Event At Campbell Field Drew Those Interested In WWI
Aviation
Organizers of a first-ever fly-in event tell ANN a great time
was had by all, as Great War Aerodrome hosted its fly-in on
September 13-14 at Campbell Field (9VG), on the eastern shore of
Virginia.
Great War Aerodrome -- a division of Aerodrome Adventures, LLC
-- is a new company whose goal is to create venues bringing
together all aspects of World War I historical interest. Owned by
Robert Waring and Shelly Wells, Great War Aerodrome aims to enhance
the experience of replica aircraft owners and hobbyists alike, by
bringing together these various aspects of World War I historical
interest.
Several World War I displays complimented the event. John
Gaertner of Blue Swallow Aircraft displayed and gave a lecture on
his AVRO 504 reproduction project. This project is the culmination
of over 20 years of research and will result in several extremely
accurate, airworthy AVRO 504 aircraft.
Gaertner, who is a former curator of the EAA Museum in Oshkosh,
also gave lectures about the amazing history of the AVRO 504. Blue
Swallow has the capability to build just about any aircraft or part
that anyone desires.
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance from Virginia Beach
brought its World War I Nieuport 24 aircraft project. The Aviation
Institute of Maintenance is an FAA-approved school and has campuses
in Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, Orlando and
Virginia.
In 2007, they challenged their students at all of their campuses
to build and fly a World War I fighter replica. The Nieuport 24
from the Virginia Beach campus is one of those projects. Students
spent both days describing to interested spectators how they were
using the skills learned at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance
to design, fabricate, and assemble this World War I fighter. They
expect to have their replica flying within the next year.
Bill and Barbara Byrd of Byrd Aviation Books were also present.
The Byrds are focused on early aviation, pioneer & World War I.
They have over 1000 titles in stock and a large supply of
back-issue magazines.
Russell Smith Studios and the Groh Gallery of Aviation Art
generously provided prints for our raffle. Russell Smith's "Winged
Valor" and "Loenhardt" prints were reportedly a big hit, as were
Richard Groh's WWI-themed Prismacolor Pencil prints.
Finally, Dennis Harbin of Rag Bag Aero Works gave an informative
lecture on the research he has done to determine the exact
formulation and colors of SPAD camouflage paint.
Campbell Field is a public use airport located in Wierwood, VA.
It has two turf runways and is perhaps best known for its "Soup on
Sunday" events. The airport was established in 1933 and was
formerly known as Kellam Field.
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