Thunderbird - Question for the more elderly amongst us

[Gary_Marchand]

First started modeling in 1956 (Combat) with the Chicago-U-Liners/ At their contest and other midwest contests was awed by the beautiful stunt planes, especially the Detroiters and one particular Thunderbird that was painted like an Incan or Aztec Thunderbird. It was built and flown by a lady, name unknown, who I think was from Michigan.

So the question is, does anybody else remember the plane, the ladies name, and does anybody have pictures of it? Told you this was for the more elderly amongst us.

Have a Thunderbird kit waiting to be built and a desire to replicate the paint scheme from my wayward youth.

Gary

[Mike Keville]

Those T-Birds (there were two of them) were painted by Janet Eden.  The attached photo shows one of them, seen at a contest in Riverdale, IL, 1962.

[Chuck Feldman]

And so it is the amazing Mikey comes through again. Mike you are truly amazing.

Chuck Feldman

[Andrew Tinsley]

Hi Gary,
           There are pictures of these planes in a 1950's Aeromodeller and I think they were reproduced in Ron Moulton's Control Line Manual. They are in black and white, but I should be able to find and copy them if you wish.

Regards,

Andrew.

[Jim Thomerson]

If I remember the story correctly, they gained so much weight that they had to be stripped and repainted. 

[M Spencer]

If I remember the story correctly, they gained so much weight that they had to be stripped and repainted. 

SpoilSport . , was in Aeromodelor ' stunt ' artical , ' introduceing control line aerobatics ' ,
Maybe on Dave Day's site ? ?

[Mike Keville]

Relax, Anachrnois....weight or not, those were attractive models.

[Gary_Marchand]

Mike, thanks. Should of known you would come through. Heavy or not, they were beautiful and a work of art. Don't plan on winning anything and just do this for the joy of it. The contest in Riverdale was held by the Chicago-U-Liners while I was away at the school for wayward boys on the Hudson.

Andrew, would appreciate anything you can send me or post about this plane. Will all help.

Thanks to all that responded.

Gary

[M Spencer]

The remark was directed at bring that up , IF it was done ? ?

Wondering if a silk screen mask or similar would allow a re creation .
Could be Pre coloured on that plastic stuff for a instant result .

Then we can have a Squadron of feathered Thunderbirds .

Might not quite match the period hand painted finish though ,
for dedication and artistical endevour.

The Original is Comparable to the Ancient Film of the T-Bird man in his Canoe
on the Lake out in the wilds . Indicative of an age in time .

NOW , say this really quickley ! ' tethered feathered thunderbird '

[thomas farmer]

Gary I was at the 56 Nats. and remember the two thunderbirds, one was finished and the lady was still painting by brush the other one. I remember that she thought that they were maybe to heavy. Any way the T birds wrw very impresive. I was with two of my friends, Jim Dunkin & Larry Miles, At that time we Lived in the Kansa City Mo. area, I now live in Grand Prairie Texas which was where the Nats wrw held in 1956.