TOP GUN 2013
by Bob Violett

   Always a challenging experience, Top Gun 2013 was no exception.  Some of us flew 2 events, helping our buddies with their entries, and participated in the airshow.  This level of activity interfered with our ability to stage models and pilots for photos, so we are asking for some help.  We will add to the photo gallery as we receive pictures of BVM and Skymaster participants. 
  As you can see from the event "results" the BVM supported products scored well.  Top Gun is a one of a kind, very competitive scale event that is appreciated by competitors, sponsors, and thousands of model airplane enthusiasts.
  This 25th anniversary event was truly international with competitors from a dozen countries.
  Our thanks to Frank Tiano and key sponsors like Pacer, Model Airplane News, and Kapinsky Hotels.  Chief Judges Bill Holland and John Smith and their staff administer the scoring system.

For the best ever Top Gun coverage and some history of the event see Model Airplane News, Volume 141 Number 8 August 2013.


Photo Gallery
click on images to enlarge

  The Expert Scale event had two strong finishes flying BVM jets.  Jack Diaz was 2nd place with his candy stripped F-100D and Scott Harris placed 4th with this "brilliant-in-the-sun" F-86.
   

  With the support of "Peanut" the jet puppy, BV won 3rd place Masters Class.  The Shooting Star F-80C with EVF ~3~ 12S power performed flawlessly.  The drop tank option scored well every flight.
   

  This Skymaster Cougar showed well in the hands of Geraldo Diaz and placed 5 in Pro-Am Jets.
   

  3rd place in the very tough "Team Scale" event was garnered by Mike Grady's extremely detailed BVM MiG-15 with Dustin's piloting skills.  This EVF ~3~ 12S model has all the bells & whistles and its Early Parade scheme is now a popular BVM offering.
   
  Jason Bauer gets assistance from Greg Foushi to prepare his Skymaster F-86 for flight.  Jason was leading the field in the Jet AM class until an engine issue grounded his model. Jason placed 7th.
   
  Andy Andrews campaigned this BVM 80" Sabre Jet in the
AM-Jet Class garnering 3rd place.  This is a superbly detailed and finished F-86.
   


Rick Boyer - Fleetwood, PA


Scott Miller - Brockport, NY


BVM MiG-15's were popular at Top Gun 2013, a total of five competed in various events.


  These JetCat powered MiG's are immaculate scale renditions constructed from early kit versions.  Both achieved excellent static scores in the Expert Class.
   
  BV flew this 7 year old 80" NATO camo scheme Sabre to 7th place in the Pro Jet Class. A JetCat P-120 provides the push.  The external stores 120 gal. drop tanks add "presence" and visibility.
   

  More photos will be added as we receive them.
   
Results:  

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