2009 Dayton Dawn Patrol Rendezvous

The Dayton Dawn Patrol Rendezvous,  hosted by the USAF Museum, is for World War I full scale and RC giant scale airplanes.  Rain and low cloud cover kept many full scale airplanes away and the spectator turnout was not as many as the 07 event.   With the low cloud cover, the RC airplanes could fly as much as we wanted.  Most of Friday it was a light rain throughout the day, at one point I had to remove my glasses so I could see.  The rain was not the problem, the mud and trying to keep our planes and equipment dry was the pits.  Saturday flying was better, many of the full scale planes were able to perform and we flew a most of the day.  There were more than 65 RC flyers registered, my number was 65 and more came after me.   There were many beautiful airplanes, wonderful detail craftsmanship. I am happy with the detail work I did on my Fokker D-VII, but it is lacking when compared to many of the planes there.  Of course, Dallas and I found most of the good places to eat around Dayton.  The Saturday night banquet was great, we were entertained by the Air Force "Tops In Blue" band and there were as least four bars set up.  The Rum & Cokes and Jack Daniels  when down real smooth.  So much so that after the dinner and presentations, the speaker ask  for anyone to tell a war story or an unusually funny story.  A couple guys got up and spoke about their flying adventures and their trip to Dayton.  I had just enough Rum & Cokes that I talked about my friend Dallas.  As many of you know Dallas is a character, with his top hat and booming voice everyone knows he is in the room.  I am 5' 6" tall and Dallas must be at least 6' 4" and add the top hat, I am sure we must be a funny looking pair.  I talked about the our 868 mile drive, listening to his stories, finding the best places to eat along the way and me repeating everything I said cause he can't hear.  Everyone seemed to enjoy my story and many came up to meet friend Dallas and Me.  For my efforts I was presented a patch and made an honorary member of the  43rd Bomb Group.    Dallas got up and told a funny story about me and his hard of hearing problems, he had them all laughing.  My only hope is that I didn't make a drunken fool of myself in front of a couple hundred people.   I guess it was ok because Sunday morning several folks came by and wished us a safe trip home and for me make sure to bring my friend, Dallas, back in 2011.  Dallas and I are already making plans for the trip.  Here are some pictures of the event, I seem to never get enough pictures. 

 

This hawk flew into our flight pattern, then began to chase my plane

After the balloon was launched we were to fly around it like we were shoot it down..

As my Fokker and a Spad made a pass, they deflated the balloon & released the the balloons inside.  That is my plane in the picture.