AAFCG at Collings Foundation’s Battle for the Airfield

AAFCG member and events coordinator Don Reed (as AAF Colonel) is seen here 

with eighty second airborne re-enacators at the annual Battle for the Airfield in Stow, MA. 

The October 11-12 event featured scores of US, UK, Soviet and German re-enactors. 

On hand were many WWII vehicles including tanks, halftracks, jeeps, troop transports 

both allied and axis. 

One of the interesting displays on the field was this full size V-1 rocket reproduction.

It was a fine day with lots of smoke and noise.

2014-2015 PROJECTS

In England during WWII the Eighth Air Force utilized trailers like the one depicted above to communicate with arriving combat aircraft. These trailers were pulled to the end of the active runway and provided real time information on landing aircraft. The trailers known as Runway Caravans or Mobile Control Towers were equipped with ARC-5 radio stations and capable of communicating with the main tower as well as landing aircraft. The trailers were also equipped with signal lights, basic weather equipment, and flare guns. These trailers were primarily modified utility trailers available in England at the time and varied in design from base to base. Some used B-17 or B-26 plexiglas noses for observation domes while other had a constructed observation tower.

After extensive research of archival photos and limited documentation AAFCG has undertaken the task of recreating a Runway Caravan. As progress continues, photos will be posted. We are hoping to bring it to events in 2016.

If anyone reading this blog has any technical or anecdotal information concerning these trailers please leave a message below.