1960 Nats Winner

[Tom Niebuhr]

I have been working on two Classic projects that have never been published.
1) John D'Ottavio's "1964 Jet Falcon". I Have the airplane ready for assembly.

2) The late Artie Meyer's 1960 Sr. Nats winning "New Yorker'.

 I had the actual airplane in my possession until I moved to Texas. Artie's friend John Kelly has it again. The original pencil drawing and the actual airplane have been used to develop Cad drawings, which are about 80% completed.
And yes, the "New Yorker", like so many, used a green box Nobler wing.

There were two "New Yorkers" built and the drawing is for the second one that is the actual Nats winner.

The pictures are of that airplane as it looks today, with the AMA numbers removed and much worse for wear. John Kelly knows the complete history of the life and development of the airplane and his help is much appreciated for the future article.

I hope to publish both airplanes very soon. They are truly treasures from the Classic era.

[Dennis Adamisin]

The New Yorker is another great find!  Looks like it would be a really easy build too.  Looking forward to seeing it, and the Jet Falcon ... soon?

[Clint Ormosen]

Tom, got any photos of the Jet Falcon?

Never mind, found one. The search function here works.

[Mel Gray]

Hi Tom,

   It's funny how life is.  I am attaching two files that I scanned.  I hope they can be viewed successfully.  One is a photo collage from the 61 NATS.  Artie Meyer is at the lower left with a "Nobler".  The second file is  some slides of me and my Nobler that I completed in the winter of 1961-62.  I was inspired by the look of Art Meyer's airplane and tried to emulate the color scheme.  I already had installed the fuselage gear in my Nobler so I didn't copy the really cool wing gear in his airplane.  I believe that I also saw an article / picture somewhere of a Nobler by Bob Hunt from this same time period (also with the wing gear).
   Might you have any remembrances of this airplane ?  A New Yorker knock off ?  Gee, was that really fifty some odd years ago ?  Could a fifteen year old kid really complete such a project ?  I really don't remember much about that Nobler I built other than I was thrilled with it in every way.  And I never forgot Artie Meyers and his super cool "Nobler" in Flying Models magazine.

Mel Gray

[Tom Niebuhr]

Mel,
I was also at the 1961 Willow Grove Nats. Yes, Artie flew an actual Nobler that year with the wing gear, which I always felt looked a whole lot better than the stock fuselage gear.

Obviously the "New Yorker" that Artie won with at the 1960 Dallas Nats was more "original" and like so many, used the Nobler wing.  Appearance was worth 40 points in those days and Originality was 10 points. I didn't mind the reduction to 20 points, but when the title became just "appearance" there was something lost.

Personally, I have never had a Nobler, or an airplane using a Nobler wing. I have always done my own thing.

I also feel that winning airplanes like the "New Yorker" are part of stunt history and should be made available to everyone.

[Mel Gray]

That's the airplane, Bob.  But who's the guy holding it ? I don't recognize the kid holding the red / yellow Nobler in the slides either !............................   ;<)

Mel

[Tom Niebuhr]

Memories!!!

Bob had more hair back then.

Here is an update on the "New Yorker" drawing. I have decided after talking to a few people, to show the ribs with 1/4" spars and 1/16" sheeting and center section doublers. Since the Green Box kit used 3/32 sheeting, I have adjusted it all so that the Nobler airfoil is accurate.

There is still more detailing to be done, but the drawing is getting close.  

There will be no progress today, though. I had some bad junk removed from my forehead. (All those years in the sun) It is stitched up and not too comfortable.

[Ted Fancher]

Nice looking airplane.  Has sort of a Kenhi Cougar look to the profile.

Ted

[Tony Drago]

Nice looking airplane.  Has sort of a Kenhi Cougar look to the profile.

Ted
[/quote

That's what thought also. Good looking plane.

[Paul Walker]

Yes, and Bob' plane has the look of the beginnings of the "Bronze Dog" colors. Yes, it might have been a 55 gallon container of that bronze paint that was used for all those years!!!

If it works, go with it.   

[Howard Rush]

That's the airplane, Bob.  But who's the guy holding it ?

Looks like one of our local guys, Robby Hunt, with a 1964 haircut.

[Robby Hunt]

Looks like one of our local guys, Robby Hunt, with a 1964 haircut.

Moreover, my wings will resemble this as I now sport that AMA number...

[Frank Imbriaco]

 Bob came to the UMAC Club picnic in 66 or 67 with this Nobler . Got lots of admiration for the build and paint.
 Cool sweater.

[Tom Niebuhr]

Ted,
Artie was a member of the Long Island Wingmasters. This club spawned people like Ron Pavloer, Bob Miller (of extended Gee Bee fame) and I think Gene Shaefer. Several of the members had airplanes that were influenced by the "Cougar".  Ron Pavleor had one that had straight flaps with no TE taper, and a fuselage gear that certainly had its roots in the "Cougar" .