A replica of a World War I German Fokker triplane lands at Hummel Field in Topping recently. It includes some interesting details, such as what appear to be twin 50 caliber machine guns — though in the replica’s case one would expect they are completely non-functional. It is reportedly owned by “The Forgotten Heroes Foundation” and is flown by Michael Kuhnert of Bay Aviation. It appears modeled after the Fokker piloted by the “Red Baron,” the nickname of Manfred von Richthofen, a German fighter pilot who was the deadliest flying ace of WW I — he shot down 80 Allied aircraft according to historical accounts. His luck ran out during a 1918 dogfight over France that claimed his life. In more modern times, his character received much more whimsical depictions when it was pitted against Snoopy in the Peanuts comic strip and also used as a mascot to help sell pizza. (Photo by Nancy Lewis)
Red Baron-inspired replica lands in Topping
