4th Annual Vintage R/C Society Hal deBolt Reunion

4th ANNUAL Vintage R/C Society Hal deBolt Reunion Every year, members of the Hernando Aero Modelers and the Vintage R/C Society, Chapter 2, gather for the annual Hal deBolt Commemorative Reunion. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the event takes place over the course of two days at the Sand Hill Boy Scout Reservation in Spring Hill, FL. It traditionally follows a two-day autogyro fun-fly event; combined, they make for nearly a week's worth of historic RC flying.

For those who aren't familiar with the Vintage R/C Society (VR/CS), the organization was founded in 1989 by a group of dedicated modelers who included Bill Winter, Harold (Hal) deBolt, Joe Beshar, John Worth and me. All agreed that an organization devoted to the preservation of radio control history and the numerous achievements of its pioneers was warranted. Any model airplane that uses a radio and was kitted, published, or flown prior to January 1, 1970, is considered vintage and is eligible to be part of the various VR/CS reunions.

The Spring Hill reunion is primarily a fun-fly but includes some low-pressure competition in three classes: Class I-rudder only (Jack Port Memorial), Class II-rudder and elevator (Howard McEntee Memorial) and Class III-rudder, elevator and aileron (Ralph Brooke Memorial). Participants compete with planes designed in the 1960s, and the combined totals of points earned for two flights determines the winners.

This Boy Scout Reservation is a perfect setting. A big field features a beautiful grass runway that's nearly akin to a carpet. Unfortunately, Mother Nature was not very accommodating. High winds on Saturday caused very turbulent conditions, but improved weather on Sunday allowed extensive flying.

The number of vintage aircraft that circled the skies over Spring Hill was definitely up from last year. And, as it is at most VR/CS reunions, Hal deBolt-designed models outnumbered all others by far.

This year, we had the pleasure of being joined by several of RC's legendary personalities, including Joyce Good, wife of the late Dr. Walt Good who was considered by many to be a founder of radio-control flight; Carl Schmaedig, a pioneer in both free-flight and RC; AMA historian Norm Rosenstock; Ron Morgan, director of the AMA Nationals; Brayton Paul, early innovator in RC; columnist Stu Richmond; and Pete Waters, former vice president of lhe AMA and owner of Kraft Midwest.

The highlight of any VR/CS event is the introduction of a true vintage model-one that was actually built in the year it was designed and that has survived to the present day. This year, Delmar Johnson presented a true piece of history-a Walter Good-designed WAG! Built in 1955 from Model Airplane News plans, it was originally powered by an ignition Forster 29 and controlled by a carrier on/off, single-tube radio (also published in Model Airplane News). A year ago, Delmar restored the airplane to new with a silk and dope finish and brought it into the 21st century by installing an AstroFlight FAI 15 motor and a Futaba 3-channel system.

More history emerged as an original Airknocker, built and finished by the famed designer and former Model Airplane News editor Bill Winter. Now owned by AMA historian Norm Rosenstock, the Airknocker is powered by an O.S. 15 engine but remains in its original 1960 condition.

Brayton Paul brought his scratch-built Hi-TaN-It that was entered in the 1958 Nationals as a rudder-only design. Characterized by its unique T-tail, this model really stands out. Today, it's powered by an Enya engine and controlled by a Futaba radio.

As in years past, everyone gathered on Saturday evening for the presentation of awards, among the most notable of which is the Walt Good Lifetime Achievement Award. This year, it went to Dick Alien for his many contributions to the hobby. Previous recipients include Hal deBolt, Ted Strader and Walt Good.

Thanks go to the Hernando Aero Modelers and contest director Don Ogren for another memorable year.

Copyright Air Age Publishing Nov 2003
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