Car Show Benefit for Bryan Lawrence

The weather reports called for a partly cloudy day. When I woke up to take the Astronomy Mobile Outreach Vehicle (AMOV) to the car show for Bryan Lawrence, it was mistily raining. Being an astronomy related vehicle, the AMOV does not drive in the rain very often. You see, rain is usually accompanied with clouds, which usually massively reduces the chance of viewing stars.

I arrived at the show, to the usual odd looks from the organizers. After some quick explanations, they guided me to a very nice spot right inside the entrance. As I would find out as the day wore on, there would be quite a bit of foot traffic walking right by my vehicle. After getting approval from the organizers, I set up several telescopes to help me explain what the vehicle is all about. One set of telescopes had solar filters mounted to allow the daytime viewing of the sun, much to the delight of the hundreds of people that looked at, and through the telescopes.

I stayed very busy all day, and with about 300 vehicles entered in the event, I would have to say that it was a successful event. Below are some images that I managed to take between talking astronomy with the masses.

Here is the Astronomy Mobile Outreach Vehicle (AMOV). It was a 21 passenger bus before I saved it from the scrap yard and started using it to teach astronomy. I also use it as a base of operations when I am involved in astronomy outreach with members of the local astronomy group, Star City Astronomy Network (SCAN).

The Astronomy Mobile Outreach Vehicle (AMOV), from the back.. The large telescope toward the back of the vehicle is a 15" Dobsonian Reflector, built by StarGazer Telescopes.
The telescopes with the solar filters were mounted on the tripod near the front of the vehicle.

Below are some of the other vehicles that struck my fancy at the show.

I believe that this beautiful, 1937 Ford was my favorite at the show. I could easily see myself driving this gorgeous street rod.

This 1940 Ford is stunning.The orange paint was flawless, as is the rest of the car.

What can you say about "Rat Rods". They are as cool as cool can get. I really liked the stuffed bird in the grillwork.

I really like this dragster. With the T-Bucket style body and the front mounted, open motor, it just screams about drag racing 40 years ago.

It was a nice day, and alot of nice cars, and people. Hopefully, the proceeds will help Bryan Lawrence with his recovery. Thanks to all that were involved with this worthy benefit. A job "Well Done".

Gotta get more time

Sorry I have not posted to this blog in a while. I haven't had much time to run around Roanoke, as other ventures are keeping me busy. I hope to have some more pics up here soon. Stay Tuned.