The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's recently acquired Aichi Val replica looked magnificent during the nighttime photo shoot on June 3rd, 2023. The photographic event coincided with the museum's not-to-be-missed annual WWII Weekend air show. (photo by A.Kevin Grantham)
by A.Kevin Grantham
The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, at Spaatz Field in Reading, Pennsylvania, held their third annual Night Photo Shoot in conjunction with the organization’s legendary WWII Weekend airshow extravaganza. Museum President, Russ Strine and Media Coordinators David and Christina Brown once again sponsored this unique photographic opportunity.
The Commemorative Air Force’s Bell P-63A Kingcobra 42-68941 (N191H) just prior to engine start during the night photo shoot in Reading, Pennsylvania. (photo by A.Kevin Grantham)
More than fifty media representatives gathered on the taxiway in the twilight of the evening of June 3rd, 2023 to photograph a Bell P-63A Kingcobra, Boeing (Stearman) N2S-5 Kaydet, and an Aichi D3A Val (Vultee, BT-13B) replica. The Val was recently donated to the museum by long-time warbird pilot and owner Ken Laird.
A highly modified Vultee BT-13B/SNV-2 Valiant (N56867) dressed up to represent an Aichi D3A Val for the 1970 film, Tora Tora Tora, sitting on the hard stand in Reading, Pennsylvania. (photo by A.Kevin Grantham)
Coordination for such an event is a challenging task. Many thanks are due to Peter Lerro Productions for supplying the lighting expertise, Eric Miller and Pat Robinson for safely positioning the subject aircraft, and to the aircraft owners Christian Kappler (N2S-5), Commemorative Air Force (P-63A), and the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum (‘Val’ replica). Last but not least, we must also send hearty appreciation to the local Fire Department for supplying the equipment and water which genuinely makes this annual night photography event so special.
Richard Mallory Allnutt's aviation passion ignited at the 1974 Farnborough Airshow. Raised in 1970s Britain, he was immersed in WWII aviation lore. Moving to Washington DC, he frequented the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, meeting aviation legends.
After grad school, Richard worked for Lockheed-Martin but stayed devoted to aviation, volunteering at museums and honing his photography skills. In 2013, he became the founding editor of Warbirds News, now Vintage Aviation News. With around 800 articles written, he focuses on supporting grassroots aviation groups.
Richard values the connections made in the aviation community and is proud to help grow Vintage Aviation News.
Richard Mallory Allnutt's aviation passion ignited at the 1974 Farnborough Airshow. Raised in 1970s Britain, he was immersed in WWII aviation lore. Moving to Washington DC, he frequented the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, meeting aviation legends.
After grad school, Richard worked for Lockheed-Martin but stayed devoted to aviation, volunteering at museums and honing his photography skills. In 2013, he became the founding editor of Warbirds News, now Vintage Aviation News. With around 800 articles written, he focuses on supporting grassroots aviation groups.
Richard values the connections made in the aviation community and is proud to help grow Vintage Aviation News.
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