Odds and Ends from ORA- part 1

[beaky]

Just a few more, some by request:
This gorgeous Stearman was visiting that day...


As requested, ORA's all-original 1918 Renault tank. I've seen this thing run, but it wasn't running Sunday.


Speaking of gorgeous... I'm inclined to think there are already too many Ryan NYP replicas out there, but seeing this ORA project, I realize it doesn't matter. It's just amazing. That's a re-manned Wright on the nose... I couldn't quite get any good shots of the panel  and interior (got permission to duck under the rope and have a look-see), but holy cats- it's perfect. Everything just right, and all brand-new.
 Apparently, the FAA is looking to block flight of this aircraft due to the fact that it has no windshield (other replicas have some sort of windshield). Hope they find a loophole, although I sure don't envy whoever first flies her out of ORA's strip with periscope alone!!


And for the two-wheeliacs: one of several ORA bikes; a nice old Royal Enfield w/sidecar, ca. 1916. Still going strong.

[Craig.]

some interesting shots rotty. I like that tank.

[Hagar]

Very nice. That Ryan looks great although I can understand the FAA's position. There have been problems with these replicas before. Not sure if you heard about this tragic accident at Coventry last season.  Apparently one wing folded in the air so it must have been structural failure. http://www.charleslindbergh.com/plane/crash.asp
I'd seriously considered going to that show as it's not far from where my daughter lives. Glad I didn't now.

What's that in the sidecar? Looks like a bomb.

[beaky]

What's that in the sidecar? Looks like a bomb.

It is... but it's not in the sidecar. Couldn't avoid having that in the background. the pole is for the windsock; there is a little arrangement of bombs around its base.

And about the Ryan replicas: I hadn't heard that terrible story, but I doubt it had anything to do with lack of a windscreen (although believe me, I can see anybody's concern about that!). It's a puzzling crash, that's for sure.

[ozzy72]

Stearman, the finest biplane to come out of the US