Apr 28, 2008

Sopwith Camel WW1 biplane on NY skyscraper roof

This was found here on Google Sightseeing.

There appears to be a biplane, complete with runway on the roof of 77 Water Street, New York City.

Situated in the heart of the insurance district, 77 Water Street occupies the entire East side frontage of Water Street between Governuer Lane to the North of Old Slip to the South.

The property runs all the way through the block to Front Street on the East, covering approximately 60% of an acre. 77 Water Street is located at the foot of Wall Street.

The biplane on the roof is a sculpture designed by Rudolph de Harak and executed by the sculptor William Tarr in 1969.

The plane is a full-size model of a WW1 Sopwith Camel biplane, complete with runway.

It was put there to amuse inhabitants of surrounding skyscrapers including the World Trade Center before 9-11-01.

Click here to see the rooftop plane on Google Maps where you can zoom in and drag the picture around to see surrounding buildings, etc.