WWII Weekend 2016

ddindy

ddindy

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Staff member
I just realized that it's probably a good time to start planning for the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's World War II Weekend. The dates this year are June 3-5.

I've been wanting to go since I heard about it, and now with the demise of Star Wars Weekends, I'm trying to do something different in the spring.

Who else is going? Where are you staying? What else do I need to know?
 
I'm planning on going this year. One day for sure, maybe 2.

John will have the best advice but based on what he told me last year, get to the parking lot early so you can walk to the gate early and head straight to the flight line with your chair to hold a spot. Then check out the planes on the flight line and the encampment. Lots of good photo opportunities in the French Village, etc.

My only complaint is that if they based the show over the other runway, the lighting would be better, but I'm not sure that's feasible given the airport & museum layout.

Last year I emailed the museum to see about early access for photographers similar to other air shows, but never even received a response. Maybe I'll try again.
 
Michael hit the important parts. It is not the best lighting where they do their passes.

I would not suggest going Friday, unless you are looking to extend the weekend or want to take a ride in a plane ($$$$$). There is no show Friday, only the planes taking off and landing for the rides. All the food vendors are open and the WWII reenactors will be set up and their to explain or just talk about their "stuff."

I usually drive out VERY early on Saturday and go right to the parking lot by about 6:30 am or so. I can then walk to the entrance (could be a mile or so) or take the bus if it is there. Gates open at 8:30.

I stayed at a hotel about 5 minutes from the airport, and walking distance to an Applebees (that way I could get a few beers!). I can get that from Mamma Sue as she made that ressie because my dad was supposed to go last year.

I plan on going again this year, probably both Saturday and Sunday.
 
Thanks for all of the information. Now all I have to do is decide whether to drive (9 hours each way) or fly to BWI (with a two-hour drive each way).

John, I found an Applebee's south of the airport with a Hampton Inn and a Crowne Plaza nearby. Was one of those where you stayed? I also noted that there's a Tilted Kilt nearby, too.

Anyone want to share a room?
 
ddindy said:
Thanks for all of the information. Now all I have to do is decide whether to drive (9 hours each way) or fly to BWI (with a two-hour drive each way).

John, I found an Applebee's south of the airport with a Hampton Inn and a Crowne Plaza nearby. Was one of those where you stayed? I also noted that there's a Tilted Kilt nearby, too.

Anyone want to share a room?
Click to expand...

Tilted Kilt? Sign me up!!!! It may have been the Hampton Inn. I would be happy to share the room as well.
 
Great. Just wanted to make sure I end up at the official hotel of Warbirdmania 2016.

When is everyone arriving? I'm debating between driving up Friday after work it Saturday morning.
 
I plan to arrive on Friday night. What time depends on when I can leave work, since it will take nine hours or so to get there. John told me he plans to drive in Saturday morning.
 
As of now, I will get there Saturday morning, but since my camping trip with 176 fifth graders is a week later, I too can leave earlier on Friday.
 
Ok. I'll let you know what I decide. I was also toying around with getting the 3 day ticket to take shots at sunset and after dark Friday night. There are 2 photos on the WWII Weekend site that were taken after dark, so I assume it's possible since they state the show doesn't close until after the Hangar Dance at 10:00pm.
 
I really need to scan some of my slides from the late 80s Reno Air Races when Bob Hoover flew Lefty Gardner's White Lightning P-38. It was fun to watch. I also have some shots of the GeeBee racer that they built for The Rocketeer. I think that flew there in 1995 or so. I think the big problem is that the photos aren't as good as my memories. ;)
 
Here is Scat III, I grabbed the image from the airshow roster page, much better!!! This is a great addition to the show!

SCAT-III-OSH16368.jpg
 
After visiting for 16 years I can say the WWII weekend has lost a lot of it's lustre over the last few years. Grown long in the tooth as we say. The air show has one or two things worth seeing but the narration, grounded planes, and same old show each year have become stale to the point where the crowd mocks the annoying announcer and knows what he's going to say. The ground show has become equally adolescent sadly due to it's aging leaders who lack any ability to create an exciting outing for the $30 entry fee.
Two outstanding exceptions to this are the German's who did an outstanding tank display and drilling maneuvers, and a recent addition to the Pacific Theater of the Quarter Master Salvage Unit which takes a strafing strike dead on and get's blown to pieces, oil barrels, flames and all, just like the movies. Makes you wish everyone put in as much detail and effort.
 
I finally went to start working on my photos from the air show, and guess what: My old version of Photoshop Elements can't handle the raw files from the D500 that I rented. I managed to kludge this one, but until I can get my new PC up and running, I'll have to stick with the shots from my old, reliable D700.

Here are a few of the fighters in the show: A pair of P-51 Mustangs and an F4U Corsair.


Freedom Fighters
 
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