Hi Guys:
The pics that Bob posted of John and the JD Falcon are what I believe Lyle is looking for. I recall that M.A.N. had an article of the JD Falcon in the early 60s. And as Bob pointed out, Buddy Weider and George Jones flew them to many wins during that era. What young talent. We all miss our late friend Buddy who no doubt is flying great patterns with his mentor, John D'Ottavio . As a side note, Tom Niebur kitted the original about 15 years ago.
The photo of me with my JD Falcon II was taken by Don Schultz at the 1969 Navy Nationals Willow Grove,Pa NAS. The story behind my ship, which I believe to be one of one, is somewhat interesting. John was very inspirational to a lot of young fliers in the 50s, 60s and 70s. I was one of them. In 1968, I told him that I wanted to build his original (orange) ship but he asked that I wait because he had begun to think of a newer design. Months went by and after some pestering, he showed up one Thursday eve at a UMAC (Union Model Airplane Club) meeting with a penciled sketch of the fuse side, outlines to make rib templates, and a sketch of the stab/elevator. Nothing more. I was a 17 old kid and had to rely on myself to build it- which was the way I wanted it to be. After completing each major stage of construction, I would drive to his house roughly every third Sunday to show him my progress. In hand was a steno pad to take notes of John's instructions as to what needed to be done next. I would not allow him to perform any work on it. That went on through all of the Winter of 68 and most of the following. Spring. We even met (me with ship in hand) at a diner a few times, ignoring strange glances from patrons and waitresses. I was in my first year of college, working two part time jobs, wishing to find a date(lol) and building my first big stunter- all at once! Probably sounds familiar. Used Mom's Electrolux Vacuum Cleaner (Yes!) sprayer attachment to shoot the Aerogloss. Buffed out five days before the NATs and was all set to get in some practice flights before leaving. That part got skuttled after I totaled my 66 Chevelle four days before. No wheels, no field. A fellow club member took my new, yet to be flown JD Falcon II to Willow Grove and I entered, flew and placed at the bottom as pretty much I had expected to do; given the circumstances. As Bob mentioned, I did manage to win Senior Combat and earned the Navy trip for Juniors/ Seniors to Pensacola. A BLAST ! Once home, I got in some promising practice so thought why not try my luck at the upcoming, big Mitchell Field, L.I. meet. That huge, military purposed site had a reputation for wicked wind. Set the 35 Stunt on the rich side because it wasn't fully broken-in and you guessed it-on the second climb of the reverse wingover, disaster. Gene Schaffer helped me gather the pieces saying " Too bad, kid " and that consisted of my day.
I pirated a decal from a Goldberg Falcon 56 RC kit which wound up on my vertical fin. Tacky but I was still a kid. Bob's renaming it "Falcon 56" has a nice ring, too. I often think of John and that ship. Here was a man with six kids, a back breaking job and a house to care for and he gave up his day off for me. God Rest, JD ! I sometimes think that there's unfinished business here. Maybe I should do another JD Falcon II before I'm too old.
P.S.- The photo of John and me judging at the Union Model Airplane Club Meet in 1975. That was a ONE day AAA meet help annually for 25 years on Memorial Day. Note the number of entrants and everyone got two flights. I think Bill Symonds might have topped Gene S. that day. No matter the outcome, whenever Gene Shaffer flew, nearly everyone in nearly every event stopped to watch!
Topic: JD Falcon photos (Read 1625 times)