New Warbird on (my) block- Frederick MD CAF TBM

Fri Sep 05, 2008 6:39 pm

Today, I put a bit of time in helping the Frederick MD CAF TBM get moved to its new digs. After going through some tough times and loss of support, a few people have stepped up to get this beauty going again. Cliff Ellis, Tom Malone, Norm Birzer and Jack Kosko are working together at Jack's facility. Jack graciously allowed the space to be used. If you don't know him, he is first class- a WWII TBM radio operator who gathered a first class volunteer crew to restore the TBM at Mid Atlantic Air Museum. These photos are of the TBM moving from I-83 in northern Baltimore County MD to Route 439 and other points on the way to Jack's place. If you feel like a break from buzzing off here on WIX, I strongly urge you to get out and help them work on the plane. It is located about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia, 1 hour from Baltimore MD. They don't have a work schedule yet, but if you need to contact them, I'll get you information. Good luck to them in their restoration!

Fri Sep 05, 2008 8:42 pm

How come they didn't move the Helldiver like that?

Fri Sep 05, 2008 8:43 pm

I see the highway sign pointing to Fawn Grove. If that is Fawn Grove, PA, that's only a few miles from where I live in Hanover, PA. How do I contact someone to help?

Sat Sep 06, 2008 8:10 am

does anyone know if it is still a CAF aircraft, and if so is it now sponsored by a unit or individual?

just wondering....

The more the better

Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:20 am

Very cool.

I've seen the MAAM TBM and it is one good looking plane.

Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:53 am

Very nice! It's good to see another Avenger getting proper attention. Mid Atlantic's TBM is a sharp looking piece! I take it the current markings are a fire bomber? It's a bit of a hike from where I live, but perhaps I should take a road trip next summer.

Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:08 am

Chris wrote:How come they didn't move the Helldiver like that?

Maybe because they care about the TBM in thier care. If you look at the AF museum website, go to the restoration section and there is a photo of the A-25, with the wing removed, the way it should have been moved in the first place.

Sat Sep 06, 2008 11:02 am

Matt Gunsch wrote:
Chris wrote:How come they didn't move the Helldiver like that?

Maybe because they care about the TBM in thier care. If you look at the AF museum website, go to the restoration section and there is a photo of the A-25, with the wing removed, the way it should have been moved in the first place.

Nice

Sat Sep 06, 2008 11:07 am

Forgotten Field, good for you to get a cool warbird in your area. Are you going to be active with the TBM at all?

Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:33 am

Just to reply to this, the CAF/National Capitol Squadron is now the assigned Unit in charge of this TBM.

I think that in addition to the folks FF mentioned, that NCS should get a plug or three since we stepped up to take responsibility for the aircraft, not to mention be on the hook for the (doubled) ANUAC and other costs...rather than a sponsor group made up of the individuals mentioned.

Any and all contributions of $$, time, moral or immoral support, $$$ gratefully appreciated (even from Baltimorons (sp?) like FF!!)

www.nationalcapitolsquadron.com

flyingsailor wrote:does anyone know if it is still a CAF aircraft, and if so is it now sponsored by a unit or individual?

just wondering....

The more the better

Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:51 am

MattP38 wrote:Very nice! It's good to see another Avenger getting proper attention. Mid Atlantic's TBM is a sharp looking piece! I take it the current markings are a fire bomber? It's a bit of a hike from where I live, but perhaps I should take a road trip next summer.

It was one of the FPL birds from Newfoundland. Glad to see that she is going to get the attention she deserves. I remember when the local CAF chapter first acquired her. IIRC, the final CAF Airshow at Frederick, MD was a TBM "Reunion" to celebrate the acquisition. I believe 7 TBMs showed up for that show. It was really cool, because they were in a myriad of markings, from the standard blue-grey 1942-43 paint, to the tri-color paint jobs, to the Atlantic white/grey ASW paint jobs to the late-war/post-war paint jobs. A veritable feast of TBMs.

Sun Sep 07, 2008 8:35 am

I remember seeing 6 of Forest Protection Services TMB's at their home base in Miramichi Airport New Brunswick in 2000. Great news to see another one move on to another flying life...

I often wondered where they would all end up...

Andrew

Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:37 pm

"I remember seeing 6 of Forest Protection Services TMB's at their
home base in Miramichi Airport New Brunswick in 2000...
...I often wondered where they would all end up"

Another that may have come from that group
seen outside NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum,
Cape May NJ back in 2005

Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:02 am

SaxMan wrote:
It was one of the FPL birds from Newfoundland. Glad to see that she is going to get the attention she deserves. I remember when the local CAF chapter first acquired her. IIRC, the final CAF Airshow at Frederick, MD was a TBM "Reunion" to celebrate the acquisition. I believe 7 TBMs showed up for that show. It was really cool, because they were in a myriad of markings, from the standard blue-grey 1942-43 paint, to the tri-color paint jobs, to the Atlantic white/grey ASW paint jobs to the late-war/post-war paint jobs. A veritable feast of TBMs.

Thanks for the info. I remember hearing about that Avenger reunion, it sounded excellent. It is a shame that show does not take place anymore. I never got down and always wanted to. I would love to see Ida Red someday, the Atlantic scheme is my favorite finish.

Mon Sep 08, 2008 8:44 pm

MattP38 wrote:
SaxMan wrote:
It was one of the FPL birds from Newfoundland. Glad to see that she is going to get the attention she deserves. I remember when the local CAF chapter first acquired her. IIRC, the final CAF Airshow at Frederick, MD was a TBM "Reunion" to celebrate the acquisition. I believe 7 TBMs showed up for that show. It was really cool, because they were in a myriad of markings, from the standard blue-grey 1942-43 paint, to the tri-color paint jobs, to the Atlantic white/grey ASW paint jobs to the late-war/post-war paint jobs. A veritable feast of TBMs.

Thanks for the info. I remember hearing about that Avenger reunion, it sounded excellent. It is a shame that show does not take place anymore. I never got down and always wanted to. I would love to see Ida Red someday, the Atlantic scheme is my favorite finish.

Hey Matt,

Ida Red will be at the Middleton, OH show the weekend of September 20th and at Terre Haute, IN the weekend of October 4th. Come on by and say hi. We'll probably fly her a few more times before the really cold weather sets in. And if you feel the erge to get your hands dirty this winter the plane is based in Monroe, MI; stop on by during the annual. Everyone is welcome!

Saxman;

FPL is based in Fredrickton, New Brunswick. Don't be pissing off the newfies! lol

Glenn