‘Greatest Show on Turf’ – Warbird Night Engine Run at Geneseo

By Tom Pawlesh The National Warplane Museum (NWM) held its annual “Greatest Show on Turf” airshow on July 13 and 14, 2024 in Geneseo, New York. Although this show has a small-town feel, there are always a large number of warbirds in attendance. This is an “open” airshow, meaning the spectators can walk along the flight line see the aircraft up close, and talk with the pilots. With today’s security concerns, the intimacy of this airshow is a breath of fresh air from a bygone era.

With the growing popularity of night engine-run photography sessions, the NWM joined the growing number of airshows that offer this type of event. Aerospace Photojournalist Mike Killian was in charge of the event while pilot/photographer Tom Pawlesh provided the lighting. Not to be outdone by any airshow, the NWM fielded an impressive ten aircraft for the evening.  First up was Skipper Hyle in his Stearman followed by the Fokker Dr.I and Dr.VII run by J. B. Aldred and Ruben Alconero, respectively.  The NWM’s C-47 Whiskey 7 and the Tunison Foundation’s Placid Lassie, both World War II veterans, were next followed by Thom Richard’s TP-40N American Dream and Scott Yoak’s P-51D Quick Silver.  Lou Horschel did a solo run-up in the Corsair and folded/unfolded the wings twice for the photographers.  The evening finished with the T-6s of Steve & Juliet Lindrooth and David Steele.

It was a memorable evening that left photographers very happy. We can’t thank the pilots and ground crew enough. It is because of them that this event was such a success. The National Warplane Museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of significant historical and military aircraft and artifacts for the benefit and education of the public. They honor United States veterans for their service and sacrifice. For more information, visit www.nationalwarplanemuseum.com