Warbird Information Exchange

Screen shots of a film taken at the Soplata property show the fuselage of an AD-5 Skyraider. All the lists call it AD-6 135273, which doesn't add up. Anyone have the correct answer?

Thanks,
Ken

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"Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves."

The soplata collection is currently available for sale.....

Yes, this includes the Skyrader which was a prototype.....

Big news!

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Besides the Skyraider, what others are still in the collection now?

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

I am both happy and sad. I was kinda hoping for a really cool and wacky museum to appear one day. Well now we get to see exactly what's there. I was just thinking about the O-52 Owl the other day, which I think has been gone for a long time. Just wondering how it is coming along. All things Soplata is my main big kick hanging out here at WIX, and it's been slim pickings the past few years. Open the floodgates! I'm in Ohio, would love to see the place in person....

Currently B-36, C-97, Skyrader, F-86 A & D, BT-12.13 & 14, Cutlass, TBM, SNJ, P-47, AT-11, Twin Beech, DC-7, Neptoon, Spirit of Painesville, B-52Cockpit, P-38 Wings, etc..... Please send all inquires to. Soplata Collection, PO Box 65, Newbury, OH, 44065.....

Mixed emotions here too: it will be sad to see it go, though ultimately provided none of it goes for scrap, one would hope it will secure some very rare stuff for restoration.

We are trying our best to see them go to good homes..... The B-25 is in New York being restored.....

Thank you Soplata family for making this collection available for purchase. It’s very wise as the warbird movement has matured and who knows if Generation X, Y, millennial sect. Will have the same passion to invest in these historic artifacts. Your dad was a fascinating person and he successfully saved many items and planes.

The aviation community owes your family a great deal! Thank you!

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Magister Aviation
It's all in my book

Incidentally I think that the F-86A (also reported as an F-86E) is actually an F-86F (ex-OH ANG recruiting aid?). Would love to know if you have an i.d for it though! (my theory is it's 51-13123).

That bird is still kind of surrounded by stuff that needs to be gone threw..... I know it came from Akron, but it will be a while before I can get the ID.....

A big thank you to the Soplata family for allowing these artifacts to go to other groups and people who will adore them every bit that Walter did.

I'm glad I had a chance to meet him and have a tour of his treasures, but also look forward to seeing them take to the skies again someday.

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Good to see it finally happening.
The viable projects deserve a good home.
Sitting outside for another 50 years wouldn't be good for them.

Now what's to be done with the odd parts, very rough/incomplete projects (aka junk)?
Well, I suspect enthusiasts will have a chance to put their money where their mouth is.
And like we've seen before with aircraft everyone wants but few want (or can afford) to pay for, they'll be scrapped.

I agree, Walter and his family did great work...(anyone have a list of the aircraft saved by the family that are now in museums or being restored?) but this is probably overdue.

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Remember the vets, the wonderful planes they flew and their sacrifices for a future many of them did not live to see.

Best wishes and thanks for saving all those aircraft!
I didn't know about the P-38 wings - did they come from a civilian plane or military scrapyard, or were they an unused set?

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, B-17G 42-102875