Top Gun Invitational 2011
Written by Stan Alexander Find the entire feature on page 20 in the August 2011 issue. Read an abridged summary as well as enjoy videos and photos from the event.
“BIG,” “BIGGER,” and “huge” describe Top Gun—the models and the competition, as well as the good times people have, the vendor area, and the flying site.
The 23rd yearly invitational, which took place from April 27 to May 1, was held at a new site. It was still at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida, but it took place at the grass Paradise Field. Frank Tiano Enterprises (FTE) has put in a lot of work into the venue, and you can see the evidence in the turf, smoother surface, built-in irrigation system, and concrete staging areas for the five flight stations.
Top Gun is an international contest, with competitors traveling from as far as Germany, Italy, France, Brazil, New Zealand, and Australia. There are models of aircraft from all eras of aviation, including World War I, World War II, Golden Age, and the modern jet age.
This event is the best of Scale competition, featuring an air show, Top Gun Hussies, vendors, hobby supplies, a large Tent City in the pit area, the Red Bull Girls, motor homes by the score, and some outstanding models. Aircraft were flown, bought, sold, and simply shown off for spectators and prospective buyers. Top Gun wears many hats—successfully.
You won’t see 60-size models at this event. Remember “big,” “bigger,” “huge”!
The airplanes at this contest comprise carbon-fiber kits, fiberglass, and jets with huge wingspans. It seems that WW II models are now almost expected to be 1/4 scale, usually spanning more than 100 inches, and WW I models are typically 1/3 scale. The Moki 250cc radial seems to be the engine of choice for WW II entries—especially the big P-47s.
There are six competition classes at this invitational. I’ll go through them and give you a rundown of the contest, saving the new Mr. Top Gun for last.
Read more including awards and class results on page 20 in the August 2011 issue. Enjoy a video and slide show shot by Stan Alexander and edited by MA Staff.
12 comments
maybe next year
Great video. Good review in
Top Gun
a supplement to the magazine
nice work
MAGAZINE AND VIDEO
Nice Videos
updated video
David Hayes
David Hayes
2012 Top Gun
Top Gun 2012
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