AEROMOG 2000
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, the wondrous grass airstrip about one hundred
miles and sixty years plus north of New York City, held its first British Car
Festival on Saturday, August 26, 2000 to a cloudless blue yonder and over
sixty examples of the most enjoyable motoring devices produced on the British
Isles in the twentieth century.
For those of us who have never experienced the joys of an Aerodrome
airshow, one must first picture the stage, a two thousand foot grass airstrip
framed by hardwood forest (Yes, Virginia, that means it's narrow) of varying
elevation and rimmed by some of the most noteworthy examples of aerial
transport from the last turn of the century to the outbreak of World War II.
Add to this stage various and sundry MGs, Triumphs, Jaguars, two Rolls
Royces, a solitary Lotus Elan, over a dozen Morgans, and one is graced with
one of those rare summer days which will remain etched in one's mind for
years. In addition, we were thrilled by the surprise appearance of a '24
Bugatti Type 30 clothed in only its wooden body framing, but driven fifteen
miles from Pine Plains nonetheless.
Among the Morgans present were the +8s of Josh and Rita Landsman, Doug
Caldwell, Bob and Gayle Perry, +4s of Burt and Mary Hunter (SS), Linda,
Larry, and Katie Eckler, Nelson and Linda Warner, Dave and Jan Bushey, Paul
Littell, Mark Wunderman, Steve and Fran Cramer, Jeff Nichol, John and Jane
Jennings' 4/4, the MX 2 Sports two seater of the Aerodrome's, and the '28
Aero of Jim Nichol. Joining the group, but Morganless, were Tony and Peggy
Newton (Though they did add a touch of elegance with their beautiful Silver
Cloud) and Tom and Toni Smith whose photos show a returning to life four
seater.
We were fortunate to have such a great day for flying that not only did
the "usual" crew of aircraft from the 20s and 30s entertain us, but the 1909
Bleriot XI, oldest flying aircraft in the U. S., managed a runway long hop
four to six feet up! It's always a magnificent sight to see so many
beautiful flying machines, most of which are older than any of us, take to
the air, and nearly two dozen Morganeers discussed the show at P. J.
McGlynn's Steak House following the show. A perfect day arranged once more
by the ever gracious group at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome! Thanks for a day to
remember!!
Jim "Plug" Nichol
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