Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome visit.

[TAdan]

Last Friday I visited Old Rinebeck Aerodrome in NY. I've heard about the place for years and finally managed to stop in. I can't believe I waited so long! What a great collection and atmosphere! I'd recommend a visit to anyone with even a passing interest in aircraft or all things mechanical. There are plenty of vintage brass era automobiles and motorcycles on display too. Here are a few shots from the museum and around the grounds.


























Newly restored Albatross replica. Unfortunately it was across the run way, from what I've seen in pictures it is a stunner.











This New Standard was giving flights, $75 for 15 minutes.

[Jerry O'Neill]

Rhinebeck was the first air show I ever attended! Great place. Back in the day, I was a bombardier on several "missions" to attack the dreaded "Black Baron of Old Rhinebeck"! Three bombs in my lap in a formation of three biplanes. Man was that fun!

[phil65]

Hey Jerry, Were the bombs T.P. ?

Phil

[Courier Sportster]

love it. that moraine saulner is pretty neat.

[APG85]

I use to go there as a kid in the early 80's...usually in the fall...spectacular! Cole Palen did a heck of a job assembling that collection and the atmosphere can't be beat. What's the status of the Spirit of St. Louis? I've been waiting for years to see them complete that plane and I read that Palen wanted a Spirit replica flying in his collection. Reeve Lindbergh even gave the project her thumbs up at one time...

[Pat Carry]

Some fine lookin' aircraft! thanks for posting them

[airknocker]

The Spirit is once again making progress with Ken Cassens and friends. You can follow updates on their website and Facebook:
http://oldrhinebeck.org/ORA/news/page/6/
http://oldrhinebeck.org/ORA/spirit-of-s ... #more-1295
https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldrhinebeckaerodrome/

[APG85]

Thank you for the links to the Spirit of St. Louis updates. Can't wait to see her finished...

[Jerry O'Neill]

No, the bombs weren't TP, they were bombs! They made them from three motor oil cans, fastened together. Then they attached aluminum fins with a radiator clamp to one end. Each of the four fins had been bent the same direction so as it fell, it spun for stability. The nose had a fitting that held a blank shot gun shell and a nail to fire it off n impact. then they fill the bomb with charcoal dust. When it hit, you got a flash, a bang and a lot of black dust. It was pretty cool. I even had a direct hit on the armored car! FAA made them stop that a few years back, but it was messy and cool! I still have my A-2 with the scratches in the leather from holding the bombs!
You can see four of these bombs on the rack under Dick Day's Sopwith Camel.

[old iron]

What is the story on the Curtiss-pusher type (is this the Thomas??) that appears to be having work done on it?

[hang the expense]

That is just so neat. The pusher is beyond cool.

[airknocker]

The Curtiss is crowhopped down the runway, while the Thomas is a static display in an upper hangar:
http://oldrhinebeck.org/ORA/curtiss-pusher-model-d/
http://oldrhinebeck.org/ORA/thomas-pusher/

[Sasquatch]

Will someone pretty-please pump up the tires on that Monocoupe...and maybe that Nieuport while they're at it?

Thank you!

GREAT collection and high on my yet-to-be-visited list! Thanks for posting those photos.

-Tom

[APG85]

Is Palen's Triplane a static now...?

[TAdan]

What is the story on the Curtiss-pusher type (is this the Thomas??) that appears to be having work done on it?

Here is the sign board in front of the Curtiss pusher. I hope it is legible in the picture.