Nostalgia Power was established as the first nostalgia free flight program sponsored by the NFFS with approved model designs of the 1943-1956 period, powered by original engines of the era plus selected post-1956 engines.

In the 1970s, Ralph and Walt Prey led a movement to resurrect interest in flying models that originated in the post WW II era. The Prey’s intention was to establish a free flight power discipline that would encourage flying these designs in an enjoyable, low-key environment. Their early work was supported by the yeoman efforts of Bob Larsh, who was primarily responsible for the creation of detailed lists of eligible Nostalgia Era models and engines. Harry Murphy was also instrumental in the early efforts to promote Nostalgia and by 1980 Nostalgia events were commonly included in contests.

Nostalgia rules call for using engines of that era, so you’ll see Nostalgia modelers flying with engines such as the Holland Hornet, K&B Greenhead, OS Max, and Johnson Combat Special.

Over the years, a set of rules have evolved that require the builder to adhere to original planforms and construction details, while taking advantage of certain technical advances that have occurred since the Nostalgia era. Standard Nostalgia, by far the most popular event, is flown under the 100-oz power loading rule (1 oz model weight for each 0.01 cubic-in. of engine displacement). Most commonly hand-launched, these models may also use the VTO (vertical take off) of the Nostalgia Era when flying with the longer Cat. I or Cat. II engine runs on larger flying sites. Other Nostalgia categories include Early 1/2A, PAA-Load, Ignition, and ROW.

There are more than 800 approved designs from the Nostalgia Era – everything from Sal Taibi’s Spacer to Jay Jackson’s Top Banana; Lou Mahieu’s Zeek to Ron St. Jean’s Ramrod; T-Bird to Y-Bar.

Join the Nostalgia movement! Download a copy of the NFFS Rule Book, which includes Nostalgia rules, eligible engines, and construction requirements. The Nostalgia Power Eligible Design List provides details of each model design, including the wingspan, designer, and sources for plans.

2024–2025 NFFS Rule Book
2024–2025 Nostalgia Power Eligible Design List
Plans Available from the NFFS Shop

One-Design Gas Event, now discontinued.