Written and submitted by LV and GW (01/2006); Formatted by JS (01/2006), Reformatted (01/2010)
A Brief History of the Southern California Antique Model Plane Society (SCAMPS)
SCAMPS was founded in the mid-1960s by a group of modelers who found pleasure and challenge in re-creating the pre-World War II designs of their youth. Both gas- and rubberpowered models were built and flown for fun and competition. The SCAMPS contributed to the ideals of the Society of Antique Modelers (SAM) by supporting the fledgling organization and influencing the initial competition rules. The SCAMPS Preamble perhaps states the old-timer philosophy best:
“The primary purpose of the SCAMPS is to preserve an era in model aviation which in our minds was the most colorful in both the designs and personalities that evolved during its tenure. Its barnstorming and pioneering concepts, its individualism, and variety of design are features which are rarely found today.”
The governing structure of the club has the usual officers but does not tolerate long meetings constrained by Roberts' Rules of Order. Officer selections are casual three-minute sessions to allegedly minimize down time at the meetings.
Monthly meetings are held at member's homes, and women friends and wives have always been invited. Many lifetime friendships among the women are a result of this openness. They sometimes accompany the men to the flying field and participate in the eating arrangements. Some even build and fly!
Monthly contests at Mile Square Park in Orange County, California were held until the park was closed for modeling a few years ago. Annual competitions at Taft, California are still held. A recent addition to the contest calendar is an annual open event at the weekly flying field at Perris, California.
The SCAMPS pioneered the 0.02-36 event for 0.02 cu. in. glow-engine models with a wingspan of 36 ins. or less, Commercial Rubber, and the Texaco event for non-scaled free-flight gas models. The Texaco event remains true to its old 1/4 oz. of fuel per pound of model weight requirement.
The current club roster boasts over 100 members, many of whom regularly fly at the Perris field on Wednesdays. The flying sessions are presided over by Sal Taibi who provides insight and patience to both experienced and tyro modelers who are bitten by the Old Timer bug. Past and present members include AMA leaders and SAM officers and champions. The list starts with Sal and includes Jim Adams, Fernando Ramos, Gary and Kevin Sherman, Bob Oslan, Hal Cover, Lou Vargo, and Gene Wallock. When reading the club roster one experiences the richness and historical significance of the club.
- Louis G. Vargo and Gene Wallock
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