Sightings: Road Trip to Pinckneyville and Sparta Yields Interesting Finds

By Carmelo Turdo

A recent road trip to the Pinckneyville and Sparta, IL airports produced some great experiences. On the way to Calvin C. McDaniel Field, a visit to see the T-33 Shooting Star on display at the Pinckneyville City Park and Fair Grounds was in order. The aircraft, T-33A-1-LO s/n 52-9663, is a good early example of the U.S.A.F. jet trainer, but without wing tip tanks. Surrounding the park are railroad facilities and great small-town storefronts that add to the charm. Next came Sparta's Community-Hunter Field, where an RV-4 was seen on a refueling stop and a Cessna C-150G made an approach to the runway before departing. Here are some scenes from the trip, including some trains that seemed to be everywhere.

Pinckneyville, IL and surrounding areas

Sparta Community-Hunter Field