As far as I know, the only way the Rhinebeck A-1 was altered was cosmeticly and was only in it's squadron markings including its silver/red color. However, the rudder stripes are in the wrong color order.
I still do not understand that as shurely Cole must have been aware of the correct order..
As far a Cole altering aircraft, it must be undersood the some of the the original aircraft were basket cases when he got them and Cole simply made do with what was available to him keeping it historicly accurate as much as possible.
Cole was just as interested in making an aircraft airworthy as he was with historic accuracy and I imagine some minor inacuracies were traded off to have an airworthy aircraft .
An example is the Albie DV.a copy which originally had a Mercedes enginge.
The engine's crankshaft broke early on and to keep it flying, a more modern Ranger engine was installed
I remember seeing Cole a few times and he was quite a "larger than life" showman with a great sense of humor who enjoyed putting on a show as much as he loved flying (and building) those vintage aircraft.
Yeah, some of the aircraft markings might be a bit "cattywampus", even a bit over the top but, I imaging this was the showman in Cole responsiible for it. After all, if he could not draw crowds to his shows, he had no financing for his aircraft, etc . Most in the crowds just came to see a show and had no real concept of historical accuracy. I get the distinct impression that all this is not lost on the present management.
BTW........ weather permitting, I plan on taking a drive up the Hudson to Rhinebeck on the second weekend in september. My camera will get a real workout then.
