Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
We’re Living History and Family Fun
From 1904 through the present day the Rolls Royce name has become internationally known as the very finest in automotive engineering and luxury. Founded by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, Rolls had the sales skills and Royce possessed the production and design knowledge to create a great team. They set new standards for excellence and […]
The 1915 F.E.8 “pusher” was designed before the advent of a British synchronized, forward-firing machine gun. The pilot, seated in front of the engine, had a clear field of fire with a single Lewis machine gun aligned directly in front of him. By the time it appeared in combat in 1916, it was already outclassed by the faster and more agile Albatros fighters just arriving.
The arrival of the S.E.5 fighter in early 1917 helped to turn the tide of the air war in favor of the Allies. Its stability and strength combined with maneuverability and fire power helped to turn adequate pilots into deadly, aerial aces. Hundreds of British, and even a few Americans, would become aces while at the controls of the fast, and responsive S.E.5 and later S.E.5a models.
The Royal Enfield Company stayed in business for over seventy years manufacturing motorcycles from 1898 through 1971. Using some of the best riders around, Royal Enfield competed successfully at numerous motorcycle races and held the land speed record for sidecar outfitted motorcycles driven over one mile.
On May 21, 1927 Charles Lindbergh made history by becoming the first to fly an aircraft non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean in his Spirit of St. Louis. Lindbergh made the trip in 33 hours and 30 minutes and altered the way the world perceived aviation. He became an instant international hero and to this day is considered one of the most significant figures in aviation history.
During its peak the Saxon name was a household word. A brand new Saxon roadster sold for $395, and its operating cost was advertised as ½ cent per mile. Electric lights and a starter were available as options costing an additional $70. It featured a “high speed motor” that was light, powerful, efficient and durable. […]
In 1914 Scripps Booth introduced the unique and advanced feature of electrically operated push-button doors, long before they were to become what we would consider almost a standard feature today. They were advertised as luxurious light cars, and they offered luxury, beauty, performance and economy as selling points of their product.
Sears, Roebuck and Company had nine different car models available from 1905 to 1910 built by the Lincoln Motor Car Works in Chicago. In an unusual and trusting attempt to lure customers, potential buyers were allowed a ten-day trial period to determine whether or not they wanted to keep the Sears product. Prices ranged from […]
The acquisition of a rare French ENV aircraft engine inspired Cole Palen to build a replica of the aircraft it once powered, an English Short S-29 biplane. The machine honors the daring pioneer aviator, Cecil Grace, who flew this aircraft competitively in 1910. Grace was lost during a competition for the longest flight from England into Europe.
The Siemens-Schuckert D.III entered service in spring 1918 powered with an unusual 160 HP rotary engine. The 11-cylinder engine, developed by Siemens-Halske, offered two counter-rotating masses that cancelled out gyroscopic forces. A clever application of bevel gears allowed the crankcase, cylinders and propeller to rotate in one direction at 900 rpm, while the inner workings of the engine (crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, etc.) rotated in the opposing direction at 900 rpm, delivering a combined 1800 rpm. The aircraft climbed fast and performed well at altitude, but cooling issues combined with the poor grade of lubricant available reduced engine life to a handful of hours.
