Author: Sal Calvagna

Edition: Model Aviation - 2021/10
Page Numbers: 72, 73, 74
Carl Becker standing behind a large camouflage-painted Italian Macchi MC200 model airplane

WARBIRDS AND
CLASSICS OVER
FREDERICKSBURG

By Sal Calvagna | rcgiants@optonline.net

Carl Becker standing behind a large camouflage-painted Italian Macchi MC200 model airplane
Carl Becker, of Fairfax VA, brought his Jerry Bates/Model Airplane News plan-built Italian Macchi MC200 to Warbirds and Classics Over Fredericksburg. It is powered by a Saito FT-60 four-stroke engine and uses Robart retracts. The graphics are from Callie Graphics and the model was painted with Model Master paint.

WELCOME BACK. I hope that all of my readers, their families, and friends are healthy and safe. Most modeling events were canceled in 2020, so I’m thrilled to report that after nearly two years, I was able to travel south to Fredericksburg, Virginia, to attend the Fredericksburg Area RC Club’s (FARCC) annual Warbirds and Classics Over Fredericksburg event, which was held June 3-6, 2021.

The event was held at the Robbie Campbell Memorial RC Airfield, which is the home of FARCC. The field boasts two parallel grass runways, each with AC power. Both runways were used during the event. The club also has an air-conditioned clubhouse, bathrooms, and shower rooms. Additionally, there is an outdoor kitchen and seating area where you can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The head chef at the event was none other than Sal Vezzi, FARCC president and contest director (CD).

Sal and co-CD Rob Bussler ensured that AMA regulations and field rules were followed, and beyond that, they both set the course for a fun-filled event. Many of the FARCC members pitched in to make sure that everything ran smoothly. There were 72 registered pilots, with more than 150 model aircraft at the event.

The Warbirds and Classics event was open to all sizes of aircraft. Although most in attendance were Giant Scale aircraft, turbine-powered jets, a turboprop, and many smaller electric models took to the air. A lot of beautiful aircraft were in attendance, but I am limited in the number of photos I can submit. If you do not see your photo

Two men standing with large P-38 model aircraft on a grass field
(L-R): Kevin Grapes, of Harrisonburg VA, is shown with his Ziroli 114-inch wingspan P-38 that is powered by two DLE-55 engines. Pert Asiatico, from Virginia Beach VA, has a Yellow Aircraft P-38 that is powered by a pair of DA-50 engines. Both are beautifully finished models.
Two pilots standing behind a yellow clipped-wing Cub and a gray L-4 model aircraft
A couple of classics (L-R): Ben Haggerty, from Northampton PA, brought his 40% Hempel clipped-wing Cub, and Adam Lilley, of Manchester NJ, displays his 40% L-4. Both aircraft are powered by DA-120 twin-cylinder gas engines.

Man kneeling beside an ESM Bell Aircraft P-39 Airacobra model
Neal Rehm, from Middleburg VA, made many flights with his unusual ESM Bell Aircraft P-39 Airacobra. It spans 80 inches, is powered by a DLE-55 engine, and features brakes.

Man holding a transmitter beside a Mitsubishi A5M4 Claude model
Mike McConville, from Fredericksburg VA, is shown with a Mitsubishi A5M4 Claude. The model was built by Dan Vermeulin. It spans 111 inches and is powered by a Zenoah GT-80 engine.

Man standing behind a Don Smith plan-built B-24J model
Andy Anderson, of Chesapeake VA, is the president of the Tidewater Radio Control Club in Chesapeake and is shown with his beautiful Don Smith plan-built B-24J. The model is powered by four DLE-20 gas engines and uses 31 channels and two separate radios to operate. Flight controls are on one radio and the bombs and accessories are on the other.

Neal Rehm, from Middleburg VA, made many flights with his unusual ESM Bell Aircraft P-39 Airacobra. It spans 80 inches, is powered by a DLE-55 engine, and features brakes.

Andy Anderson, of Chesapeake VA, is the president of the Tidewater Radio Control Club in Chesapeake and is shown with his beautiful Don Smith plan-built B-24J. The model is powered by four DLE-20 gas engines and uses 31 channels and two separate radios to operate. Flight controls are on one radio and the bombs and accessories are on the other.

here, keep an eye out in future columns.

On Saturday night, the registered pilots were treated to an authentic Southern fried chicken dinner with all of the trimmings. It was a great weekend to fly, display some great-looking models, and finally meet up with old friends and make some new ones.

That’s all for now. I hope to see you at a future flying event. Sal, thanks for the scrambled eggs!

SOURCES:

FARCC
www.fredericksburgrc.com

Man standing behind an enlarged Ziroli Bearcat model
Jeff Quesenberry, from Apple Valley MN, poses with his 23-year-old enlarged Ziroli Bearcat. The model spans 110 inches, weighs 51 pounds, and is powered by a 3W 120 engine. Jeff made the retractable landing gear and many of the other parts.

Mike McConville, from Fredericksburg VA, is shown with a Mitsubishi A5M4 Claude. The model was built by Dan Vermeulin. It spans 111 inches and is powered by a Zenoah GT-80 engine.

Jeff Quesenberry, from Apple Valley MN, poses with his 23-year-old enlarged Ziroli Bearcat. The model spans 110 inches, weighs 51 pounds, and is powered by a 3W 120 engine. Jeff made the retractable landing gear and many of the other parts.