Almost a year since it’s inception, the new hangar was completed with the hanging of the massive steel door. Working through the early winter cold and snow, a dedicated crew put the finishing touches on the structure.

There are many to acknowledge but we’d like to thank Bill Horrigan for spearheading the project, Dermott Macpherson for working out the engineering, bracing materials from Jack and John Walsh, and welding supplied by Brian Clark. Also help from Deb Kyler, Mike DiGiacomio and Alex Kaye.

Click on the picture to see what’s been done. When the weather warms up we’ll look into painting the door and facade. Doors like this and on the Ryan Hangar are a major step towards protecting the collection year round. As funds allow look for more projects like this to be completed.

Thanks to all who helped!

Out of respect, we’ve been holding off adding news to the website in silent observance of the passing of Paul Richards, but work hasn’t stopped at Old Rhinebeck. The new hangar door is very close to being put into place. Bracing and working out the logistics has taken most of the past few weeks.

Volunteers braved the cold to assemble the frame that will support the massive door. See photos for more.

After years hanging over visitor’s heads in Quonset hut #2, the Morane ‘N’ fighter was lowered to the ground for refurbishing. Aerodrome pilot and Collection’s Chairman Dan Taylor who spearheaded the project, thought this would be a worthy aircraft to spruce up for display.

“Cole always believed it to be the forerunner to the modern day fighter,” said Dan. “It has some unique first’s that would make an interesting subject for visitors.” Built by Cole and Andy Keefe from parts of an original Morane (One of two purchased by Cole at the Wings and Wheels auction years ago) it has wing warping, a rotary engine, and a gun firing through the propeller with metal deflectors on the blades (pre synchronized) “It’s painted in Russian colors” he added, “and that makes for a very interesting story as well”! Dan said volunteer Paul Savastano who did a marvelous job refurbishing the Deperdussin and Siemens Schuckert was up to the challenge.

You can read about Paul’s other Museum contributions in an earlier issue of “Rotary Ramblings”. “We’ve dug up much info to help him add the necessary details to the airplane. All in all it will be a fun and rewarding winter volunteer project.” “A big thanks,” added Dan “goes to Jack Walsh for providing a better chainfall that was needed. The Museum’s was just a bit short for the task.” Upon lowering the machine to the ground it was found that time had not taken it’s toll on the airframe. Dust and dirt exposed nice fabric, as the pictures will show. Taylor added, “We have a Gnome from the same era, 1914 that we’ll hang on the airplane and Paul will make a spinner to really add to it’s features”. “Yes” said Dan, “I would love to fly it but there are some structural issues with the wing fittings that were never worked out when Cole originally built it. And that would have to be addressed. But it wouldn’t take much to do!”

We’ll update you as the project progresses.

Look for the Morane “N” next spring!

Click for pictures...

 

In memory of Paul Richards we’ve added some photos from his family.


Click for photo slideshow.

The 2005 season was one of extremes. Heat, Rain and WIND!

Gusts up to 50mph kept the airshow grounded for our year end performance. Pilots braved taxing the aircraft with the help of wing-runners for the appreciative crowd. And in spite of the wind - the tank, armored car and Liberty were able to hold their ground and perform! There was time to talk to visitors and many got an up close look at the Collection’s aircraft and vehicles. Our thanks to all who came out and supported Cole Palen’s dream in it’s 46th season.

Here are some photo highlights. Our thanks to Paul and Joan Heimbach for the pictures:

Click here to view all 27 photos

Joe and TJ try out the drivers seat of the 1910 Hanriot. Nash and Morietta from Millbrook NY pose with Aerodrome pilot Dan Taylor’s headgear in front of the Spad VII. Take a look!

Click here to view all 3 photos

Stan Segalla who’s been entertaining audiences at Old Rhinebeck since nearly it’s inception, donated two of his flying outfits to some Aerodrome Volunteers. Mike DiGiacomio and Casey McClamon who’ve been swinging props and keeping the show moving were given the items before an airshow recently.Both were quite moved by the gracious gifts.

Click here to view all 4 photos

An early morning photo taken by Aerodrome pilot Dan Taylor catches a sunrise prior to a “Dawn Patrol”. And an Aerodrome visitor Todd Gay catches a young fan of the “Flying Farmer” Stan Segalla.

Click here to view all 2 photos

Holding their annual get together in Saratoga NY, The International Cessna 195 Club made Old Rhinebeck their last stop on the tour. The rain this past Sunday didn’t dampen anyone’s spirit as we put on a limited show because of the weather.

Everyone hung in and had a great time. The visiting pilots and families were treated to a tour of the Museums by Charlie Gablehouse and at the end of the display, the 195’s took off and ‘beat up the field’. Click on this "Action Footage" link, it will lead you to a new movie featuring the 195's. Listen to the roar of the Jacobs engines! Our thanks to Aerodrome volunteer John Walsh for the super photos and video.

Click here to view all 4 photos
Click here to view video

Summer may be just about over but the best flying is about to begin when the leaves change. A picture from our 1929 New Standard D25 says not to miss a fall foliage flight over the Hudson Valley.

More photos. Our thanks to Dr. Susan Benoff, Deb Kyler and
JoAnn Rolick for supplying the pictures.

Click here to view all 7 photos.

The Ernst family from Germany are one of the many long distant visitors to Old Rhinebeck this season. Here they get an up close experience in some of the Collections aircraft.

Click here to view all 3 photos.

The 39th annual Model Meet Jamboree was a success! Beautiful weather, magnificent models and a perfect background made the 39th annual Model Meet Weekend a grand time for all.

Take a look at the photo highlights.

Happy Labor Day! What a beautiful weekend we have had - the weather couldn't have been better (except for the strong winds that kept some of the more 'delicate' planes out of the air). Crowds of people filled the benches at the Aerodrome this Sunday, children and parents gazing wide-eyed into the blue sky watching the Pilots whiz by. What a treat!

I've put together a photo slide show of some pictures taken on Sunday. Enjoy!
Photos by Eric W. Sydor.

While we like to highlight aircraft whenever possible. It's also nice to highlight the visitors who help make each show so much more fun.

Click on the photos and who knows, perhaps we'll catch you in the show!

 

The Aerodrome received some great press today - written by Ellen Maguire from the New York Times. Her story takes you soaring 1,200 feet over "rambling farms, winding roads and velvety green lawns" and to witness "Stan the 'Farmer' spin the plane like a top, roll 360 degrees, loop the loop three times, fly sideways, cut the motor and glide back to earth, unscathed, to stop at the precise spot where he had left his straw hat."

Cole's dream is still very much alive...
Click here to read the full article.

Aerodrome visitors Andrea Lombardo, an 8 year old from Verona Italy – and another young visitor Theo try out the Collection’s 1909 Bleriot and 1910 Hanriot complete with Aerodrome pilot Dan Taylor’s helmet and goggles.

A young visitor named Aidan tries out the 1910 Hanriot. A few more years, and these 'young visitors' will be able to reach the rudder pedals!

Members of Eagle Scout Troop 21 from Suffern NY work on a wing panel from the Museums Short S29 replica.

The Troop picked up the other panel and work continues. Here they are shown stripping off the old fabric and getting ready to repair and preserve the airframe built by the late Cole Palen over 35 years ago.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Santos Dumont’s famous flight in France. Nova is in producing a documentary on his life and aircraft. Aerodrome pilot and historian Dan Taylor will be featured discussing Dumont's achievements and details of his famous design the Demoiselle.

The Aerodrome’s Collection has a Demoiselle replica that Dan meticulously restored as an example of early powered flight. Look for the special to air early next year.

In conjunction with another Nova special on Louis Bleriot, you can see Dan narrate a virtual tour of our 1909 Bleriot 11.

Nova website - Bleriot virtual tour

Taken by Aerodrome visitor Sandy Kenyon. A unique image of the 1929 New Standard “passing” a more modern airplane.
Sorry, no movie on our flight!

Several of Old Rhinebeck’s cars received some much needed attention this past winter. While we still have a long way to go, the upholstery and frames received some much needed attention.

You’ve read about the volunteer effort on the rolling road-stock, and the long awaited fenders have returned in a much better state. Covered in leather, the new material was stitched on and they turned out magnificent. The Brewster is always a favorite in the fashion parade prior to the airshow.

Members of Eagle Scout Troop 21 from Suffern NY work on a wing panel from the Museums Short S29 replica. This aircraft was built by the late Cole Palen when he acquired Pioneer Aviator Cecil Grace’s original ENV engine. The project was spearheaded by Aerodrome pilot Dan Taylor.

Under the watchful of eye of their Troop leader (who is also an aircraft mechanic) The Scouts are refurbishing each section while learning early aircraft construction methods.

We’ll keep you posted on their progress.

In an effort to keep the Spirit of St. Louis project in view, Aerodrome Staff and volunteers attached the massive wing to the fuselage for display. Visitors can now see the Spirit together for the first time since the wing was test fit some time ago.

It will remain in it’s rightful place, on display in the Ryan Hangar with the intention of completing the project as funds and time permit.

The Aerodrome Snack Stands have been adorned with terrific new signs thanks to local artist Emma Peterson. Emma’s a student at Red Hook High School and is an aspiring artist. This is her first venture in to the commercial field.

We think she’s off to a great start. Thanks Emma for adding your talents to Old Rhinebeck !

Opening weekend brought good weather and crowds to our 46th season.

Long time airshow announcer Jim Hare returned to the tower this year and was a welcomed sight.

Here are some photos from the weekend.

After many years Cole Palen’s Model Museum got a much needed facelift.
The location was originally the changing room and storage for the vintage fashions used in the shows.

In 1992, Cole turned it into a resting place for his numerous rubber powered model aircraft. The old ceiling was torn down and replaced where for generations it was a haven for many of natures critters!

Mike Lawrence donated a new parachute to replace the old one to hang the models from.

Dan Taylor spent time working up new displays and repairing the many model aircraft as well as painting the ceiling, floor and hanging all those models!

Paul Savastano helped with installing the parachute and painting.

Next time you visit on a Show Day, stop in and visit. The Model Museum is right next to the field Gift Shop. We think you’ll enjoy visiting and learning about another of Cole Palen’s passions.

Specializing in 1914 to 1950 vehicles. Visitors braved the early summer like heat and were treated to a mini airshow and tour of the facilities.

The photos show the variety of marvelous vehicles that visited.

Many volunteers have been working on this project. They brought a great deal of skill and enthusiasm to fruition and the Brewster will soon shine on the flight line.
The leather fenders have been sent out for recovering and will return soon!

Nearly a dozen vintage Corvettes visited the Aerodrome last Saturday.

Aerodrome pilot Dan Taylor gave a tour through the Museums and airfield and the members of the club each posed with their cars next to the Albatros DVA.

We are most grateful that Victor and Maureen Barry brought their wonderful vehicles to put on display for the day!

The Museum grounds are now open for our 2005 season! Airshows start June 18th!

Here is a glimpse of the newly painted Museum Gift Shop that awaits your visit!
We hope you’ll save some time to shop.

Here are some additional pictures of the the newly constructed hangar. The rear wall has now been added and the structure is fully functional. Landscaping will give it a much improved appearance.

There's now a great "New" and easy way to buy tickets, right here on the website! Buy and print your tickets using your PC. And as an added bonus - tickets purchased online can be transferred by email and lost or stolen tickets can be reissued.

Just click on the red button "Pre-Purchase Airshow Tickets" right on the home page, and follow the easy instructions.

We’ve attached some new photos of work being completed at Old Rhinebeck this month. It’s been slow to add to the site because we’ve been busy. No one has been resting on their tailskids! Click on the photos to follow the progress. We’ll add more as time allows.

Gary, Deb and a host of volunteers have been hard at work on the vehicles.
We’re hoping to have some fine examples of rolling road stock returned to service from our Museum buildings as well. Gary has been most instrumental in getting them reconditioned for the air shows.

Deb Kyler has done marvelous work on the Brewster Town Car upholstery. The before and after pictures tell it all. We’ve also located someone to redo the leather fenders and they'll be sent out in the coming week.

Hangar 1 Façade gets a new home:
As the new hangar was being assembled, the original Hangar #1 façade now finds a resting place in the Museum’s “History of Flight” building. After many trips up the extension ladder, Aerodrome pilot Dan Taylor put it up one piece at a time. It now stands watch over some of the prized artifacts in the collection.

As you read this, the crew is putting the finishing pieces on the new hangar.
We’ll post more pictures as time allows. Here are some early images of the site and the arrival of the new door. This enclosed structure will be a vast improvement to protect the Museum’s aircraft year round.

Then...



...Now!

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Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome - PO Box 229 Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Phone: 845-752-3200 Fax: 845-758-6481 Contact Us