And there were the crowds who came to be awed. The best part of a gathering like this? It is unlike any other convention because aviation people are special. There were no uncontrolled children running around, there was no litter on the ground, and there was nary a harsh word anywhere. Bet ya' can't show me any other open convention like that.

I took a bunch more pictures. Let's have a look:

Now, here's a classic. Fairchild. 1946. That is some sweet old airplane.


The Fairchild cockpit is an art deco masterpiece.


Bearcat! Power personified. 1948 model.


It says it's for sale. Don't you just wish?


Shades of the south Pacific; it's a PBY! It was a scout and it was a heavy hauler, too.


The PBY's front office. Can you find the throttles?

Click to continue.