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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Stuntflyn on June 03, 2019, 06:42:53 AM
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(http://Dolphin-Ad.jpg)
I have an interesting tale about the Lew McFarland Dolphin kitted back in the mid-60's by Jetco I thought some of you might like to hear. The Dolphin was a full fuselage, flapped straight wing C/L stunt aircraft which was advertised as an "Intermediate Stunter". A 49" wingspan powered by .29 to .35 power.
The model appeared in the March/April 1965 Edition of American Modeler magazine in an article written by Lew McFarland. Lew stated the model filled a need for a fast building, low cost, rugged and graceful flyer which could take advancing pilots from the profile circle to the top circles.
The Dolphin could be built in very basic form or details such as fillets, wheel fairings, wheel pants, 3/16" square strips at each corner of the fuselage to allow rounding a more graceful line, full blown cockpit detail, etc., could be added to make the ship compete in looks with even the most modern stunt ships of the day.
With its' distinctive graceful lines (a mimicry of a real Dolphin), it was a real looker for an intermediate stunt ship. I have flown several and have seen many more fly and the aircraft's performance found the winners circle at many a contest.
On April 23rd of this year, I received a call from one Hank Dezelan who lived in Port Charlotte, Florida. Hank was a splendid fellow and we proceeded to have a nice conversation about Lew McFarland's Dolphin. Hank had the very first re-kit of the laser-cut Dolphin which was being produced by Walter Umland and was interested in selling it. I told Hank I would be interested in purchasing the kit and other stuff he had with it to ultimately auction off the item for the benefit of our new non-profit corporation, SPPA, Inc.
We had to figure out a time I could get to Port Charlotte, so I told Hank I would call him back as soon as I knew. Turns out it would be weeks before I could get there unless I went that very day. I called Hank back and he said he would be available that day, so I hopped in the car and made my way to Port Charlotte.
Once I got to Port Charlotte, Hank and I had a very enjoyable hour or so sitting in his garage while he related his Dolphin tale to me. Seems Hank was an AMA Contest Director who retired to Florida after living in Kokomo, Indiana. He CD'ed several contests in Indiana and was an avid C/L Stunt flyer.
One particular contest he CD'ed featured Lew McFarland, Bob Gieseke and Bob Gialdini all in attendance for Open Stunt. I am sure that was quite the shoot out, but in the end the Bear won out with his Gieseke Nobler. Bob Gialdini was second with his beautiful Stingray and Lew McFarland third with his Shark 45. Those are three of the most iconic control line ships in the history of control line stunt, so this was indeed a very special contest. See attached photo.
(http://Top-Trio.jpg)
Hank did not fly in this contest as he was busy with all his CD duties, but he did have his original design Dolphin on display at the contest. At some point, Lew McFarland asked Hank if he could take a close look at his Dolphin. Lew gave it quite the inspection and after the contest was finished, Lew asked Hank if he would allow him to fly his Dolphin. After flying Hank's Dolphin, Lew asked Hank if he could borrow his Dolphin to take home with him! (see photo of Hank back in the day with his original Dolphin design).
(http://Hank-With-Original-Dolphin.jpg)
It seems Lew was very impressed with the simplicity of the design combined with it's great flying qualities. Lew made a few cosmetic changes to the design and then presented it to Jetco as a possible new kit. The rest is history, Lew and Hank would share in the royalties for the kit for many years to come.
Hank showed me the Walter Umland "Kit #1" signed by Walter Umland. Walter and Hank worked closely together on the design of Walter's Dolphin kit. I did not see the Dolphin kit on Walter's current site, but perhaps he still makes it. Hank was also including a new O.S. LA .40, tank, wheels, horns, venturi and other miscellaneous items as part of the deal. Hank would very much like to see it in the hands of someone who would actually build it and fly it, but ultimately, that will be up the the final purchaser. See Hank below with the Walter Umland kit.
(http://Hank-With-Kit.jpg)
We concluded the sale and I headed back on my journey to Tampa. It proved to be an eventful journey as I totaled my car, suffered a compound fracture my left radius and spent a week in the hospital.
I almost thought about keeping this Dolphin kit after what it cost me to get it, but it was just a fleeting thought. The kit can do a lot more good for SPPA than for me. I've switched over to electric and this model is itching to have glow in it. Besides, I always liked this design and have a brand new Tom Dixon Dolphin wing I plan to build as electric. I'll let everyone know when this original Umland kit goes up for auction. Thanks to everyone who sent me the healing vibes as well, I'll be good as new in another month or so. I've even purchased another vehicle exactly like the one I totaled to drive once I get medical clearance to do that again.
Hank would love to hear tales of other Dolphins (and photos), so tell us your Dolphin tale and I will forward it on to Hank. He will greatly enjoy it. If you would like to contact Hank directly, his phone number is 941-764-8132 and his email address is: dezelan@aol.com (http://dezelan@aol.com)
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Great story! I had on original kit version from Jetco , framed up but never finished. Sold it at the Garden State Circle Burner fall swap meet few years ago. Don't know if it was ever finished & flown.
I regretted not finishing that project, so few years later I bought a JETCO replica Dolphin kit that was offered by Shive Specialities out of Lansdale, PA. Have not started that project. I don't think Shive is still cutting kits. Does anyone know ?
Lyle
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If anyone ever sees Larry Lowe, please remind him that he owes me one Dolphin kit. Despite it's shortcomings, I like the Dolphin and would build it.
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Serge, Like Lew McFarland said, it is simple to build, has good looks and while not a fire breathing state of the art aircraft, it is quite a good performing aircraft in the hands of a good pilot. Hope someone has time to post some Dolphin photos, I know lots were built.
Don’t know Larry Lowe or I would let him know. Sorry I can’t assist there.
Jim