Author: David Hart

Edition: Model Aviation - 2024/06
Page Numbers: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Warren Farmer preparing a Nieuport among other model aircraft at the event

The Blue Max 2024

Fifteen years of celebrating early aviation
By David Hart
dwhart2@bellsouth.net
Photos provided by the author

Warren Farmer preparing a Nieuport among other model aircraft at the event
Warren Farmer prepares his Nieuport in a full pit area during record attendance at this year’s event.

The 15th annual The Blue Max event was held January 26-27 at the Sanford Aeromodelers RC Club in Sanford, Florida. This is one of the events that I look forward to every year, not only because of the laid-back atmosphere and great camaraderie, but because the weather is typically beautiful this time of year in Florida. Mother Nature didn’t disappoint, with temperatures in the 70s to low 80s.

The Blue Max Scale Challenge and Fly-In is an event for anyone who is interested in early aviation and the World War I airplanes that existed between 1903 and 1919. It’s a celebration of the pioneer aircraft, the WW I fighters, and the pilots who flew them.

It is a way for RC pilots and enthusiasts to get together and recreate a moment in time. History is preserved through events such as The Blue Max. There are not many museums or airfields remaining where you can go see a WW I airplane fly. In the near future, WW I RC events, such as The Blue Max, might be our only link to the past and early aviation.

The contest director, Scott Lee, agreed that it was difficult for the WW I airplanes to compete against the more familiar, heavy-metal warbirds of World War II and modern-age fighters. Documentation is not as readily available for WW I aircraft as it is for WW II and later model aircraft.

The originators of The Blue Max wanted to create an event where the efforts of WW I modelers were recognized among builders and fliers sharing the same interest. Thus, The Blue Max was born. The first two events, in 2010 and 2011, were held at Kermit Weeks’ Fantasy of Flight Museum in Polk City, Florida.

In the fall of 2011, a change of location was needed to handle the needs of large-scale WW I RC aircraft. Pilots needed a dedicated flying site designed for RC

Sponsors

The following are sponsors of The Blue Max. Without them, the event would not be possible. A very special thank-you also goes out to the hard-working, dedicated members of the Sanford Aeromodelers Club. Thank you for assisting in the setup and preparation, and to those who worked during the event!

  • Balsa USA: Mark Enderby
  • Steve and Julie Thomas
  • Photography by David Hart
  • Bob Violett Models
  • Horizon Hobby
  • Academy of Model Aeronautics
  • Scott Lee: Flying Ace Lawn Care
  • Falcon Propellers
  • Harry and Nikki Sejour: Tailslide Aviation
  • Sean Sciana: Scale RC Engines

A model Nieuport flying in front of the full moon
Chad Cotsamire flies his award-winning Nieuport during the morning’s full moon.
The framing structure of a Taube model aircraft
A unique view showing the framing structure of David Kreitz’s Taube.
Mike Barbee holding a radial aircraft engine
Mike Barbee displays a donated Evolution 160cc seven-cylinder radial engine that will help the USA Scale team fund travel costs to Romania this year. The engine will travel to events with team members, who will sell raffle tickets for the drawing, to be held at the 2024 AMA Nats in Muncie IN.
Pilots prepare WW I model aircraft on the flightline.
The flightline was busy all day long during both days of the event. (L-R): Curtis Switzer and Chad get ready for another flight.
Detailed cockpit of a Sopwith Pup model.
The cockpit of William Toppna’s Sopwith Pup is an example of the level of detail that is put into these beautiful Scale models.

airplanes with assembly tables, power outlets for charging, etc. Club Vice President Scott Lee and the Sanford Aeromodelers welcomed the opportunity to hold the annual event at their club. The event was moved to the Sanford Aeromodelers field in January 2012. This is now the permanent home for The Blue Max.

There were 45 registered pilots at this year’s event. Most of those pilots brought more than one airplane with them, resulting in roughly 100 models sitting on the flightline. Some of the pilots arrived Wednesday evening to get their RVs set up and claim their space along the flightline.

We had beautiful weather, with temperatures in the 60s. On Friday evening, everyone enjoyed watching a WW I movie, thanks to Curtis Switzer, who brought out a big screen and projector for movie night at the field. Everyone enjoyed pizza and refreshments. Thanks, Curtis!

The static judging took place all day on Friday and until 11 a.m. on Saturday, with the judged flying portion held on Saturday until 2 p.m. As always, proper build documentation was required.

Two flights were required by each pilot to make them eligible for an Outstanding Flight award. There was complete, open, unlimited flying both days. Throughout the event, announcer Jay Fiero shared his aircraft knowledge and kept the spectators entertained. Chad Cotsamire also entertained the spectators during the Saturday noontime demonstration with his German Me 163 Komet turbine-powered jet.

Awards

Various types of aircraft were in attendance at The Blue Max, including ARFs, scratch-built models, various kits, and, of course, Balsa USA. Any of these types of aircraft were eligible for Static and Outstanding Flight awards. The following expert builders and pilots were recognized at The Blue Max 2024:

Static awards for outstanding craftsmanship and building with attention to detail were sponsored by Balsa USA. Static judging was overseen by Scott Lee and Trey Patterson.

  • Joe Friend: Curtiss Jenny
  • Monty McMillan: 1/4-scale kit Fokker D.VII
  • Stephen Thomas: 1/3-scale Balsa USA Sopwith Pup
  • Chad Cotsamire: 1/3-scale Thomas Morse Scout

Outstanding Flight awards were presented to the pilots who demonstrated scalelike, realistic flight. These awards were sponsored by Steve and Julie Thomas of Bob’s Hobby Center and Tailslide Aviation. Flight observation was overseen by Billy Freeland and JD Hannah.

  • Wesley Miller: Fokker D.VII
  • David Laver: 1/3-scale scratch-built S.E.5
  • Monty McMillan: 1/4-scale kit Fokker D.VII
  • Jeff Stubbs: Red Fokker D.VII

The Best Central Powers Aircraft was voted on by the registered pilots. The award was sponsored by the Sanford Aeromodelers.

  • Roger Pendergras: 1/3-scale Pfalz from an Indiana Air Works kit

The Best Allied Forces Aircraft was voted on by the registered pilots and sponsored by the Sanford Aeromodelers.

  • Warren Farmer: Nieuport 17

The Max Immelman Class award was sponsored by Bob Violett Models.

  • Chad Cotsamire: Nieuport 17

The Gale Throne/Spirit of The Blue Max award, for demonstrating and representing the spirit of the event, was sponsored by Horizon Hobby.

  • Warren Farmer

The Best-Detailed Engine award was sponsored by Sean Sciana of Scale RC Engines.

  • Andy Marone

The Pinedecker Incident award was sponsored by the pine trees around the flying field.

  • David Kreitz

Balsa USA sponsored a 1/3-scale Balsa USA kit, the winner of which was chosen by random draw.

  • Kenny Hurtado
S.E.5 model flying against a cloudy sky.
One of the author’s favorite models at the event was this S.E.5, owned and flown by David Laver. David’s model took home an Outstanding Flight award.
Three model aircraft flying in formation beneath clouds.
It’s always fun to watch a group of pilots fly together in close formation and put on a great show. Pilots are Marvin Alvarez (top), Curtis (bottom L), Chad (bottom R).

People gathered at the flying field for the event awards.
At the end of the event on Saturday, the goodies donated by the sponsors and the awards were given out at the field.

Red Fokker D.VII model in flight.
Another Outstanding Flight award recipient was Jeff Stubbs, flying this Fokker D.VII.

Belgian-schemed Nieuport 17 model in flight.
Warren Farmer won the Best Allied Forces Aircraft award with his Belgian-schemed Nieuport 17.

Yellow and red Fokker D.VII model flying with another aircraft.
Monty McMillan earned his Outstanding Flight award with this D.VII.

The dates for next year’s event, January 24-25, have already been set. Scott is planning to add some memorable additions to next year’s event. They will continue to have static and flight judging and reward those who go the extra step in building and flying their beautiful models.

One change that was implemented for this year’s event was The Blue Max Max Immelmann flight class. Any pilot who had received two or more Outstanding Flight awards was moved to that class, and an Outstanding Flight award was awarded in the new class. The seven pilots who flew in the Max Immelmann class were Chad, Curtis, Mike Wartman, Mike Barbee, Steve Thomas, Marvin Alvarez, and Warren Farmer.

Scott also acknowledged the seven Max Immelmann class pilots, along with those who went above and beyond in assisting with the event. These individuals received the Oswald Boelcke, Dicta Boelcke Rules of Engagement plaque. Balsa USA continues to be a supportive and recognized sponsor of the four static awards presented.

The Blue Max team will also continue to recognize four pilots who demonstrate scalelike and realistic flying. Any pilot who flies on Saturday will be observed by the qualified and knowledgeable team of flight observers. This is done in a relaxed, non-scoring format, but emphasis is put on scalelike, realistic flight.

The Blue Max continues to grow and is becoming a must-attend event for Scale RC builders and pilots of pioneer and aviation fighters and bombers of WW I. It was great to see some new pilots attend this year, all of whom have already said that they will be back next year. Some of them came all the way from Delaware and New York.

The Blue Max awards banquet and celebration was held at the field this year. Thanks to Trey Patterson for cooking up some of his awesome pork that was served for dinner before the awards were presented. Not only were the pilots recognized, but the hard-working judges were also acknowledged for their expertise.

These judges included Outstanding Craftsmanship and Static judges Scott and Trey, and Outstanding and Scale flight judges JD Hannah and Billy Freeland. Without this talented and knowledgeable team, The Blue Max would not be possible. For more outstanding photos and event information regarding past and future The Blue Max events, visit the website listed in the “Sources” section.

SOURCES:

The Blue Max
www.thebluemaxrc.com

Fantasy of Flight Museum
(863) 984-3500
www.fantasyofflight.com

Sanford Aeromodelers
https://sanfordaeromodelers.com

Three men holding a model aircraft kit box.
Balsa USA donates a kit every year for this event. This year’s winner of a 1/3-scale Sopwith Pup was Kenny Hurtado. On the Facetime phone call is Balsa USA Vice President Mark Enderby.

Red and white Fokker D.VII model in flight.
Wesley Miller won an Outstanding Flight award with his Fokker D.VII. It is in the colors of Ernst Udet.

Blue Pfalz biplane model in flight.
One of the unique and rarely seen models at the event was Roger Pendergras’ 1/3-scale Pfalz Indiana Air Works kit. Roger took home the Best Central Power Aircraft award.