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As reported in this 1950 issue
of Air Trails magazine, the 19th annual National Championship Model Airplane
Contest, held at Hensley Field Air Station in Dallas, Texas, in 1950, unfolded against
a backdrop of military readiness as Marine and Navy air units prepared for the
Korean War. Despite the gravity
of the situation, more than 500 ardent contestants from the United States, Canada,
and Mexico eagerly arrived at Hensley Field, ready to participate in the first-ever
National model meet in the Southwest. For many senior flyers, aged between 18 and
21, the competition held special significance, as they were either expecting draft
notices or had already decided to enlist. These young men were determined to make
their mark on the contest and create lasting memories before heading off to serve
their country. The event, sponsored by the Exchange Club of Dallas with active cooperation
from the U.S. Navy, was directed by John E. Clemens of the Academy of Model Aeronautics,
the organization responsible for sanctioning the championship.
The 19th Model Nationals
 Texas vs. the U.S.!
First Day's Registration by States
World War 1 Taube is nifty free flight semi-scale model
Wing panels & stabilizer removable
1/2A engine
Slight polyhedral
Built by Ted Enticknap, Auburn, Wash.
Paul Johnson, Des Moines, Iowa
R. C. model rudder with swept hinge line imparts upward movement for safe turns
Designed by Al Perkins, Dallas, Tex.
205 sq.in. wing area
Swept-wing Cl. D rubber model has promising performance - wing fins aid glide
10% R.A.F. 32 wing section
17" dia. prop
Heavy-duty, ball bearing winder used by Californians - Winding loop attachment
Bill Berge, Freeport, N.Y.
Cotton fuse on steel wire
Sheet balsa spoilers are simple and effective
The 19th Annual National Championship Model Airplane Contest held at Hensley
Field Air Station, Dallas, Texas, took place amid a grim air of military preparedness
as Marine air combat teams and Navy air squadrons were activated for the Korean
conflict, but true to its reputation for being ready to handle any emergency, the
Navy airfield's personnel under the direction of Capt. Hugh R. Nieman proved it
could prepare for warfare and still play host to the first National model meet in
the Southwest.
As Marine Corsairs and Navy jets went through final test flights before winging
off to join unnamed carriers, more than 500 eager contestants, early birds all,
were knocking on the gates of Hensley Field a full day before the 19th Nats got
under way on July 26. From the first glimpse it was obvious that modelers from all
parts of the U. S., Canada and Mexico were determined to make this the most exciting
of all Nationals. Many flyers in the Senior (Class 1 under AMA rules) event between
18 and 21 years of age were expecting to hear from hometown draft boards, or had
already indicated their intention of enlisting in one of the services, and were
trying their best to make this contest an occasion to be remembered by all.
The competition was sponsored by the Exchange Club of Dallas with the active
cooperation of the U.S. Navy, and directed by John E. Clemens of the Academy of
Model Aeronautics, sanctioners.
Free Flight Gas - 40%
Indoor - 6%
Towline Glider - 6%
Flying Scale - 2%
Outdoor Rubber - 11%
Stunt - 3%
Other Events - 9%
Radio Control - 2%
PAA-Load - 6%
Speed - 15%
Free Flight was Most Popular
Participation by Events Based on Early Registration
Used by Bob Dailey, Ferndale, Michigan
Entire stab. pivots on 1/4" I.D. brass tube
Pivoting stab. coupled to stunt flaps
Norbert Koenig, Dayton, Ohio
Double duty flap is trim tab & dethermalizer
Flap seat is variable for flight trim
Built by Bob Bothner, Rutherford, N.J.
Fixed Stabilizer
Asymmetrical jet controlled by wing tab
Balsa fairing around fuel tank
Control system inside wing
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