Re: FWD: Re: planes and s

Graham Collins (graham.collins@tabb.com)
Tue, 6 Dec 1994 23:40:00 -0500

EP> Yep. Great discussion.

glad to see someone elaborating on my comments, I learned something too!

EP> BTW, there are at least two opportunities to see (and hear)
EP>original rotary engines in operation in North America (in flight!). I
EP>have availed myself, I'm happy to say, of both:

EP>1) Go to the Old Rheinbeck Aerodrome in Rheinbeck, N.Y. (up the
EP>Hudson Valley across from Kingston, very near to FDR's house, 100 mi
EP>from NYC). They operate a Camel with a 160 hp. Clerget(Sp?); a
EP>Nieuport 11, AVRO 504K, and a Fokker D.VIII all with 110 hp.
EP>LeRhones. One of their Dr.Is has a 150 hp. Clerget (which must make
EP>it a nightmare to fly!!!). They fly different machines on any given
EP>weekend, so it's sort of a hit-and-miss deal, but what a treat when
EP>they all go up!!!

sadly I have yet to go to Rheinbeck but hope to some day.

EP>2) However, my choice would be Ottowa, Canada (conveniently close to
EP>NY!): Canadian Natl.Aviation Museum (or some such name...). On Canada
EP>Day (I think that's in September??) they fly their *utterly
EP>immaculately* restored Sopwith Tripe, complete with its original 110
EP>hp LeRhone! What a sight! And I do mean *fly*-- not putz around the
EP>field with a smoke generator like the NY Boys! As well, they
EP>usually have various machines from the Shuttleworth
EP>Collection on hand (the year I was there they had the 504, Pup,
EP>Snipe, and Halberstadt D.II (replica)). They have, as well, their own
EP>Pup (in the same wonderful condition) and a replica N.17. Did I
EP>mention the Museum's static displays?-- SPAD 7, Snipe, 504, and the
EP>killer, an AEG Gotha Bomber!!! They also have part of a Junkers J.I
EP>awaiting restoration. Needless to say, I was completely bowled
EP>over!!!!!!!!! You know, I'm also reminded of a piece of film I've
EP>seen repeatedly (I have it on the video "Red Baron") that shows a
EP>couple of Camels in flight. Even in spite of the films typicall
EP>WWI-era 'acceleration', it is still easy to see that the machine
EP>flies in a most unstable way, in fact, "only on the edge of
EP>control...."

I have been to the National Aeronautical Collection (as its now called)
many times. When was the last time you were there? They closed down
and built a new building to house the collection and re-opened in 1988 I
think. The old museum was a bunch of old WWII era hangers with a bunch
of airplanes inside. Its now housed in a new large building with many
of airplanes depicted in simple scenarios; I was quite impressed and
pleased with the new museum.

currently on display:

AEA Silve Dart - alexander graham bell's airplane I beleive (replica)
AEG G.IV gotha bomber
Avro 504K complete with variable pitch propeller
Curtiss HS-2l flyboat
Curtiss JN-4 Canuck
Maurice Farman Serie 11 "Shorthorn"
McDowall Monoplane
Sopwith 7F.1 Snipe
Sopwith Triplane - "Black Maria"
Spad 7
Various WW1 era Rotary and inline engines on display as well.

And for the more unusual modern types:

Messerchmitt Me 163B-1a Komet
Fairey Swordfish
Hawker Hurricane
Spitfire
Lancaster
He162 Salamander (I believe on display at war museum in Ottawa)

and of course many many more with many many more yet to be restored.

All and all a great place to spend a day if you get the chance.
They have a very good reference library as well.

cheers, Graham

Graham Collins <internet: graham.collins@tabb.com >

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