WWII Weekend 2016

I'm planning on going this year. One day for sure, maybe 2.

John will have the best advice but based on what he told me last year, get to the parking lot early so you can walk to the gate early and head straight to the flight line with your chair to hold a spot. Then check out the planes on the flight line and the encampment. Lots of good photo opportunities in the French Village, etc.

My only complaint is that if they based the show over the other runway, the lighting would be better, but I'm not sure that's feasible given the airport & museum layout.

Last year I emailed the museum to see about early access for photographers similar to other air shows, but never even received a response. Maybe I'll try again.

 

Michael hit the important parts. It is not the best lighting where they do their passes.

I would not suggest going Friday, unless you are looking to extend the weekend or want to take a ride in a plane ($$$$$). There is no show Friday, only the planes taking off and landing for the rides. All the food vendors are open and the WWII reenactors will be set up and their to explain or just talk about their "stuff."

I usually drive out VERY early on Saturday and go right to the parking lot by about 6:30 am or so. I can then walk to the entrance (could be a mile or so) or take the bus if it is there. Gates open at 8:30.

I stayed at a hotel about 5 minutes from the airport, and walking distance to an Applebees (that way I could get a few beers!). I can get that from Mamma Sue as she made that ressie because my dad was supposed to go last year.

I plan on going again this year, probably both Saturday and Sunday.

 

Oh - I remembered one more. Don't leave your hat in the car!

 

Tilted Kilt? Sign me up!!!! It may have been the Hampton Inn. I would be happy to share the room as well.

 

Yup, just checked, and the Hampton Inn is where I stayed.

 

Is that the Hampton Inn Reading / Wyomissing at 1800 Paper Mill Rd?

 

Great. Just wanted to make sure I end up at the official hotel of Warbirdmania 2016.

When is everyone arriving? I'm debating between driving up Friday after work it Saturday morning.

 

As of now, I will get there Saturday morning, but since my camping trip with 176 fifth graders is a week later, I too can leave earlier on Friday.

 

Ok. I'll let you know what I decide. I was also toying around with getting the 3 day ticket to take shots at sunset and after dark Friday night. There are 2 photos on the WWII Weekend site that were taken after dark, so I assume it's possible since they state the show doesn't close until after the Hangar Dance at 10:00pm.

 

Just saw on Facebook that the museum added a P38 to the lineup. I really hope they make it to the show. I've never seen one fly.

 

Wow! This is the only one I have seen fly, last summer at Duxford, but Scat III has more authentic look to it than the really polished chrome.

P-38 Lightning by John Wolff, on Flickr

 

Here is Scat III, I grabbed the image from the airshow roster page, much better!!! This is a great addition to the show!

 

After visiting for 16 years I can say the WWII weekend has lost a lot of it's lustre over the last few years. Grown long in the tooth as we say. The air show has one or two things worth seeing but the narration, grounded planes, and same old show each year have become stale to the point where the crowd mocks the annoying announcer and knows what he's going to say. The ground show has become equally adolescent sadly due to it's aging leaders who lack any ability to create an exciting outing for the $30 entry fee.
Two outstanding exceptions to this are the German's who did an outstanding tank display and drilling maneuvers, and a recent addition to the Pacific Theater of the Quarter Master Salvage Unit which takes a strafing strike dead on and get's blown to pieces, oil barrels, flames and all, just like the movies. Makes you wish everyone put in as much detail and effort.

 

LOL! Great shot!