Rhinebeck Museum trouble

[tazbat]

In years past, before 2003, the work shop and Fokker hanger (converted to a winter shop) used to be open and busy during the winter. Many things were accomplished. Some of the last jobs I recall, were the revitalizing of the Jenny and the building of the Spirit of St. Louis. Those were amazing projects of which I was privileged to get some good photos of.

I wonder if the attitudes of the trustees have changed toward the value of working on projects over the winter in one or both of these shops?

Maybe some of our locals can keep an eye open as they drive back and forth by the aerodrome.

Salute!

[Gwen]

Hi Taz,

We were in the Rhinebeck area briefly last weekend, so we drove by the airfield midday to see if there was anything going on. The field was mowed and the fall foliage lined the runway, always a beautiful sight. We did not see any cars or people at the field. The hangars were not yet boarded up for the winter. We drove past the offices and there was one car. Then we drove into the parking lot and noticed the condition of the barn.

Several years ago the barn was needing renovation, and during the off-season John Barker got a group together to rebuild the interior. The guys took the wood apart while the gals and kids sweep out the chicken pens. Regina Scheff made up a big batch of chili for all the workers. Everyone pitched in and John planned the new flooring to accomodate far more storage than before. All worked hard, the interior rose, and after we were finished we all sat inside and shared much laughter. Bob Love found a date written on one of the lower beams, the barn is incredibly old and it was a good thing to restore. Many plane parts were stored back into it, then safely under cover.

So it was not without some heartbreak that I saw how the old barn had once again fell into disrepair. The lower garage door windows had plywood on from the glass being broken. The north back corner of the barn had lost siding and you could see the sky through it. What had once been brought back is now falling apart in decay, who knows what the items inside are faring.

I had seen enough.

[SteveS]

I also noticed that the barn was in need of some TLC.

Here are some photos of the inside of the barn that were taken in June of this year. And no, the doors weren’t open, they were shot through the broken windows of the side door! The new floor joists can be seen in the top of the photos. Notice the staining, I imagine due to water leaks.


These were taken just a couple weeks ago on October 11th. This first photo is of the eastern side of the barn. Notice that you can see straight out the other side.


Here’s the boarded up windows.


Salute,
Steve

[curtisswright]

Thank you as always Steve. This is just another sickening reminder. I wonder what will disappear this year. I hope the State acts soon, because the state of ORAs physical plant is pretty decrepit.

[womenfly2]

Has anyone heard any news over at ORA? Have they update their web site yet?

At the Model meet I saw they are working on the Camel. Anyone know how that is going?

Anything?

Cheers,
WF2

[SteveS]

Originally Posted by womenfly2

Has anyone heard any news over at ORA? Have they update their web site yet?

At the Model meet I saw they are working on the Camel. Anyone know how that is going?

Anything?

Cheers,
WF2

Like everything else, pretty slow I suppose. The last I saw it was in mid October. It was in the workshop with a new panel being fitted to its side. The engine was on the ground to the rear of the shop and the lower wings were not on yet. I guess, all in due time. Also since the Sopwith Dolphin wings are still hanging up in the museum buildings, I imagine you won't be seeing that flying soon either.

Here is a pix shot through the workshop side door window. Sorry about the reflection. Look any different from when you saw it at the Jamboree?


Salute,
Steve

[womenfly2]

Here is what I saw of the Camel at the Model meet. I wondered the same about the Dolphin when I saw the wings still hanging in the museum, unless their building new one?

But then it does not matter what they have in flying condition or restored to, they are just static display planes if ORA has no pilots to fly them, like what happened at the model meet. Cole would of had the hanger door open.

WF2

DSC00153.jpg

[loop.dee.loop]

Originally Posted by loop.dee.loop

A few months back and again in October I did ask why you left the Aerodrome, earlier you had replied that you left in, I think it was, 1986. You also said that I didn't know much, which I did acknowledge, hence my asking why you left.

Again, and still out of curiosity, why did you leave?

You seem to have a great attachment to Rhinebeck

Loop dee loop

few months back and again in October I did ask why you left the Aerodrome, earlier you had replied that you left in, I think it was, 1986. You also said that I didn't know much, which I did acknowledge, hence my asking why you left.

Again, and still out of curiosity, why did you leave?

You seem to have a great attachment to Rhinebeck

[Gwen]

Loop.dee.loop - Do you currently work at ORA?

The Cole Palen.com website has been upgraded, and it is a great tribute to Cole and Rita who touched many lives during their lifetimes. If you have any old photos or films of Cole or the early days at Rhinebeck to submit, please send them along to Jon at info@colepalen.com This month is the 15th year anniversary of Cole's passing, please say a prayer that his legacy continues.

[wingnut]

Where did it go? I posted a new topic., " Who Is Responsible". Some responses, good views, but now its gone. Why? I believe this topic was an important one to discuss. Was it not politically correct? Did I offend someone? Did I damage someones self esteem? I would like to know through the public forum, why it was removed.