with the people who made this event what it is.
Origins
The VSC was conceived in 1988 at Whittier Narrows in Southern California. The idea originated in a four a.m. discussion around Mike Keville’s kitchen table. Mike wanted a reunion of many of the legends from Stunt’s early days, and it was decided that a contest would better attract participants.
Many volunteers helped put on the first VSC: there were 19 Old Time contestants and 17 Nostalgia (now Classic) contestants. Bob Palmer, George Aldrich, and others attended. The first running marked the realization of a dream for Mike Keville.
Venue and support
Mike Keville and his family moved from Los Angeles to Phoenix, Arizona, which set the stage for VSC’s continued growth. While investigating the Phoenix area he found a fine facility near Tucson and a willing group of volunteers in the Cholla Choppers Control Line Club. Lou Wolgast and Robin Sizemore were very supportive.
The club ensured that a second paved circle was installed in time for the second VSC. The site offered two hard surfaces and three grass circles. Strong club support, important city government support, and wonderful weather helped the event flourish.
People, airplanes, and restorations
Although Mike originated the concept, many people have been the moving force behind the continuing success of the VSC. A few notable airplanes and builders at the 1997 event:
- Charlie Bruce: recreated the Foxy, a tapered-wing upright speed cowled model designed by Odell Reynolds, featuring one of the first long-shaft Fox .59s with rear ignition.
- Ted Fancher: a fine Chizler that won first place in the Classic event.
- Keith Trostle: proudly displayed a Chizler design.
- Dick Mathis: his model weighs 45 ounces and is powered by an OS .35.
- Ron Silver: Tempest design that drew attention.
- Bart Klapinski: notable paint scheme and open canopy; a Nationals winner.
- Red Reinhart: Old Time design Galloping Comedian, beautifully executed.
- Jerry Silver: Fox .35 powered, 37 ounces.
- Tony and Addie Naccarato: Big Job, powered by a Fox .59 long shaft; Addie is famous for quality construction.
The Old Time event features designs from 1952 and earlier. Even today, nothing compares to a big ignition .60 thundering through the Old Time pattern, enhanced by the smell of gas and oil fuel.
Organization and volunteers
Mike’s wife Jo Ann has been instrumental as Contest Director: she receives all entries and processes the paperwork. The contest has also been blessed to have two women serve as tabulators, as at the National Aeromodeling Championships: Shareen Fancher (also PAMPA treasurer) and Lila Lee. They perform their tasks efficiently and almost transparently, contributing to a smoothly run contest.
Everyone who has enjoyed the VSC over the years owes a debt of gratitude to those who walk onto the field. When you walk onto the field at VSC you never can tell who will tap you on the shoulder — some may have more gray hair, some may have less hair, or a few more pounds, but the look in their eyes is the same love of Stunt.
Legends and attendees
Among the legends who have attended are:
- George Aldrich
- Bob Palmer
- Bill Werwage
- Lew McFarland
- Rolland McDonald
- Bob Gialdini
- Mario Rondinelli
- Bill Netzeband
- Larry Scarinzi
- Jack Sheeks
- Keith Trostle
- Bob Hunt
- Bart Klapinski
- Ed Southwick
- Ted Fancher
Others were there as well, and although the weather was not always up to Southern California standards, many people had a great time and left eager to return.
Old Time competition (1952 and earlier)
This year more than 70 competitors entered the Old Time event, making competition and participation top-notch. Several trends are worthy of note:
- The overall quality of the airplanes is increasing.
- Many modelers are seeking out and recreating designs that were flown in the era but not yet documented.
Warren Tiahrt demonstrated both trends with a beautiful, very light and great-performing Trixter Invert. Rusty Brown again showed how well his huge, graceful Icarus performs and won the event.
With heavy participation, top placings were tightly contested: Bart Klapinski and John Wright fought to a dead heat for first place; Charlie Reeves, Bob Hunt, and Jim Hoffman rounded out the top five, with the succeeding placings separated by just a few points.
A change in the rules this year allowed designs that were flown in the era, but not published, to be flown in competition. This is in keeping with the spirit of VSC in recreating history; many worthy designs such as Don Still’s Victory, although not previously eligible, should be documented and flown for all to see how it really was.
Anecdotes and restorations add richness: Bob McDonald recreated a Strathmoor Detroitter in the original colors his father Rolland had campaigned in the 1950s and 1960s. Lew McFarland, a first-time VSC competitor and multiple Nats winner, campaigned an original refinished Shark he built in 1965. Art Adamisin built a Roger Lavrun French design from an original kit presented to him at an overseas judging/flying clinic.
Classic competition (1953–1969)
Classic designs fly the modern AMA pattern, and many are realizing these models perform remarkably well. Trimming techniques, improved propellers, and dissemination of knowledge have allowed these airplanes to reach a performance level that was always possible but seldom achieved. It’s enjoyable to fly the smaller designs compared to the current larger models.
This year the Classic competition reflected a higher level of flying. Ted Fancher’s consistency just edged out Bill Werwage’s highest-scoring flight for first place. Bob Hunt and the author (Frank McMillan) were close behind.
Notable stories
One recurring VSC story is that of Tony and Addie Naccarato. Since the 1940s the mother-and-son team has run one of the more famous hobby shops in the Los Angeles area. Addie designed and built many models; this year they constructed and brought a Big Job featuring a Fox .59 long shaft engine — an advanced design for the late 1940s. It was a thrill to hear the bellow of the Fox and enjoy the Big Job’s smooth flight.
Tony also shared stories about his father’s model-engine design work and his early association with Duke Fox’s company. Rumor has it one man fitted many of the early Fox .35 cylinders and pistons, contributing to the early success of the series. Visiting with Tony and Addie, sharing scrapbooks, and hearing how it was in the old days was a highlight.
Awards and recognitions
It has become customary to recognize outstanding recreations at VSC. This year’s recognitions included:
- Spirit of ’52: Shawn Whitley
- Spirit of ’64 (Cavalier): John Simpson
- Ignition Spirit of ’46: Don Hutchinson
- Best Appearing Old Timer (Trixter Invert): Warren Tiahrt
- Classic Concours (Ares): Bill Werwage
- Bob Daily Award (I-Beam): Bob McDonald
Congratulations to all recipients.
Conclusion
The Vintage Stunt Championships must be experienced in person. It is a renewal of Precision Aerobatics roots, set in a desert spring at a superb location. With the winter months left far behind, the sights, smells, and sounds beckon every year. Make plans to become part of history.
Frank McMillan 12106 Gunter Grove San Antonio, TX 78231
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
