Cole Palen's Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

Here is the bombing of the village of Bar-le-duc. Cole Palen is the evil Black Baron, Charlotte Hammond is the beautiful Trudy Trulove. I don't know who the other brave souls are in the village and driving that truck!

I'm not certain who took more of a beating during the bombing raid, the village or the cast of characters.

[AAC Cadet Leader]

Woooah! Amazing fireworks! Great people action shots, Henry and Spad13! Welcome! Got more?

I don't have any bombing raid photos as old as Spad13's, but I did find this one from a couple years ago. It was an Aerodrome tradition to blow up pumpkins on the last day of the season. Dave King is the Black Baron driving the Renault. Nick Ulfik is riding the motorcycle with sidecar, almost hidden behind the cloud of smoke.

[SteveS]

Simply wild pictures, everyone! Thanks so much for sharing!

Salute,
Steve

To SteveS

If you like wild and motorcycles, you should like this one. I got a copy of this photo from volunteers a couple of years ago, sorry that I can't remember their names. – Yeah, they did have fun out on the field!

[SteveS]

Originally posted by Spad13@May 18 2004, 10:42 AM
[b] sorry that I can't remember their names. –

I think one was called pumpkinhead.
Really funny photo! Just made me howl! Thanks, I needed that today.

Salute,
Steve

[AAC Cadet Leader]

SteveS Posted: May 18 2004, 10:43 AM

*
I think one was called pumpkinhead.

No Steve. That's Jack! You know Jack, don't you? Some call him Mr. O'Lantern.

[greenknight]

Yesterday I had business in Dayton and paid a visit to the Air Force Museum to see the ex-ORA SPAD XIII, newly restored and now on display.

It looks fantastic finished as one of Eddie Rickenbacker's mounts, and surely will play a big part in helping the Museum to tell the story of the American fighter pilots in WWI.

It is great to see that this gem from Cole Palen's collection will be there to inspire and educate the many thousands who visit the Museum each year.

[SteveS]

Originally posted by greenknight@May 18 2004, 05:47 PM
[b]It is great to see that this gem from Cole Palen's collection will be there to inspire and educate the many thousands who visit the Museum each year.

Thanks Greenknight for the reminder.
Over the years every time a plane left the collection, I used to get a little upset. I used to wonder why a collection such as this was being broken up. I used to get such a thrill just to reach out and touch an original fighter from WW1. For me as a small kid, this had to be one of the high points of my life (up to that time that is). I remember reading about the restoration of the Nieuport 28 by NASM a couple of years back and getting a little pissed at the way they described Coles care of and workmanship on the Nieuport. I thought they did'nt deserve any of his planes. Of course they never took into account the previous owners.

But now I see that at least these are in good hands, will be cherished and taken care of and are waiting for visits from old friends.

Salute,
Steve