TOM Photo Pit

[PhantomAce08]

Ok, right now I'm debating as to whether or not I should get the tickets for the Photo Pit for Thunder over Michigan. I see that you get a tent, unlimited water, and various other things that are listed on the site, but tell me what it is like.

A Couple Questions
1. Where is it located at the show? Last year was my first year at TOM and as I understand it was a different set up for the Blue Angels. So I don't know how the show is laid out.

2. I'm pretty sure I know what the answer to this is , but is it worth the price?

3. Anyone have any pictures that they took of the photo pit area so I can see what it is like?

Basically, seeing that I am newly married, I am now very "budget conscious." My wife and I have already decided to go to the show for sure, but we are trying to decide if this is worth the extra cost. Obiviously we would both love it, we just want to know as much about it as possible.

Thanks!

[P51Mstg]

My son and I were there last year. We were at the end of the flightline on the right side with no more tents or obstructions past us. I was busy taking pictures of everything else, so none of the tent (which incidently was a TENT about 25'X25' or so with tables and chairs, so why take pics of it). Lots of room outside so everyone got a shot at working from the fence (the photo pit fence was probably 100+ feet long, maybe 50' deep).

People inside were those types you could trust. Where you could ask a virtual stranger to watch your camera gear (worth a LOT) and go get something or roam around. No problems at all. I spent one day talking to Tim Adams, and a few others, really good people. Bill Mazolla from Vegas was there as was a guy from MN that I was taking pics with at Oshkosh. I made a few new friends and connections. Always a good experience.

I already signed up for this year, I thought it was worth it. Last year I also trashed a ticket for 2 days when my FORMER girlfriend said she couldn't go (Wonder why I replaced her?). I figure if I'm traveling 450 miles each way, staying in a hotel, etc. Might as well have a good ticket, supposedly it is better this year and I really trust the people there too.............

Mark H

[Mudge]

Regarding the fence. I may have an advantage there being 6'6" and can see over most people. Never once went down to the fence and got good shots of everything. The good part about the tent (other than the shade and water) is the fact that you can sit in the shade 'til something you want to shoot starts happening. You merely walk out of the tent, take your pictures and retreat to the shade.
I've even talked Mrs. Mudge's ex-hubby into going with us.
(I believe the last airshow he went to was about '98 or '99.)

Mudge the non-threatened

[mrhenniger]

It is worth it.

Mike

[chico]

2. I'm pretty sure I know what the answer to this is , but is it worth the price?

Speaking as a network admin who has a very long list of equipment he'd like to purchase for the museum in the coming year (new server, rack mounted UPS) allow me to say that yes, it is indeed worth the price. In fact, you should buy as many tickets as possible to the show. Dozens, hundreds even!

Seriously, the photo pit is certainly worth the money. I've regretted not doing it in the past, and will probably be spending this year's thunder doing Yankee's version of "Sweatin' to the oldies" (ramp crew) so I'll miss it again this year.

Regular ToM tickets should be going on sale within a week or so. http://yankeeairmuseum.org/airshow/tickets.htm

Also, not to threadjack, but Yankee Air Museum is holding their annual "Hearts go out to Yankee" auction" on Feb. 16th. If you're in the area, please check it out. It's a fun event and a good fund raiser for the museum. http://yankeeairmuseum.org/events/hearts08.shtml Among the items we usually auction off are rides on the aircraft, an assortment of items donated from our members, and Jack Roush donates body panels from his Nextel...er...Sprint Cup and Busch....er...Nationwide series teams.

[Kos]

Last year, buying a membership to the Yankee Air Museum, during the show, got you a ride in the Stinson. If I recall, Ray said he flew nine hops around the field, so that was at least 27 riders. Museum membership is $60. Wouldn't that be a cheap rate to get a ride and some aerial pictures of the show ?

I'll try to confirm this at the next coordinator's meeting.

Kos