35th Annual Rhinebeck Jamboree

Model Airplane News, Jan 2002 by Yarrish, Gerry

A dream of early aviation

One of the most popular aviation attractions in the Hudson Valley area of NY is a little grass strip and a collection of rusty hangars known as the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. This magical place nestled in wooded hills is home to about 50 antique aircraft ranging in vintage from 1909 to the 1930s and '40s. Several of these priceless craft fly regularly on weekends during the Aerodrome's airshow season. If ever a place was ideally suited for a vintage RC model airplane meet, it surely is this bumpy grass runway in historic Rhinebeck, NY.

On September 8 and 9, 2001, the MidHudson RC club hosted its 35th annual WWI and vintage scale-model Jamboree-one of the biggest yet. Held in conjunction with the Rhinebeck airshow, this combination of full-size and miniature scale aircraft is a unique experience. More than 150 modelers came from around the country to renew old friendships and to fly their models from the Aerodrome's runway. This annual event is open to anyone with a scale RC model of an aircraft that flew prior to 1939, from the earliest pioneer aircraft and WW I fighters to classic biplanes and barnstormers; as long as they weren't combatants in WW II, all types of models are welcome. Contest director Tom Smith and the members of the MidHudson RC club did a fine job once again, and the weather, as always, was picture perfect.

Over the years, giant-scale models have become the most popular Jamboree entries, but smaller, beautifully detailed models also shared the sky over the Aerodrome. Before the full-size airshow began, several modelers flew demonstration flights to show the crowd what the hobby is all about. Nick Ziroli Sr. flew his impressive 1/4-scale Spirit of St. Louis. This Golden Age icon has a 138-inch span, is powered by a 4.2ci gasoline engine and has an electronic sound system. Nick flies his Spirit high over the runway, idles back the engine, and when he hits the switch, you can clearly hear, "Which way's to Ireland?" Hearing this famous phrase from the Jimmy Stewart movie, "The Spirit of St. Louis," let you believe that Jimmy himself was inside Nick's plane asking for directions!

Also wowing the crowd was a group of modelers flying Balsa USA 1/3scale Sopwith Pups. Seven of these 9-foot biplanes, powered by everything from Quadra 52s and Zenoah G-62s to the twin-cylinder G-445 engine, put on an excellent display. On several low passes, two and often three Pups flew by in extremely close formation. But mostly modelers come simply to fly their models and have fun. The photos in this article only scratch the surface of the magic that's present at the Aerodrome.

FRIDAY'S SPECIAL EVENT

Usually the Jamboree is a weekend affair, and many modelers arrive on Friday to set up and put in an extra flight or two. The full-size airshow is flown on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Typically, the early pioneer aircraft fly on Saturday, and the Sunday airshow features WW I aircraft. This year, however, those who arrived early on Friday were treated to a very special afternoon airshow of all the Aerodrome's flyable aircraft. This special event was arranged in recognition of the Thomas Thompson Trust's contribution of $25,000 to the Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum. The Trust's challenge grant had been set up to encourage the Aerodrome's $50,000 fund-raising goal. The surpassed goal of $75,000 raised will help in operating the museum and the Aerodrome for future generations.

WWI was a simpler time, and the aircraft of that era were as beautiful as they were deadly. If you enjoy building these types of vintage models, or you have an interest in early aviation history, mark your 2002 calendar for the first weekend after Labor Day and make the trek to Rhinebeck. Amidst the smell of burnt castor oil, the roar of rotary engines and hundreds of models to see, you'll never forget the experience.