This year’s 50th anniversary of the WW1 RC Jamboree at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome was an amazing and well attended event. For many it was their first time seeing so many WW1 airplane models in one place, and for the regulars and old guard, it was a time to renew friendships and form new ones, with a lot of RC flying thrown in for good measure. With excellent flying conditions and sunny weather, this year’s Jamboree was a great experience for all who attended.
Mission Accomplished!
Another reason to go to this classic vintage event is the competition, and this year the members of the host club, the Mid-Hudson RC Society, brought back the Mission event. This low pressure event includes a bomb drop, three chances to burst a balloon on a stick, and a spot landing.
This year there were 25 pilots entered in the Mission competition and there were a total of 161 Mission flights flown. And here are the final standings.
Place Contestant High Score Average Model
1. Nick Ziroli Jr. 900 566.667 Taube
2. Tim Haggerty 800 527.941 Taube
3. Dan Landis 700 448.846 Taube
Team Ziroli Nick Jr., Mike Gross Sr., and Nick Sr., in background.
Video courtesy of Tom Polapink
The last time the Mission event was flown was at the Jamboree’s 30th anniversary and here is the list of winners from 20 years ago.
Place Contestant Model
1. Dan Droppo Taube
2. Brian Hoffman Taube
3. Bill Buckwalter Taube
4. Dan Luchaco Fokker E.III Eindecker
5. Nick Ziroli Jr. Taube
Greg Hahn with his Best in Show winning Gotha Bomber.
And for the scale guys (and there were over 200 plus planes on the flightline), there were the traditional awards. The winners this year were:
Award Contestant Model
Spirit of Rhinebeck. Sal Calvagna, Sikorsky Illya Muroments bomber
Best in Show. Greg Hahn, Gotha bomber
Best WW1. Brian Perkins, Bristol Scout
Best Civilian. Curtis Switzer, Curtiss Condor
Best Junior. Corbin & Curtis Gay Electric powered Foam-board Taube
Sal Calvagna (left) accepting his “Spirit of Rhinebeck” award from Warren Batson.
Brian Perkins fires up his big Bristol Scout aided by Martin Irvine.
