On Monday, May 3, 2021 at 8:08:10 AM UTC-6, wrote:
Photo needs some explanation..........
The ship is a Zanonia replica that I just finished up fo the South West Soaring Museum. Johnny Robinson flew it to 3 US National Championships, World Altitude Record (Bishop, Ca) and Worlds first Diamond Badge! No wheel, it took off on a 2 wheel dolly that was then dropped off.........
Johnny installed a Venturi and a needle & ball, then taught himself To fly in clouds! Car tow at Torrey Pines into slope lift, then thermal when a Cu drifted inland. John would enter the cloud and taught himself to fly blind! In competition He would often win the day with 1000 points and the guy in second place would maybe get 200 points!
After winning the Nationals 3 times in a row, cloud flying was forbidden in the US rules.
JJ


That is a beautiful sailplane design and I bet the workmanship is as impressive as the Super Albatross replica you also donated to the SWS museum. Looking forward to seeing it there.

Mike