Well, as big of a grapevine as modelers tend to have, I’m sure it’s not much of surprise to most of you that I am not running for reelection.

This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I have been thinking about this decision since the first of the year. I have given 15 years of service in to the IMAA, and at this point in my life I feel my family and career must come first. I feel the IMAA membership will be better served with a President who will be able to devote more time than I am able to devote at this time. I have made a lot of great friends over the years, and have had a lot of fun.

Sorry, don’t get the idea that I’m going to disappear! I will be writing review articles from time to time for High Flight and participating in IMAA events. Just don’t bring me your complaints, I’ll just be flying!

We still have a ways to go before we can see the publication of the IMAA history. We currently have 165 pre ordered. We need 250 orders for the book to be printed. I encourage all of you to buy one and get the word out so we can print our his-tory.

I hope everyone likes the new look of High Flight we are incorporating the new glossy pages into the magazine with a splash more color. Now the big question is everyone willing to pay for the new look? There is a membership poll on the previous page. Please either mail in your comments to 1649 Tecumseh Dr. Lancaster Ohio 43130 or e-mail them to sealh4@columbus.rr.com by August 1st.

The worst thing that I’ve had to do as President is to inform you of the deaths of some of the finest people I’ve known. For once I’m going to let another’s word speak for me.

Bob Tolbert, a long time friend and modeler is gone:

Bob was a long time member of The Madison County RC Flyers, Inc. and one of the founding members of the IMAA Chapter 48 and past IMAA Director of District VI.

Bob was a man of many talents and was one of the few “TRUE” modelers. He entered into giant scale in 1980 and when Bob built a model (many of them from Hostetler’s Cessna plans) that is exactly what it was, a model of a true plane. He was an excellent machinist (a retired Tool & Die Maker) and could make just about anything. Bob hand made several items for his models and even made electric on-board starting systems for his Zenoah G-38’s & G-62’s.

At our local Madison County Club, when something was needed Bob was always there to say, “Here will this do or I’ll take care of that”. He always dug deep into his pockets whenever the Club needed something. Bob Tolbert was always going to IMAA Fly-Ins long before serving as Director in 2000 & 2001 to help spread the fun of modeling. He helped put on four (4) IMAA “Rally of the Giants” -- Converse 1987 & 1997 and at our National AMA Site in 2002 & 2004. If you didn’t know Bob Tolbert you missed meeting one of the best flying friends you could ever have.

“On the Wing”
Ron Pierce IMAA 1646

As we begin another flying season, let us remember those like Bob Tolbert, and his friends, whose love the hobby have helped to give us a sport we can all enjoy, just for the fun of flying. A safe landing to you all!

Bob Tolbert ....modeler, innovator, and hard working IMAA supporter. You’ll be missed, Bob.....