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Warbirds Over Texas 2013


One of two Aichi D3A Val Japanese fighter-bombers (above left) present begins its take-off run. Note the sport-scale ARF rendering of the plane that permits a simplified landing gear more resistant to damage than totally enclosed units. Rich Richardson (above right) adjusts the low idle of his 1⁄4 scale Balsa USA Fokker D-VII while Gary Mills gives him a helping hand. Rich specializes in


Zenoah-powered WWI ships and brought several of them to the event this year. Charlie Schaefer (below, at left) has headed up the grounds crew for “Warbirds over Texas” the past two years. In addition to continuing that job, he spelled Terry Farmer and Ed Kettler as flight directors in keeping things moving smoothly and safely.


RVs, campers, and trailers on the field and prepared to spend three relaxing days in a pastoral setting, complete with livestock in close proximity!


The site features a 720-foot paved runway running north and south with sloped and mowed grass aprons on either side, although the grass on the far side of the runway is the usual take-off/landing site for WWI ships and others wanting to avoid potential as- phalt dings. A wide paved main approach and taxi-way connects to the runway proper from the west and is where all of the action starts. Grass areas to the left and right of the taxi-way are used as start-up and ready ar- eas with planes moving in a double queue in an orderly fashion from the ready area to the taxi-way at the beckoning of the flight direc- tor after initial safety checks are performed.


Since this was the third consecutive year of the event, there was a great deal of evi- dence of cross-training of launch and safety personnel. As a consequence, several club members donned the bright orange flight di- rector’s vest throughout the three days to spell each other and offer relief in the non- stop responsibilities of functioning as air traffic controllers and maintaining the safe- ty of pilots and spectators.


The array of planes at this year’s event continued to run the gamut of sizes and pow- er types, although the trend toward more electrics noted last year probably increased somewhat as the electric power planes grew in size and variety. Notably, there were sev- eral .60 size ARFs from manufacturers like Great Planes and Hangar 9 that opted for electric power.


Jim Dietrich was awarded the WWI First Place trophy for his truly outstanding rendition of a Spad XIII. Everything about the huge 135-inch span model (above) was immaculate, including the pilot and cockpit details shown here (at right). The plane was powered by a DA 150 gas engine, and was covered with Sig Koverall. The camouflage paint scheme was achieved with PPG automotive paint.


20 AUGUST 2013


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