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Chuck Bridge has contributed to pylon racing in many forms during his modelling career, one of which is how he established the standard for building
and finishing Q-500 models starting in the late 1990’s and spanning the next 4 decades, and there are no signs of slowing down.
Chuck is mainly associated with the Vortex Q-500 design. The Vortex design evolved over many years starting during Randy’s (Chuck’s son) 1st year of racing.
It started out as a full wood plane, with balsa sheeted foam core wing. Chuck has built over 100 airplanes in this configuration. He quickly transitioned to a composite wing and tail,
thanks to a great friend Fred Burgdorf. Fred asked Chuck if he would build for him, and couldn't say no. During that process Chuck acquired an aluminum mold from Fred, which is still in use
to this day. Chuck has built 475 composite versions of the Vortex, as well as 137 wings for kits that would be assembled by other flyers.
The following list highlights some of the major accomplishments and models built by Chuck:
- The Vortex was the first Q-500 to go under 1:10 at the AMA Nationals - 1999
- The Vortex was the first Q-500 to break the 1:08, 1:07, and 1:06 marks
- The Vortex has won the AMA Nationals a total of 17 times by 8 different flyers
- The Vortex has scored Fast Time 20 times by 6 flyers at the AMA
Nationals
- The Vortex has won the Canadian Nationals.
- The Vortex has won the France Nationals (Twice).
- The Vortex has won the Euro Cup Championship.
- The Vortex has held the National Record for many years.
- Chuck built both of Randy's winning AMA National Q40's (Rusty Van Baren "Miss Ashley")
- Chuck built all of Randy's FAI F3D models, including the 2 planes he won the World Championships with. Plus the planes he finished 3rd in 2009 and 2nd in 2013 with. Including 2 FAI F3D World Records.
- In 2013 the USA FAI team won the Gold medal, Chuck had the honor of building Travis Flynn's plane, as well as Randy's plane which both played major roles in solidifying the gold medal for the US.
Chuck built his first flyable model airplane, a Control Line model, when he was ten years old. Before that he carved solid planes and made gliders. From 1948 to 1980 he built, flew, and crashed
a lot of control line planes, but was always interested in the fast models.
He began to be involved with RC planes around 1980. Chuck built many sport planes, and eventually built a few pattern airplanes. Chuck built his first race plane in 1981.
It was a Scat Cat Q-500 model. After building that kit, he promptly began scratch building Scat Cat’s and making modifications to suit his liking. In 1982 he started building pattern planes
for local club members and other flyers around central California area. He even entered a pattern airplane into the 1984 AMA Nationals "Static Display” competition and won 1st prize.
It was during this time that Chuck met a neighborhood guy named Bruce Coffee. In the early 1990's he began building pylon racing planes for Bruce. This experience is what leads Chuck
to become fully involved in RC pylon racing with his son Randy. In 1996, Chuck began building Randy’s planes, and started racing with the central California guys. Chuck quickly became a
builder for many guys that they raced with, which helped fund their own racing program.
In 2005, Chuck enjoyed one of his best years in racing, his airplanes swept the top 7 places at the AMA Nationals, and set Fast Time.
Chuck (AKA: "Mr. Vortex") recently had the following to say about pylon racing:
"Having the opportunity to build planes that won 20 AMA Nationals, and 2 World Championships is a great feeling and a wonderful accomplishment. I still get the same thrill watching a pylon plane go around the race course, knowing that I built that plane.
I have donated to clubs and organizations, by building 10-12 planes to help with fund raising or memorable events in the racing community. I have built many models for juniors and servicemen
for nearly no money, and I'm honored to help those in need. At the races I help everyone I can, whether it's just questions and answerers on building or painting. Or a possibly field repair!
I still enjoy building pylon race planes and get a great thrill at watching them go around the race course. I hope to continue building and being involved in the pylon racing hobby for many years."
Chuck and Randy With An Early Vortex
Chuck and Randy At The Races
Randy and Chuck At The World Championships
Chuck With F3D Racer at the FAI World Championships
Chuck and Family With NMPRA Hall of Fame Award
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