Submitted by JZ (07/2004); Edited by JF (08/2004), Updated by JS (08/2007), Reformatted by JS (02/2010)
Career
- Winner of ½A PAA-load event at 1954 Nats, Glenview Navy Air Station
- Professional tool-maker
- Started building models at age 38
- Helped design and build airplanes with his son, Joseph Jr., and brother, Walter Joseph E. Ziomek began modeling as a 38-year-old interested in aviation. He worked along with his son, Joseph Jr., and brother, Walter, building airplanes such as the Buccaneer, powered with engines like the O&R .23. The men of the Ziomek family showed a great interested in aviation. Joseph E. Ziomek was a professional toolmaker, a graduate of the Henry Ford Trade School of Dearborn, Michigan.
Most challenging about the Buccaneer was getting the O&R .23 to run. Covering the airplane with silk span, doping, and painting it also proved challenging. Joe Jr. expressed how, despite challenges, flying the airplane was the easiest and most fun part. The experience would allow Joseph Sr. to prepare for the Nats a few years later.
In 1954, the Nats were held at the Glenview Naval Air Station in Illinois. Joseph E. Ziomek was 41 years old, competing with a ½A PAA-load airplane. He won the Open division in ½A with a time of 14 minutes and 55.2 seconds. The airplane was designed by his son, Joseph Jr. Junior won first in the Junior-Senior Class of the ½A PAA-load event at that same contest. First place was a $100 prize and a Bulova watch.
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