Mi-2 attends a Gala Event

The Cold War Air Museum Mi-2 and crew were recently invited to attend the 30th anniversary event at The Studios at Las Colinas.

We are fortunate to be in an area with so many talents and benefits.

Mike clears the area below for the Mi-2's arrival. The crew also kept a sharp eye on the weather. Dumping rain and hail to the South, the weather cooperated for this flight by providing VFR conditions with a dramatic backdrop of low clouds.

We received the Red Carpet treatment and many visitors, actors and executives had an opportunity to see the MI-2 and visit with Cold War Air Museum Associates at the Las Colinas Studios.

The "Gala" was a celebration and review of thirty years of television and movie production complemented by recent change and renovation by the Muller Group.

Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, and Linda Grey from the TV show Dallas
were there and Cold War Air Museum Associates got an opportunity to briefly meet them and answer a few questions about the Mi-2 and the Museum.

The show must have been translated and watched in Eastern Europe as people would ask us about "JR" in our early travels there.

And Mike got to sit on the bench that played a supporting role in Forrest Gump while he watched hand rolled cigars being made. Life is even better with a box of chocolates and a good cigar.

With thanks to Mike, Johnny, Brad and Larry for crewing the event as well as Chris Williams for introducing us and sharing these pictures. More great shots from Chris and Bobbi can be found at the www.artsciencephotos.com web site.

ArtSciencePhotos Contribution

Chris Williams, a new associate at the Cold War Air Museum is a frequent and welcome visitor.

His website, www.artsciencephotos.com displays some of his professional work. Chris recently came out and took some candid shots to share with us. We are looking forward to more contributions from Chris in the blog.

This shot caught a busy crew loading up the MD500 for a flight to North Texas on an animal population control mission.

Larry concentrates on his preflight cockpit checks in this colorful shot.

And, they're off. The MD500 is a great performer, even with three big guys and all their gear.

The hunt was fun for all even though the wily animals did not put in their expected appearance.

The target rich environment for photographers at the Cold War Air Museum sometimes includes transitory populations of other interesting machinery. These tractors came from another fine collection and are temporarily being housed in some of the scarce spare space at the museum.

Knocking about the Museum, Chris and his special associate Bobbi got a rare opportunity to sample from the variety of tastes and interests on display. The Jets, Props, Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft are sometimes complimented by other vehicles and equipment on display, in storage, and in use.

A sepia tint seems just right for this shot of Bud and Jon in the Mutt ( See Warbirds on Parade for another picture of Phil's Vietnam era jeep). The tint makes the picture look older (and the passenger younger, thank you Chris).

And the R44 gets a rare appearance in the Blog with Renee in the cockpit. At a low sun angle, and partially back lit, Chris augmented the picture with some black and white technique to bring out more detail and drama.

Thanks Chris! We look forward to more contributions and an upcoming Blog post that will feature you and your good work.