On September 23, 2023, members of the Wright Seaplane Base Inc. dedicated a ¼ scale model of the 1913 Wright Model G Aeroboat Sculpture. The sculpture sits atop a twenty-foot pole next to the bicycle path along Main Street in Moraine.
The Wright Seaplane Base, Inc., is a group of people dedicated to keeping the memory of the Wright Brothers alive, specifically Orville Wright’s involvement from 1912 to 1914 in the development and testing of the aeroboat or seaplane.
The 1913 Aeroboat was designed by Wright Company chief engineer Grover Loening under the supervision of Orville Wright. The aeroboats were continuously tested and improved during the two-year period as over 100 test flights were made along the Miami River in Moraine and West Carrollton. Depending on prevailing winds, Orville Wright could choose to take off or land north-south or east-west thanks to the 90-degree bend in the river. The original Model G had a 38-foot span, 28 feet length, and weighed between 1,200 and 1,300 pounds. With its 18-foot boat-like hull, it was the first product of the Wright Company to have an enclosed cockpit. The aircraft flew up to 60 miles per hour.
The dedication was hosted by Harold Robinson, President of WSBI and Dave Miller, President Elect of WSBI. On behalf of the City of Moraine, Moraine Mayor Teri Murphy accepted the gift of the aeroboat sculpture from WSBI acknowledging the rich Wright Brothers history in the City of Moraine.
Special awards were presented to the following for their exemplary work in the design, building, craftsmanship, installation and donation of time and labor to complete the 1913 replica sculpture:
Gary Warlaumont of Bront Machining and the Warlaumont Family – design/build
Bob Palo – replica float sculpturer
Bob Sachs – logistics
Andrew Casey Electric – sculpture installation
Electro Polish Company – protective electrocoating
In addition, special thanks were extended to City of Moraine employees Rocky Bangert (Building Maintenance), Chris Dunn (Street Department) and Bobby Engle (Building Maintenance) for their work in pouring the concrete base, installing the pole, and coordinating the aeroboat placement atop the pole.
WSBI President Robinson shared WSBI’s history and goals and thanked several WSBI members through the years for their contributions including the late Don Ferguson, a founding member, who had the initial vision for the aeroboat sculpture back in 1914.
Recently added in September 2024 to the site are signs telling the history of the Wright Model G Aeroboat, the Wright Brothers seaplane base, benches, and a rock with a plaque thanking all who made the historical mini-park possible.
The 1913 Wright Model G Aeroboat Sculpture Dedication Ceremony can be seen on MVCC Miami Valley Communications Council Government Access Channel 6 or on the City of Moraine website.
