Internal workings of an AT-6/SNJ Texan.

Normally any given Monday is just that, another Monday. However I am looking forward to the one that falls on July 27th for it is the beginning of AirVenture 2009. I’ll be up early and headed down the road for the short 30 minute ride to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. I want to be on the grounds as it starts to come alive, its the opening day of the week long show.

I started my preparations for this show months ago, getting my admission pass (early purchase saves $) and ensured that my EAA membership was current. I made sure to also have a good supply of memory cards and batteries for my new camera. I’ve also taken a look through my stash of models to see if there are any there which might benefit from detailed photographs which I might find useful during their construction. My list is started, there is no guarantee that each aircraft on my list will be there, but one never knows what one will find at Oshkosh during the seven days of the convention and show.

The argument that “restored” aircraft are not reliable resources for references for scale modeling is partially true. There are those aircraft there that are still bone stock, but even those that aren’t still offer a good reference resource. Don’t forget, these aircraft are not behind a barrier cordon, well most aren’t, plus you do have the opportunity to speak to the owner/pilot to ask questions. Like specifics about instrumentation or color…is this a replica of a paint scheme or your personal one?

As I start to pack for AirVenture I include such things as a notebook, tape measure and reference scale that can be held up to the subject to better gauge the size of what is being photographed for future reference back in the workshop. Sort of like being a CSI photographer using those little cards with rulers printed on them. Having a know dimension in the photograph makes rescaling them much easier later on.

We all know how much good stuff we can find at modeling events on the vendors tables…pictures, books, magazines…well these can also be found at AirVenture. You never know what you’ll discover strolling through the FlyMarket. Again, even if you can’t afford to purchase it, take a picture of it. I once came upon a radial engine off a Beaver that was For Sale. It would have been a nice add on to the decor in the Man Space but it was a bit out of my budget. However I did take a dozen or so shots of it for future scale modeling uses. It was sitting on a pallet exposed…perfect to get walk around shots.

Fellow modeler and friend John Vojtech points out panel line details on a NASA F-18 Hornet.

If there is something you want me to look for and snap a few images of, drop me a note. If the opportunity presents itself, I’ll click away. As with past shows, I’ll make every effort to post up images as often as I can.

This year will be a little different, I’ve offered my assistance to help conduct interviews for EAA’s Timeless Voices program. I’m looking forward to meeting some interesting people and hearing their stories.

I’ll publish my list of “necessary” items that every attendee should consider to pack to have along.  Which reminds me…I need to set out those extra dry socks so I don’t forget to pack them! ;o)

Hopefully I’ll see you at AirVenture!