Jim Bolen – Modeler of the Year - 1991

In 1990, a group of scale-minded TPGers formed the Torrey Pines Scale Soaring Society to enjoy fun flying scale RC sailplanes. Their focus was mainly at Torrey Pines, however they searched for a new thermal field that could be used for fun flying rather than the regular contests that were held by TPG at Hourglass.

Jim Bolen – 1991 Modeler of the Year

A field was located in Poway and used for a short period. However, at roughly this same time TPG lost its ability to use Hourglass Field for thermal duration due to the increased use by the San Diego Police Dept for vehicle training. Jim Bolen, a retired police officer, worked out permission with the owner of the Poway field for the use of the field by TPG. The TPSSS moved and later took up residence at Black Mountain Middle School instead. Initially the Poway Field – now known to TPG as the “Poway Flight Center” was to the southeast of where we fly today, right about where the southern stables are. In January 1991, TPGers Richard Bledsoe, Pat Conway, Don Van Gundy, and Joe McBride used a pickup truck and a metal drag borrowed from the North County Clouds to clear the field of brush. A few weekends later Joe McBride returned with a skip-loader to flatten out the landing area, and also filled in the entrance road so that small cars could make it more easily from Garden Road to the field. Don and Sue Van Gundy helped clear rocks from the field along with Gary Anderson. The resulting field was roughly 900 feet long, with permission to use about 30 acres of land.

The original Poway Field (outlined in green) and the current Poway Flight Center (outlined in red)

In 1991, contests continued at Hourglass Field and Bay Terraces Park while some events were also held at Montgomery-Waller Park. Jim Bolen was also involved with TPGs access to both of these latter fields as well. The recreation center at Montgomery-Waller Park was dedicated on June 1, 1991 with several TPG members making glider demonstrations for the crowd.

At the TPG annual banquet in 1991, Jim’s efforts to help secure fields were honored with his winning the 1991 Modeler of the Year trophy. Think about all of the great experiences that the Gulls have had because of our connection to the Poway field – a special thanks goes to Jim Bolen, to the field owner, and to Mike Smith for helping maintain that solid relationship over many years.