In December of 2003, I got a phone message to call Dale Kirn! I was floored, Dale Kirn is one of my heros, right up there with George Aldrich, Howard Bonner, Sal Taibi, Phil Kraft, etc. Why in the heck would he want to talk to me?
Dale is closely associated with the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum in Schulenberg, Texas. Among other things, in the 30's, the Stanzel brothers invented an amusement park ride know as the Strato Ship. These were installed in amusement parks all over the United States and the world. Dale was (and is) trying to find one to install at the museum.
It turns out the Strato Ship was actually manufactured by RE Chambers (originally Travers Engineering) right here in Beaver Falls, PA, about 1/4 mile from where I live. I never even knew rides were made here; they also made the Turtle and the Laff in the Dark rides; you may have ridden these.
Dale saw my ad in the Model Engine Collectors' Swap Sheet, saw "Beaver Falls", and called me to see if I could help him locate a Strato Ship. So far I haven't succeeded, but if you find one, Dale would love to know.
Dale is a real gentleman, very humble, and very friendly. I am so glad I got to meet him, even if only over the phone and by letters.