4x a Grand Champion: 1966 Nats Trophies

“Success again” was what Robert K. Sifleet remembers being his first thought when he found out that he had won Grand National Champion at the 1966 Nats.

There was a gap of a few years in between his 1962 win and his 1966 win as Bob finished college and settled into a working life. During these years he had flown some a local contests, but wasn’t doing too much else – he even was still flying some of his planes from 1960, like the Maximus.

A man kneels while holding a model airplane upside down. This image is in black and white and has been scanned from a magazine.
Bob Sifleet prepares his Maximus design for flight. Photo from Model Airplane News, November 1966, copy in the Lee Renaud Memorial Library Collection of the National Model Aviation Museum.

Bob won 1/2A Free Flight this year, which was a popular – and chaotic event. He also remembers having to overcome a bigger challenge than flying – making his way (after hours) in the pitch dark gymnasium that the Glenview Naval Air Station was housing contestants in!

Here Bob share his experiences here, at length here. Or, click on the photo for just the highlights.

Bob speaking - this video serves as a video link.
The above pic links to a 5 minute video about Bob’s experiences at the 1966 Nats. If you are interested in hearing his full tale, click here.

Also, check out these awesome trophies!

On an art-deco radio cabinet like base, a tall gold cup extends upwards, to be topped by a model airplane.
1966 Nats National Open Champion Trophy
This trophy has a 1920s-like radio cabinet base, a gold-colored tall, thin vase is topped by a model airplane in flight.
1966 Nats Grand National Champion trophy

Stay tuned for #SifleetFriday every Friday this summer! And, don’t forget, you can see Bob’s trophies in person at the museum between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2018.

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For more information on the National Model Aviation Museum, including our location, hours and admission fees visit: www.modelaircraft.org/museum

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