And Now, Parked in Newton, Illinois...

Kim Mon Nov 20, 2017 6:07 pm

"And", you may ask, "What the heck is in Newton, Illinois?"

The airplane nerds all know: Newton is the burial place and memorial to Lowell Bayles, whose death in his Gee Bee Z Model Racer* was filmed as he attempted a world speed record.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UmmeWVAt6A

Newton is somewhat off the beaten path, but seeing it was only 30 something miles off I-70 as I wandered toward home, I had another 'Why not?" moment, and took an exit. Found City Hall pretty quickly---Newton is small enough for THAT to be fairly easy---but the girls there had only a vague idea of Mr. Bayles or his connection with the city.

They DID give me the number of a fellow named Brad, who quickly steered me to Lowell Bayles' burial location in a small mausoleum, built in 1928. Brad said that this wasn't the original location for Bayles' remains...a local pilot/contractor had his remains relocated there after a refurbishment of the building.

The Town Square also features a nice memorial for Bayles. I forgot to ask Brad, but I'm betting the same pilot/contractor is responsible for that too.

So, more airplane nerd stuff...

And Now, Parked in Newton, Illinois... 0_11

And Now, Parked in Newton, Illinois... 1_17

And Now, Parked in Newton, Illinois... 2_23

And Now, Parked in Newton, Illinois... 3_16

And Now, Parked in Newton, Illinois... 4_12

And Now, Parked in Newton, Illinois... 5_12

And Now, Parked in Newton, Illinois... 6_14

And Now, Parked in Newton, Illinois... 7_13

Also, there's great State Park called 'Sam Carr' just outside of town, with camper pads and ELECTRICITY !!!!

Charging everything Kim

And Now, Parked in Newton, Illinois... 8_12

* Corrected from originally stated that it was an R-4.

MauricioB Tue Nov 21, 2017 6:29 am

Kim, it is difficult for you to understand how important this information is that you turn over here, I am always looking at events, history, etc., all related to aviation, aeromodelling ... basically with everything that flies ... I have seen that video and be impressed. Always ask me what happened? ... and what you can see is the structural failure of the airplane splitting the wing and taking a very valuable life .... Now, thanks to you, I know a little more about the history of this pilot, who, from this part of the world, I respect and admire those people who risk their lives trying to go a little further and thanks to that sacrifice and (unfortunately human loss), we could move forward and learn a little more in the development of high-speed flying machines.
Thanks again Kim ... see those pictures of the place, fill me with nostalgia ... a hug for you !.

Kim Tue Nov 21, 2017 6:53 am

Thanks to You, Mauricio, my Friend !!

Like so many other fans of aviation, you and I never tire of finding new information, or just making an effort to acquire knowledge of the past. I'm lucky to have friends of the same persuasion.

Best Wishes, Kim

rsv1cox Tue Nov 21, 2017 7:15 am

I never understood how that thing ever flew. All engine/fuselage little wing. Jimmy Doolittle flew it too.

Looks like he lost it in straight and level flight. "Structural failure" such a shame at 31 years old.

Thanks for sharing and I envy you your wanderlust. Maybe some day I will hitch my MX-5 or MG Midget to your rear bumper and follow you around. Smile

My ever nearing bucket list.

Bob

Kim Tue Nov 21, 2017 7:27 am

rsv1cox wrote:

Thanks for sharing and I envy you your wanderlust. Maybe some day I will hitch my MX-5 or MG Midget to your rear bumper and follow you around. My ever nearing bucket list.

Bob

Thank you Bob! Tony is going to retire at some point and cut loose also--maybe we could start a Wandering Model Airplane Caravan !!!!!!

We could be The Castor Oil Outlaws---getting kicked out of RV Parks for running engines we rebuilt on the road!!!

Sundance Kim

rsv1cox Tue Nov 21, 2017 7:37 am

Marleysky Tue Nov 21, 2017 12:25 pm

Kim wrote:
We could be The Castor Oil Outlaws---getting kicked out of RV Parks for running engines we rebuilt on the road!!!

Sundance Kim

[/quote]

Hey! I'm in on that. Trade in the "EasyRiders" leathers for a blue jean vest with : "Castor Oil Outlaws" in a semi circle on the back. A P-38 or Ringmaster in the Center, and Marley "Mongo" Sky ,embroidered on the bottom. Affraid or WOW!

My first thought on your whereabouts in Newton was:

The first Fig Newtons were baked at the F. A. Kennedy Steam Bakery in 1891. The product was named after the city of Newton, Massachusetts

Right city, wrong State. I got the munchies anyway. lol!

rsv1cox Tue Nov 21, 2017 2:19 pm

Fig Newtons, a favorite of mine.

When I first saw Kim's "Castor Oil Outlaws" I made the model engine connection but also thought it could relate to me and my geriatric generation. A combo of Newtons and prunes keep this old feller errr.... regular. Smile

So Sunsweet! No meds, the natural way. Way to much information. Smile

My son retires next year too at 55. He started earning his keep doing lawn work for a landscaper at about 12, then worked with his older sisters at "Gino's" a fried chicken fast food restaurant, then at "Bobby's Auto repair" until he went in the Navy where Raytheon recruited him before he got out. Spent the next 35 years there.

He often talks about doing the Route 66 thing, "Let's buy an old Corvette and go Dad!" I'm more in tune with Kim's van pulling a trailer.

I was on Route 66 back in 1953 before there were Interstates. NH to La. and back, quite a trip.

Kim Tue Nov 21, 2017 4:03 pm

Yep...as cool as Corvettes are...and they ARE...at this stage of my life...ain't NOTHIN' like always having your own restroom mere yards away !!!

And ditto for me also on the Fig Newtons...mmmmm!!!!!

xplaneguy Tue Nov 21, 2017 4:44 pm

Kim wrote:
rsv1cox wrote:

Thanks for sharing and I envy you your wanderlust. Maybe some day I will hitch my MX-5 or MG Midget to your rear bumper and follow you around. My ever nearing bucket list.

Bob
Tony is going to retire at some point and cut loose also--maybe we could start a Wandering Model Airplane Caravan !!!!!!

We could be The Castor Oil Outlaws---getting kicked out of RV Parks for running engines we rebuilt on the road!!!

Sundance Kim

I wish that day would be soon...can't wait! Smile

Tony

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