District II
New Jersey, New York, Europe
Eric Williams
Vice President
rcpilot@nycap.rr.com
4242 Amanda Ln., Schenectady NY 12303
(518) 356-2057
www.amadistrict-ii.org
www.facebook.com/DistrictIIAMA
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Dennis Andreas, Freeport NY; (516) 902-8207; dennisb6536@gmail.com
Sal Calvagna, Holbrook NY; (631) 737-6372; rcgiants@optonline.net
Frank Costello, Somerset NJ; teams3fpv@gmail.com
Chuck Davis, Sayville NY; (631) 589-7690; cjdavis60@verizon.net
Ed DeRossi, Johnstown NY; (518) 322-5172; ederossi@nycap.rr.com
Gary Fitch, Delevan NY; gmfit ch@hotmail.com
Gene Gavin, Staten Island NY; (718) 967-0598; Gavin1957@aol.com
Frank Granelli, Rockaway NJ; (973) 625-4995; granellifl@aol.com
Bill Hauth, Hamburg NY; (716) 649-8582; toolmkr2000@msn.com
Tony Jensen, Binghamton NY; (607) 644-6873; tjravenpilot@gmail.com
Ron McGrath, North Chili, NY; ronmcgrath@rochester.rr.com
Anthony Rossi, Somerset NJ; (917) 320-2665; p510851@gmail.com
Leonard Max Smart, Morrisonville NY; (518) 572-6727; hotrodsbymax@charter.net
Alexander Szemere, Kendall Park NJ; (732) 821-5641; drszemere@aol.com
Michael Wong, Mahwah NJ; kingmeww@verizon.net
Herb Ziegler, Baldwinsville NY; (315) 857-6266; herbz1957@yahoo.com
RC EVENT SANCTION COORDINATORS
Tony and Trish Jensen, 23 Clarendon Dr., Binghamton, NY 13901; (607) 644-6873; tjravenpilot@gmail.com
CL/FF EVENT SANCTION COORDINATOR
AMA Headquarters, Competitions Department; (800) 435-9262, Ext. 252; cpierce@modelaircraft.org
On September 6-10, 2023, the Mid-Hudson RC Society held its 56th annual Rhinebeck Jamboree at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in Red Hook, New York. Jamboree aircraft must be Scale models of aircraft built before December 31, 1939. Models of aircraft used in World War II combat situations are ineligible.
Although numerous modelers attend early and camp at the aerodrome, the main events are on the weekend. Saturday and Sunday commence at 8 a.m. with the Cole Palen Memorial rubber-powered Scale aircraft mass launch. During the morning and early afternoon, pilots fly model aircraft for spectators. At 2:30 p.m., the full-scale air show begins, featuring numerous original and replica aircraft.
During its many decades, the Rhinebeck Jamboree has been well-noted for both the unique models and the master modelers who attend. Although the event is easy-going and certainly fun, several awards are presented for Best of Show, Best Civilian, Best Golden Age, the Spirit of Rhinebeck, and a Best of Show for Juniors. Mission Event contests are held for bomb drops, spot landings, and a balloon burst competition. Most Jamboree aircraft are large or Giant Scale; however, Mission Event aircraft are limited to .61 cu. in. two-stroke or 1.2 cu. in. four-stroke engines, or an equivalent electric displacement.
Cole Palen, the aerodrome’s founder, was an avid historic aircraft collector and restorer. He purchased the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome property for back taxes with help from money received for his work on the movie Lafayette Escadrille.
The Aerodrome’s historic aircraft include a 1909 Blériot, the oldest regularly flying airplane in the Western Hemisphere, a Fokker Dr. I Triplane, and a precise replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, the first aircraft to fly from New York to Paris in 1927. Modelers, aviators, and the general public are fortunate to have the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, and we owe it to the hard work and vision of Cole Palen and his wife, Rita. The venue is always worth a visit!
Thanks to Tim Haggerty for photos here, except where noted.
Remember, it’s not about what you fly, it’s about the friends you make.
