Author Topic: How is Bill Simons (Read 3475 times)

Ron Merrill · « **on:** January 06, 2010, 10:47:23 AM »

How is this GREAT gentleman doing?

Ron

Randy Powell · « **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2010, 11:06:19 AM »

I understand he passed away several years ago. Bob Hunt was close to him and posted quite a bit of information on Bill. He was a heck of a guy.

Shultzie · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2010, 11:58:33 AM »

Thanks Ron and Randy...for bringing up Bill Simons memories again.
We made him Stunt Grunt of the day...waaaaaaaaaay back in?

Jan. 2007

here are some pretty good posts about Bill.

www.stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=3782.0
www.stunthanger.com/smf/index.php?topic=3827.0

Hey Randy...Thought I would post both your beautiful tribute Shoestring models

Ron Merrill · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2010, 12:50:29 PM »

I was reluctant to ask, i didn't know, damn i hate the answer. The times i met him at the Nats, he was always so approachable and would spend time with you answering silly questions as if he had nothing else going on. I have never forgotten him and the way he was with my sons. I will stop now,as i can't see to type. Rest in well deserved peace. Ron.

Shultzie · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2010, 01:12:15 PM »

Don't vurrree' bot' the typin' rrr' spullin' on this web site....as ya' kun see...that you are in great and good company.
Feel free to be yourself...Ron, around here. Your post was truly a very very good one with great insight and caring input...so keep on...keepin on.

(you cun' see what damage too many years of sniffin dope fumes and drinkin Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaainier Light brew ...add in the old demented 70 years and limited gene pool has damned dung-done to me..YOU ARE IN GOOD COMPANY.

Thanks for sharing about that amazing CLPA masta' Bill Simon.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2010, 06:06:49 PM »

I should note that my current plane was inspired by Bill's Rogue. He was a guy I wished I'd met.

stunt1 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2010, 07:29:41 PM »

Just for your info guys, That's me (Champione) that Bill was launching for at the "Academy Of Aeronautics" Stunt Contest @ NY's Laguardia Airport area back in the day. It was a long time ago. I think the year was 1968 or so. Schultzie may have the exact date.

Cheers,

Bob Lampione

Shultzie · « **Reply #7 on:** January 06, 2010, 08:58:25 PM »

68 sound right...but only our Robin Huntski would know for sure...he is our left bank memory bank...hummm? Or was that his left bank.

Gads...we looked soooooooooooooooooooooo young then huh?
Maybe??? this is another shot of your same airplane in 68?

....and who is that happy guy in a photo only one year later???

Hey Champ! Simons would be love this purty new ride of yours.

This last shot... Is this beautiful model of yours still bookin' n cookin?

stunt1 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 07, 2010, 09:38:26 AM »

Hey Don,

The new ship is still bookin and cookin. Only have abiut 10 flights on it. Winter set in over here rather qfuickly, so our flying season got cut short. That new picture you show with the red Mustang is me and Mike Stott, Senior 1st Place Winner in 1969 on a visit to NY back in the day.

Looking forward to warmer weather. maybe will get a warm day here or there cause I'd love to fly my "T-Rex" ARF I just put toghether with a Big Jim ST60 and it only weighs 59.8 ounces ready to fly. I've never had a sixty size ship that light ever and I do mean ever.

Cheers,

Bob

Matt Colan · « **Reply #9 on:** January 07, 2010, 03:22:59 PM »

I've seen Bob's new United in person, and the picture just doesn't do it justice, it truly is a fantastic looking airplane.

Quote from: stunt1 on January 07, 2010, 09:38:26 AM

Hey Don,

The new ship is still bookin and cookin. Only have abiut 10 flights on it. Winter set in over here rather qfuickly, so our flying season got cut short. That new picture you show with the red Mustang is me and Mike Stott, Senior 1st Place Winner in 1969 on a visit to NY back in the day.

Looking forward to warmer weather. maybe will get a warm day here or there cause I'd love to fly my "T-Rex" ARF I just put toghether with a Big Jim ST60 and it only weighs 59.8 ounces ready to fly. I've never had a sixty size ship that light ever and I do mean ever.

Cheers,

Bob

59.8 ounces, compared to lifting your orange United, you could lift the T-Rex with a finger

john e. holliday · « **Reply #10 on:** January 08, 2010, 09:41:15 AM »

Oh Matt, you are in for it now. Are you saying the Champ builds heavy? Just kidding as these guys build beautiful airplanes as well as know how to make them perform.

Matt Colan · « **Reply #11 on:** January 09, 2010, 09:53:44 AM »

Quote from: john e. holliday on January 08, 2010, 09:41:15 AM

Oh Matt, you are in for it now. Are you saying the Champ builds heavy? Just kidding as these guys build beautiful airplanes as well as know how to make them perform.

I only know of the 85 ounce United for weight and the silver PM (72 ounces) for weight. 85 is heavy, 72 not as heavy.

Bob hope to see you with the green United this coming flying season

Neville Legg · « **Reply #12 on:** January 09, 2010, 11:29:44 AM »

Was this the Bill Simons who designed the P39 stunter that appeared in Flying Models in the '60's?

Cheers Neville

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #13 on:** January 09, 2010, 12:04:25 PM »

I first met Bill Simons at the "61 Nats. I knew that he was sick, but I did not know that he is no longer with us.
I was also at the Academy of Aeronautics contest mentioned. The date might be earlier, since I graduated from the AOA in '64 then went to St Louis University, Parks College.

Neville,
Yes, Bill also designed the P-39.

Pictures
1) 2-23-64 GSCB Snowbird Meet, Front row: Gene Shaffer, John D'Ottavio, Tom Niebuhr Back Row: Bill Simons, Moses Quintana, Ed Elasick
2) Bill Simon's P-39 at Academy of Aeronautics
3) Bob Lampione at Academy of Aeronautics
4) Bob Lampione at Academy of Aeronautics

Shultzie · « **Reply #14 on:** January 09, 2010, 10:30:35 PM »

Tom...WOW!
These last shots are truly remarkable....great history lessons...DOYA' GOT MORE LIKE THESE to share with us.

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #15 on:** January 12, 2010, 02:26:41 PM »

The rumors of Bill Simons' passing are a bit premature (At least I'm pretty sure they are...). Bill moved to Goshen, New York about three years ago and I went to see him about a year and a half ago. He was fine at that point. I haven't kept in touch with Bill since then, but I'm very sure his daughter, Debbie, would have contacted me in the event of his passing.

Bill was like a big brother to me and I could write a book about our adventures together. And, in fact, I am writing such a book! It will include chapters on all the heroes I've had throughout my life, and Bill Simons is certainly high on that list. He was even the Best Man at my wedding!

I'll try to call Debbie and get a report on Bill very soon.

Later - Bob Hunt

Shultzie · « **Reply #16 on:** January 12, 2010, 03:24:00 PM »

GADS! THANKS BOB!!!! I PRAY THAT YOU ARE RIGHT!!!!
FOR SETTIN THINGS STRAIGHT!! GEE! AMAZING HOW RUMORS FLOW!!

Any more news or photos of Simons would be great...

Here is a really nice article about his Scorpio that shows you Bob and Bill "playin in the parking lot together/
"OK! Bobby..It was your idea to take this fool thing apart. Stop grinning and help me figure out how to get it back together."

john e. holliday · « **Reply #17 on:** January 14, 2010, 05:28:17 PM »

It has been two days Bobby, but I know you are a very busy person and a great person also. I will have my version of Bill's P-39 that was kitted by Walter Umland. Either I didn't use enough sand paper or too much finish as it is heavy. Flies great when I set the LA .46 right with clean filter. Hopefully no more 20 minute flights. It would be great to know that Bill is still kicking.

Tom Niebuhr · « **Reply #18 on:** January 15, 2010, 06:19:21 AM »

Bob,
I sure hope that you are correct. I never heard anything official about Bill's current status. I used to live about 1/2 hour from Goshen NY. My nephew is about 10 minutes from Goshen.

Bill is one of the best.

It's funny, at one contest in the 60's I commented on how good Ed Elasick's flight was. Bill looked at me and said: "Tom. you can't really comment on Eddie's flight because you and Eddie are like brothers!" It is a shame that, although I have located Ed, he did not respond to my letter.

jose modesto · « **Reply #19 on:** February 16, 2010, 09:11:03 AM »

A couple of Bill Simons photos Randy a 40 size scorpio
photo #1 40 size Scorpio thats Windy in backround with Mike Rogers orange Pattermaster
photo#2 pm 60 size Shoestring Bill used a PM wing and tail with a Big Jim Hemi ST60
photo #3 Bill with 40 size Scorpio

Randy Powell · « **Reply #20 on:** February 16, 2010, 10:12:13 AM »

I stand corrected. I must have misunderstood earlier and I am very glad to hear it. I've always admired Bill's designs (and have built several of them).

Does anyone have a complete list of Bill Simons designs?

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #21 on:** February 16, 2010, 12:57:59 PM »

Just an update on trying to get in touch with Bill:

I called the number I had for him but there was no answer. There was also no answering machine or service. I'll keep trying...

Bob Hunt

Randy Powell · « **Reply #22 on:** February 16, 2010, 03:23:29 PM »

That would be great, Bob. I'd love to hear how he is doing.