Roy Decamara flies his Vector 40 at the 2023 Lucky Hand Fun Fly at Bill Riegel Model Air Park in Salem. Flying Lines photo.
Lucky Hand Fun Fly 2023
Could it be the last event at Bill Riegel Model Air Park?
Salem, Ore., July 1, 2023
Possibly it was the impending loss of Bill Riegel Model Air Park that brought out what may be a record number of fliers for the Western Oregon Control Line Flyers' annual poker hand game. At least 22 control-line enthusiasts showed up for the event. Eleven fliers played the poker game, and others either flew, helped out or observed during a fine sunny day with mild-to-moderate breeze.
The asphalt and grass circles both were busy with a large variety of Stunt, Combat and sport planes making flights.
The poker game works like this: Every time someone makes a flight, they get a playing card; when they have five cards, they have a poker hand. Best hand wins half the entry fees. This year it was Terrance Bardue who took home the $65 prize. Everyone else who participated and was present at the end went home with at least two nice merchandize prizes given out as door prizes.
Poker hand participants were: Terence Bardue, Roy Decamara, Gary Harris, Russ Hester, Dave La Fever, Leighton Mangels, Chris Nicholls, Doug Powers, Dave Shrum, John Thompson and Gary Weems. Other fliers attending included Craig Bartlett, Ron McBurnett, Jim Corbett, Mark Crouse, Jerry Eichten, Mike Hazel, Steve Lindstedt, Bill Mix, Gerald Schamp and Bruce Tunberg, along with various family members and friends.
The status of Bill Riegel Model Air Park remain uncertain as the Salem Airport's planned parking lot construction project looms. At present, the field remains available for CL flying on a day-to-day basis. In that light, the 2023 Lucky Hand may have been the last organized event at Bill Riegel. If so, it was a good sendoff for a beloved Oregon CL flying venue.
Lucky Hand Fun Fly photos
Some of the models shown below and their owners are unidentifed. Email the Flying Lines editor if you can fill in the details.
Craig Bartlett (left) and Steve Lindstedt take down the Bill Riegel Model Air Park sign from the WOLF club shed. Jerry Eichten photo.
WOLF officers Craig Bartlett (left) and Mike Hazel show the sign that has identified the Salem flying field for years. They won't throw it away just yet, because the field's status remains uncertain. Steve Lindstedt photo.
Terrance Bardue launches a Combat plane for Gary Harris. Flying Lines photo.
Roy Decamara's electric Vector 40 in flight. Flying Lines photo.
Leighton Mangels (left) and Tim Wescott at work in the pits. Flying Lines photo.
Profile Ercoupe by Tim Wescott. Flying Lines photo.
Two of Gary Weems' planes: At left, a new Vector 40 powered by Brodak .40. At right, Tom Kopriva-built Cardinal with O.S. .46LA. Flying Lines photo.
Pit lineup next to the asphalt circle, with Bill Mix working at one end and Roy Decamara at the other. Flying Lines photo.
Some of Dave La Fever's planes. He likes warbirds and other scale subjects. Flying Lines photo.
John Thompson brings a variety of planes to fun-fly events. From top: Super Ringmaster, Prowler Fast Combat plane, Half Fast III (left) and Gladiator electric Combat-style plane. Steve Lindstedt photo.
Terrance Bardue starts the engine on his Chipmunk as Dave Shrum holds. Steve Lindsted photo.
Left: An eye-catching Flying Clown. Right: Green profile plane, owner unidentified. Flying Lines photos.
An Arctic Fox, designed by the late Leo Mehl. Flying Lines photo.
Left: Gary Weems' Tomahawk. Right: Russ Hester's Fast Combat plane, powered by Nelson .36 and using Hester-design safety shutoff. Steve Lindstedt photos.
Left: All-business Northwest Sport Race plane powered by O.S. .25LA. Right: Dave La Fever's Akromaster. Steve Lindstedt photos.
Doug Powers fleet includes planes of all sizes. Steve Lindstedt photo.
Left: Dave La Fever's Flying Fool. Right: Unusual subject by Bill Mix — a full-fuselage Firecat? Steve Lindstedt photos.
Mystery stunt plane was abandoned on the doorstep of the WOLF equipment shed last year. It was part of the door prize giveaway. Steve Lindstedt photo.
Wide array of very nice prizes for all participants — not pictured were several airplanes. Flying Lines photo.
The scoreboard shows Terrance Bardue with the winning hand. Flying Lines photo.
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This page was upated July 3, 2023