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Dave_Watts · 3 December 2003, 01:28 AM

Hi all,

I think Watchman makes a good point with the state of the relics and treasures at Rhinebeck. I was there in the spring and felt the engines in the leaky unheated sheds warranted better treatment. I'm sure near to nothing was spent purchasing them and that's how they are being treated. If these engines were sold on the open market they might get a reality check as to their real value and treat them a bit better. I know they may not have much of a budget, but to disassemble conduct preservation and reassemble the engines only takes some dedicated volunteers and I can't imagine they can't find some old A&P's that would love to help out. I'm sure many of us would help out if we were only closer to Rhinebeck. They may even be able to find folks outside of New York that would be willing to restore or at least conduct preservation on these engines. Some of the engines may be able to have work done on them by the original manufacturers. Cadillac made Libertys for example. I know this is an ambitious idea, but give it a try, be careful, try one engine at a time.

I think I can see how the new board is thinking of how to make money and less of the spirit of Rhinebeck and those who have been there so long. I was on the board of directors of The First Warplanes, setup and operated by Frank Ryder and although he loved the airplanes and doing the show he was really frustrated with loosing money on his airshows and vented on the board for how to make more money. He made the exact same comparisons of competing with Disney, Six Flags, etc. I think the idea has to be a balance of trying to make money and presenting the aircraft, if you get too focused on one or the other you'll "fail". I'm just surprised that the board has swung so far with their desire to make money. I can see to them all of the "old blood" is going to have to go as they will resist and "act as if they own the place", (when in truth they probably have more right to feel they are part of the place).

How did this new controversial board come into power? Doesn't someone have to vote them in?

I appreciate it if people sign their name to their postings so I know who is who when things are said. If they want to remain anonymous, say so.

Best,
Dave W.

3 December 2003, 01:28 AM	#93 (permalink)
Dave_Watts Forum Ace Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Indy, Home of the 500 race Posts: 776	Hi all, I think Watchman makes a good point with the state of the relics and treasures at Rhinebeck. I was there in the spring and felt the engines in the leaky unheated sheds warranted better treatment. I'm sure near to nothing was spent purchasing them and that's how they are being treated. If these engines were sold on the open market they might get a reality check as to their real value and treat them a bit better. I know they may not have much of a budget, but to disassemble conduct preservation and reassemble the engines only takes some dedicated volunteers and I can't imagine they can't find some old A&P's that would love to help out. I'm sure many of us would help out if we were only closer to Rhinebeck. They may even be able to find folks outside of New York that would be willing to restore or at least conduct preservation on these engines. Some of the engines may be able to have work done on them by the original manufacturers. Cadillac made Libertys for example. I know this is an ambitious idea, but give it a try, be careful, try one engine at a time. I think I can see how the new board is thinking of how to make money and less of the spirit of Rhinebeck and those who have been there so long. I was on the board of directors of The First Warplanes, setup and operated by Frank Ryder and although he loved the airplanes and doing the show he was really frustrated with loosing money on his airshows and vented on the board for how to make more money. He made the exact same comparisons of competing with Disney, Six Flags, etc. I think the idea has to be a balance of trying to make money and presenting the aircraft, if you get too focused on one or the other you'll "fail". I'm just surprised that the board has swung so far with their desire to make money. I can see to them all of the "old blood" is going to have to go as they will resist and "act as if they own the place", (when in truth they probably have more right to feel they are part of the place). How did this new controversial board come into power? Doesn't someone have to vote them in? I appreciate it if people sign their name to their postings so I know who is who when things are said. If they want to remain anonymous, say so. Best, Dave W.