Mid-Atlantic Air Museum - WWII Weekend: June 6-8

[Kiffy]

Hey all,

The Reading World War II Weekend (http://www.maam.org/maamwwii.html) and airshow is this weekend, during the 70th anniversary of D-Day; June 6th, 7th, and 8th.

Here's a list of the expected aircraft:
http://www.maam.org/wwii/ww2_acft.htm

Weather (http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/reading-pa/19601/weekend-weather/330291) actually looks pretty good for all three days (for a change).

Here's a photo from setting up last weekend:
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3922/14325216886_af1ab99a5d_c.jpg

The poor R4D, 43-49613/BuNo50819. Even though she's a WWII vet she hasn't been on display at the airshow in years.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/14346762992_9168d10050_c.jpg
For a relatively recent airworthy bird she's falling into disrepair...

[Kiffy]

Reading was great this year. The weather was very nice, not to hot, not to cold and the sky remained nice throughout the weekend. The only rain drop that fell was right after most of the re-enactors packed up and started to head home.

While setting up on Thursday two Apaches from Indiantown Gap conducted a few maneuvers over the field.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2906/14466328325_89e691f203_c.jpg

I was lucky enough to get a few cockpit shots of the P-61 Black Widow that is being restored to flying condition.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/14279739558_7dd6869a47_c.jpg

Looking back at the gunner’s position/remote turret.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3913/14279715080_4b5db2481e_c.jpg

The Black Widow in her element.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3849/14465181714_44dfa36821_c.jpg

This shot was taken through midnight on the 5th to the 6th so I can say it’s a two day long exposure. :wink:
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14279872077_7f62777f53_c.jpg

“Sentimental Journey” taxing head-on.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/14462970481_707cffc67c_c.jpg

"Diamond Lil" taking off on a joy flight
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3919/14486474513_9829290f1a_c.jpg

Friday was the 70th anniversary of D-Day. It was nice to see a D-Day vet arrive. Although she flew with the British during the invasion.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3896/14486473623_b9dc4a628a_c.jpg

Some AT-6s near sunset.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2903/14279714770_c6affb0b3b_c.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/14279739008_33971e8796_c.jpg

One of my highlights during the weekend; a Quest Diagnostic PC-12 in some nice golden light.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/14465180804_a06a14da59_c.jpg

“Yankee Warrior” early Saturday morning.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3847/14464985032_3cbeb875fe_c.jpg

For some bazaar reason the MAAM TBF Avenger was hiding next to the Quest hanger, barley visible from the spectator area nearly the whole weekend…
(Along with an Aircoupe.)
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14279692679_2343808f7f_c.jpg

P-51D starting up; it made for a nice but expensive fan.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2933/14466327845_bd6efae00b_c.jpg

One of the only airports where it’s exciting to catch just a regular Southwest 737. Rotating early on a ferry flight to Lancaster, 15 minutes away, after operating a Boscov’s charter flight from Orlando.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14466327935_44cc38a889_c.jpg

A bit of excitement on Sunday when a PT-17 broke a wheel while landing. No injuries were reported.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3838/14279738278_b4b53d4253_c.jpg

Finally on Sunday afternoon the show ended and the trainers began to head home as the sky grew cloudy..
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/14466327695_42ca9ed37e_c.jpg

Hope you enjoyed!

[Chris S]

Very nice shots !! Thanks for sharing them.

[megatop412]

Diamond Lil was there? Dang. You got some nice shots and the Aircoupe is an unusual catch

[Greg_NY]

Nice set Kiffy ... Excellent work!

[Kiffy]

Thanks all!

Dimond Lil was definitely a highlight. She had some really great photo passes too but I didn't have my camera for any of them.

That little coupe is owned by the museum; reg NX3981, built in 1928!