Author Topic: The Vintage Combat Plane Festival (Read 39000 times)

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #50 on:** August 30, 2015, 08:09:02 AM »

I have this sitting in my garage.

Andre Ming · « **Reply #51 on:** August 30, 2015, 09:21:33 AM »

Neat car Al!

The Middlesex Youtube channel also has some nostalgic old film of C/L during 1966, too. Is that "The Butcher" flying his combat plane at the 3:14 mark?

Joe Yau · « **Reply #52 on:** August 30, 2015, 07:43:14 PM »

Quote from: Andre Ming on August 29, 2015, 06:29:00 PM

THREE MORE WEEKS!!!!

Yup... come Wednesday night September 16th, "The Black" will be loaded with combat planes and fuel and the flight boxes and all that jazz... then after getting home from work on Thursday the 17th in goes the luggage... and the trek to NJ begins! We should hit NJ sometime Saturday about lunchtime or early afternoon. (Can you say "Italian Hot Dog"?)

This is gonna' be EPIC!!

I've been prepping planes, cleaning engines, getting fresh ignition batteries, got some fresh bladder material in the flight box, some new pacifiers... fuel... DID I MENTIONE I'M STOKED???

I've also be fanning my fires by browsing some of my old model airplane magazines... browsing my stash of old combat plane articles... good stuff Maynard!

OH... and then I found THESE little jewels (videos) from Ken Burdick's "Combat Graffiti" event in BC. Now if this don't get 'ya in the mood... you ain't moodable!!

Hey... those are my videos.. I put those two together for Ken Burdick a while back to swap for some tips to fly F2D.

that's before I got more serious into flying stunt of course.

Andre Ming · « **Reply #53 on:** August 30, 2015, 08:40:50 PM »

Thanks for stepping in, Joe and letting us know that was your work! I looked for credits at the ends of the vids and didn't find anything.

Anyway... cool videos!

I may be knockin' on yer door to learn how to put something like that together myself!

C.T. Schaefer · « **Reply #54 on:** August 31, 2015, 07:06:42 AM »

Andre, Thanks for keeping this thread jumping. I know of several new planes being built, right now, for The Event. We have been flying them this summer and getting cranked up! Jimmy Buff's Kennilworth NJ open 11am - 9pm Sat.

Bob Mears · « **Reply #55 on:** August 31, 2015, 07:56:34 AM »

I finally updated the pictures in the combat museum. Too many to put here, so look at them on my facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/bob.mears.10/media_set?set=a.10201134603751700.1073741827.1367679344&type=3

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #56 on:** August 31, 2015, 10:31:43 AM »

Good stuff Bob!

Tom

john e. holliday · « **Reply #57 on:** August 31, 2015, 11:26:27 AM »

That is one fantastic collection of combat planes. The lead photo of the group has to be from the early days. Be nice if you could post it here with names. Isn't that Riley Wooten his self in the middle?

Bob Mears · « **Reply #58 on:** August 31, 2015, 01:17:26 PM »

Yes, the Riles in the middle. He will be here in Lubbock this weekend to judge our competition. Thats myself, my brother Andy, and my Father James sitting to the right of Riley. All those guys were the bad ass combat pilots in Lubbock at the time. That should have been about 1962

badbill · « **Reply #59 on:** August 31, 2015, 02:05:57 PM »

Quote from: Bob Mears on August 31, 2015, 01:17:26 PM

Yes, the Riles in the middle. He will be here in Lubbock this weekend to judge our competition. Thats myself, my brother Andy, and my Father James sitting to the right of Riley. All those guys were the bad ass combat pilots in Lubbock at the time. That should have been about 1962

Awesome page Bob ! I just can't believe you said the Winder was a good kit... you may be the only person in the world that ever said that

After I built my Winder I put together 2 Voodoos from a 40 year old double kit, and it was like comparing a VW to a Porsche....

Andre Ming · « **Reply #60 on:** August 31, 2015, 07:22:18 PM »

CT:

'Ya reckon' I'm pumped up about the GSCB's VCF event??? Think I'm bouncing off the wall??

Bob:

Wow, just WOW! What a fantastic work you're doing. Seeing your museum is on my "Bucket List"... probably have to be after I retire in about 2 1/2 years... but I HAVE to see that. Note to others: I'M the one that sold him that Vampire kit!! (Ain't I sumpthin'?)

Also, Bob, your facebook page is excellent. I do hope you can continue to digitize and post your very historic combat pictures.

Bob Mears · « **Reply #61 on:** September 01, 2015, 07:55:16 AM »

I guess I'm pretty committed to it now. I'm getting permits now to build another building to house these things. I still have 30 more kits to build!

riley wooten · « **Reply #62 on:** September 01, 2015, 11:56:04 AM »

Quote from: badbill on August 31, 2015, 02:05:57 PM

Awesome page Bob ! I just can't believe you said the Winder was a good kit... you may be the only person in the world that ever said that After I built my Winder I put together 2 Voodoos from a 40 year old double kit, and it was like comparing a VW to a Porsche....

Must know-which do you consider the VW??
RW

badbill · « **Reply #63 on:** September 01, 2015, 12:16:57 PM »

Quote from: riley wooten on September 01, 2015, 11:56:04 AM

Must know-which do you consider the VW??
RW

I should have specified much more clearly... the Winder kit was the VW. Horrible wood and die crushing. Nothing fit. The Voodoo kit, despite the age, was a treat to assemble.
They both fly great, though completely different....

Ken Burdick · « **Reply #64 on:** September 01, 2015, 12:32:07 PM »

there was nothing quite like a Sterling kit. Once I finally got my Winder built, it shed the wing after a few moves.....you had to have "help" to shed a voodoo wing.

Andre Ming · « **Reply #65 on:** September 01, 2015, 02:00:33 PM »

Good looking airplanes, Badbill!

My last Voodoo was a veteran of many, MANY flights. It was a repli-kit by a cottage industry that's long gone. (Built it in the early 1990s.) I flew the wings off that thing, literally. I suspected the leading edge was too soft out of the box, and my suspicion eventually proved correct. After several years and many flights, there began to be a leading edge fatigue fracture just outboard of the nose pod. I cut into it, and spliced/epoxied on some plywood doublers hoping to head off the failure. This worked for almost another decade. Then, while showing off in an exhibition flight at a Gluedobbers meet... it finally happened: The outboard wing snapped off, and that was that. I WILL be building at least a couple more Voodoo's, one is likely going to be powered by a Johnson CS, the other will be a replica of a Voodoo that an old friend used to fly, which will be powered by a Fox 36X as its predecessor was.

Shame about my last Voodoo. I had it balanced perfectly, it stayed straight and true, and had a haulin' 36X on it. It would snap and turn on a dime, was still mighty fast even on 10%... and just a ton of fun to own/fly. Alas, though, it died a glorious death getting "oooo's" and "ahhhh's" from the troops at said event. Upside: It's demise was spectacular!

A pic of the one I mention...

badbill · « **Reply #66 on:** September 06, 2015, 01:27:33 PM »

Just finishing up my second Voodoo from the double kit :-) This one will have an ST G21 35 on it.

Ken Burdick · « **Reply #67 on:** September 07, 2015, 09:52:39 AM »

what a great looking voodoo! What was the finish material?

Andre Ming · « **Reply #68 on:** September 07, 2015, 12:57:39 PM »

Bob:

My comments in the other vintage combat thread still holds true!!

Badbill:

Forgot to say yesterday that your Voodoo is lean and mean looking! Good job!

badbill · « **Reply #69 on:** September 07, 2015, 01:32:44 PM »

Quote from: Andre Ming on September 07, 2015, 12:57:39 PM

My comments in the other vintage combat thread still holds true!!
Badbill:
Forgot to say yesterday that your Voodoo is lean and mean looking! Good job!

Quote from: Ken Burdick on September 07, 2015, 09:52:39 AM

what a great looking voodoo! What was the finish material?

Thanks Guys, much appreciated. Both Voodoos are covered in Monokote, Lustrekote paint trim. Graphics on both courtesy of CFC Graphics.

C.T. Schaefer · « **Reply #70 on:** September 07, 2015, 03:43:34 PM »

HOLY CRAP BOB! That thing is outrageous. Hope you're working on the motor sounds. Maybe add a smoke generator like on the old Lionels?

TS

Andre Ming · « **Reply #71 on:** September 07, 2015, 03:53:52 PM »

Yup, we will be listening closely for the proper sounds of a Johnson CS to be replicated by Bob's talented vocal chords.

Bob Mears · « **Reply #72 on:** September 08, 2015, 10:43:51 AM »

If it comes down to it, you can mount a playing card to flap against the back of the prop. Like we used to do to bicycle spokes as a kid.

bob whitney · « **Reply #73 on:** September 08, 2015, 11:46:49 AM »

Balloons sounded better

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #74 on:** September 08, 2015, 01:53:09 PM »

Quote from: Bob Hunt on September 08, 2015, 12:09:16 PM

If I use the balloons and one breaks, do I win the Balloon Bust contest?

Bob

" ROCKETRY " for the old timers

Bob Mears · « **Reply #75 on:** September 09, 2015, 07:51:20 AM »

Quote from: Joe Yau on August 30, 2015, 07:43:14 PM

Hey... those are my videos.. I put those two together for Ken Burdick a while back to swap for some tips to fly F2D. that's before I got more serious into flying stunt of course.

Sure hope we can get more of these video's from the next event!

Ken Burdick · « **Reply #76 on:** September 09, 2015, 04:34:18 PM »

Guys.
Joe assembled the pictures and music I sent him for the Combat Graffiti video that has the 55 chev on the front. He selected the order of it and the music, it was a great collaboration and Joe has real talent.

The 'Buddy Holly" video was his own collection of video and pictures from the first Combat Graffiti contest. I love the Holly intro then you get hit in the face with a pie as Kelley Crazier fades into view wearing a wig and holding a guitar. The heckler is combat champion Greg Davis and long time friend of both Kelley and Joe. if you like the idea of doing this, you will need to fiddle around with u-tube and load pictures into it. Joe has a real talent for the combination of music and pictures, so he get's to take a big bow. What he assembled and created is a favorite of many combat flyers around the world.

Ken Burdick

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #77 on:** September 11, 2015, 10:03:57 AM »

(Is that "The Butcher" flying his combat plane at the 3:14 mark)
It sure is, and that's Larry Scarinzi at 4:14 wearing the hat

. I'm the skinny kid with the twin power by two Fox 35 stunts.

Al

Andre Ming · « **Reply #78 on:** September 11, 2015, 05:08:05 PM »

Hi Al:

Wow... as I watched that again, I'm envious of you guys and the great times you enjoyed during part of the heyday of C/L. That looked like so much fun! Great friends, guys/gals flying excellent looking airplanes all day long... and I can almost smell the aroma coming off that grill! How old were you in that clip?

Most of my younger years I was a "lone wolf" not by choice, but because of situation. Over the decades, I've only had the opportunity to be a part of some neat C/L gatherings a few times. My most plentiful (and memorable) C/L memories was "That Magic Summer" (1970) that I discovered, and began flying with, the Fort Smith, Arkansas C/L fliers at the old FS Airport flying field. That was a great spring/summer/autumn.

Very much looking forward to meeting you, and the other East Coast Crazies, the Sunday after next!!! (Only 9 days!)

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #79 on:** September 11, 2015, 07:42:35 PM »

(How old were you in that clip)
Andre, I was twelve or thirteen years old 0:01. Fired that inboard Fox up in 7 flips (NO GLOVE), but the outboard engine had dirt in the needle. The older guys came to help out and I got the 2nd Fox running. My best friend and flying buddy Richie Hollywood 0:43 (black shirt) is holding the twin while I start the engines. I remember that day like it just happened yesterday and still have the Foxes. Frank listed the names of most everyone else in the video in an earlier post. George 0:14 and his son Paul Rizkalla 0:39, Frank DeCicco 0:20, Bill" The Butcher " Stauback 3:14, Club President Vernon "Mr." Davies at the grill 3:42, Larry(wearing hat) walking with Al Needleman 4:14, (his fuel guy by night and a pharmacist by day), team of George Schnebbe and Howie Boutiliette. Some others- Greg Cerillo, Mike Hotra and I think maybe Don Shulman (Leon's son/ Jason's Dad), Wayne Colgan 5:41. I need Frank to fill in the rest. I wish I had my fast combat plane "THE SLASHER" in the video, but that came a couple of years later. I still have the remains of it and will build a new one for next year.
Al

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #80 on:** September 12, 2015, 06:38:17 AM »

Andre:
The sad part is that so many of the guys are gone : Richie Hollywood, "Butcher Bill" Staubach, Frank DeCicco, Howie B. , George S., Vernon Davies , and more including the great Harold "Red Reinhart", arguably the finest flyer/designer of stunt and combat aircraft from the late 40's -late 50s.

The talent that came out of this club in Union NJ is mind blowing. PLYMOUTH and MIRROR MEET WINNERS, Multiple NATS and World Champions- Multiple AMA Hall of Famers- Multiple PAMPA Hall of Famers- Highly respected Designers and Pioneers of U/C , Free Flight and R/C ships-Engine gurus and on and on.

The neat thing was that all the greats were /are regular guys who were/are pals with shmoes and beginners; didn't matter. I sometimes think the key was that we ate together after every meeting at one or two local eateries and b.s. 'ed until near midnight.

Someday, a book needs to written about the UMAC experience. Scarinzi did a write up for the AMA in the early 60s ,but the accomplishments could fill a book.

Guys, I know that there were and still are other fine clubs like that, but this one took the cake. My current primary flying club( I'm a member of several and rather not mention names of clubs here) fills my need as a great place to fly, only.
There is virtually no camaraderie. SAD !!

Andre Ming · « **Reply #81 on:** September 12, 2015, 04:18:22 PM »

Al:

Thanks for the time slots of other notable "characters" from that time and place! Once you pointed it out, I recognized Larry immediately. So many pioneer C/L people in that video and even more associated with the UMAC'ers. In 1966 I was 14 years old. You were much farther along in C/L than I was at the time: I think I was still trying to fart with the plastic .049 airplanes and learning to build balsa C/L .049 kits.

Within a very short time from the above time frame, I purchased my first "big" engines: A Fox 35 Stunt that went onto the front of a Magician, and a Fox 36X that eventually ended up on the front of a Vampire. I still have both engines. The Fox 36X will be on the nose of a Combat Cat that will be with me at the meet come 8 days from now, and I think the 35 Stunt will eventually get back onto the nose of a Magician (Brodak's version).

Frank:

It is always sad to experience the passing of iconic individuals. Indeed, a good book of all the accomplishments would be great.

I mentioned "That Magic Summer" that I was able to enjoy in 1970. Even though C/L was on the downturn in the Fort Smith, AR, area, there was still a good amount of C/L flyers that would show up each Sunday at the field. I can recall airplanes around about half the asphalt circle, and that many or more sitting off in the grass. It was rare for there to be long stretches of nothing in the air. My stuff was always over at the "combat circle" (center marked by a concrete disk), for I was learning to build decent airplanes and learning to fly the maneuvers. (Using bladder pressurized 36X powered Demon's of all things!) I wasn't the least bit interested in stunt... combat planes was where it was at for me even at that age.

And yes, the camaraderie was great. We would all sit around in lawn chairs and talk C/L and stuff... drink cold soda pop's n' eat chips... and BS in general. Often times after the sun had set, the lines had been rolled up, and the planes loaded, we would head for a pizza place and the camaraderie continued until ??-thirty.

Hey... let's make these memories happen again come the Sunday after next!

Andre Ming · « **Reply #82 on:** September 14, 2015, 07:30:22 AM »

According to Weather.com, the weather forecast for Whippany, NJ this Sunday:

Low: 56
High: 82
Partly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 10%
Wind: NNW 7 MPH

Hey, the above looks plenty do-able!! Great that there's a low chance of rain. Rain on a flying day sucks!

Andre Ming · « **Reply #83 on:** September 16, 2015, 07:08:01 PM »

Less than 24 hours and we blast-off!!

As of a few minutes ago, the National Weather Service forecast for the area is as follows:

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 77.

Hope that forecast holds!!

Weather.com wasn't as optimistic:

Sunday: Mostly sunny. 20% chance of showers. High 79.

Still not a bad forecast... but that pesky 20% thing.

Flight check: Airplanes are loaded, fuel is loaded, flight box and flight tray loaded, lawn chairs loaded, ice chest stocked with bottled water and loaded. Once we're home from work tomorrow afternoon/evening, it's throw the last minute travel luggage in, fire up The Black, and point it eastward and drive 'til we drop!

john e. holliday · « **Reply #84 on:** September 17, 2015, 10:44:19 AM »

That % chance of rain reminded me of when we were at the 70 Chicago NATS we were listening to the radio station give the weather report. He stated Chicago had a 20% chance of rain in which he also stated then means that 20% of Chicago might get rain. Don't think we got a drop of rain that whole week.

Forgot to add, DON'T FORGET PICTURES, LOTS OF THEM......

C.T. Schaefer · « **Reply #85 on:** September 18, 2015, 07:05:13 AM »

Hey Guys! Two days to go. Sneaking a peek at weather and it looks ok. One word. No food at the site although there are places nearby. Might want to bring some PBJ or granola bars so as not to miss the action! See you then. TS

PS Reminder. The LS speed challenge is free to enter. Rules: A baffle piston Fox .36 or a non-schnuerle S-T G21 .35. There is a 'significant major award' available to the 'winner'. Hopefully, presented by LS hisself.

C.T. Schaefer · « **Reply #86 on:** September 19, 2015, 06:04:27 AM »

CORRECTION. I got it wrong. There WILL BE FOOD available on site tomorrow

Andre Ming · « **Reply #87 on:** September 19, 2015, 08:10:59 PM »

We made it! We're in New Joisey! People talk weird up here! (Or am I the one that talks weird?)

My hat goes off to ALL of you that live here!

Wild intersections (right turns ONLY), wild drivers (outta' my way you slow OAKIE!!)... but some great C/L folk!

No Italian Hot Dog YET... but already had some GREAT food and some GREAT company!

Super enjoyed our visit with Larry and Ginger. We all went out and ate some SUPERB Pizza at a local pizza shop. Saw The Basement... what a living museum that is, and what a living legend we have in Larry Scarinzi. Tomorrow I get to meet the East Coast Crazies mano u mano. Looking forward to meeting Tom "CT", Al, Frank, Tom L., and

else?

Probably going to be more this year than last year, and last year was BIG.

Looking forward to hitting the field in the morning and enjoying one of the best hobbies going!

Will try to check in tomorrow after the event and share some quick impressions.

See 'ya!

Andre

Ken Burdick · « **Reply #88 on:** October 04, 2015, 03:26:58 PM »

So how did the vintage combat picnic go? Any details or video.

K

C.T. Schaefer · « **Reply #89 on:** October 04, 2015, 03:44:14 PM »

It ended up on the 'Open' forum. Lots to read and see!! Lots of fun too. TS

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #90 on:** June 17, 2016, 07:44:23 PM »

THE VINTAGE COMBAT FESTIVAL- JUST THREE SHORT MONTHS AWAY- MAKE YOUR PLANS TO ATTEND SEPT 2016 !

55chevr · « **Reply #91 on:** June 18, 2016, 08:35:19 AM »

Quote from: Frank Imbriaco on June 17, 2016, 07:44:23 PM

THE VINTAGE COMBAT FESTIVAL- JUST THREE SHORT MONTHS AWAY- MAKE YOUR PLANS TO ATTEND SEPT 2016 !

\\

Rebuilding a Renegade just for this event ...

C.T. Schaefer · « **Reply #92 on:** June 18, 2016, 04:35:45 PM »

Now yer talkin'! We have a couple of other different planes coming along too.

tom hampshire · « **Reply #93 on:** July 31, 2016, 11:26:44 AM »

It seems that Andre Ming has an agenda... He is running a combat fest on Oct. 8 and 9 in Tulsa or so. Shall we make it a road trip?

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #94 on:** July 31, 2016, 11:44:39 AM »

Tom...and other east of Mississippi folks... remember A Ming plans of this to be EPIC

best bring your good stuff....

Jest sayin

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #95 on:** August 28, 2016, 07:49:55 PM »

Well, here we are , just under a month to go to the FOURTH ANNUAL VINTAGE COMBAT FESTIVAL ! We all hope for another great turnout on SEPTEMBER 25, 2016 AT THE GARDEN STATE CIRCLE BURNER FIELD - LINCOLN PARK , NJ.

I understand that there will be a number of new ships this year. Today , "Ernie from Carteret" told me that he will have a new Hornet ready for the day. I will have my new ST C 35 Voodoo, my Fox 36x BB ( Brian Gardner p/l/r) SCRAMBLER and my Fox 36 Killer.

It'd be great if all who plan to attend tell us what they plan to bring out this year. LARRY SCARINZI TOLD ME THAT HE'LL HAVE OUT HIS FLEET.
BOB HUNT- SAID THAT HE WILL TRY TO HAVE HIS SWEET SWEEP READY.

OK, the rest can speak for themselves.

jfv · « **Reply #96 on:** August 29, 2016, 07:18:32 AM »

I have a Berkeley Lancer under construction. Should be ready in time. Started a build thread in the Building Section.

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #97 on:** August 29, 2016, 07:59:48 AM »

I got look yesterday at the wing of this ship and Jim has another winner.

Keep the flame going.

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #98 on:** September 19, 2016, 08:23:57 AM »

The advanced forecast looks really good. An informal poll at yesterday's GSCB Fall Stunt Meet among the fraternity tells me that we will have another great turnout !

Scarinzi promises to bring his fleet- all are amazing examples of craftsmanship and design.

With cheap gas aplenty( around $1.85 a gallon in NJ) , this is a real opportunity to see, fly or just spectate one of the largest gatherings of vintage combat aircraft anywhere. Worth a long distance ride !

The engine technology (particularly for the Fox 36x) has been brought up to modern day race engine standards. Simply put, these mills are cranking out power and speeds not experienced back in the day ; save for a handful of guys.