Trip to Leon's and the HUP is home

[Nathan]

Left Saturday for Leon Cleaver's place to pick up HUP fuselage. The day was a real treat. Tom Friedman, Paul Cooper(cooper9411), and Dave Trojan (aka ALOHADAVE) showed up! We all worked to get the HUP on the trailer. Can't thank everyone enough for helping. Special thanks goes to Leon Cleaver for saving these pieces of aviation history. It is a real honor to work with him. No one can compare to the skill that he has for getting these airplanes on trailers with just a com-along, some chain, wood, cardboard, and parachute straps!

The wix gang (L to R-Dave, Cooper, Tom, Leon) doing their best to spell 'WIX" in sign language :


Dave, Cooper, Me:


Working the load:




We invaded Tom's place for the night and enjoyed warbird stories, beer, dirty jokes, and threatening to sell Tom's aviation memorabilia on ebay! The neighbors all came out wondering why a bunch of trucks with airplane parts were doing next door! Too bad about all the pink slips stuck on the HUP in the morning.


Thanks again guys! See you all again soon!

-Nate

Last edited by Nathan on Sun Oct 11, 2015 9:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[cooper9411]

Nathan, glad to hear you made it OK. I had quite a few stares and a couple people inquire about the " things" sticking out of the truck. Of course I was eager to share the story of the T-33 wing tip fuel tanks, what I was doing with them. It was a fun day and glad we got the Hup all loaded so the beverages Tom brought wouldn't get warm. He's such an enabler! Should have seen the looks on the faces of my neighbors when I pulled up. It was nice to spend more time with Leon as well as getting to meet Tom and Dave. Tom has a pretty impressive collection ( thanks for letting me hold the Arasaka rifle ) that all of us eagerly fondled. Thanks for hospitality Tom, albeit it was a last minute decision.
I'm eagerly waiting for the opportunity to work with Dave on a recovery. He has a vast array of knowledge he graciously shared with us. Maybe when we move the T-Bird everyone can hang here for a day or so.

[Nathan]

Maybe when we move the T-Bird everyone can hang here for a day or so.

I'll be there!

[Chris Brame]

Maybe when we move the T-Bird everyone can hang here for a day or so.

I had a feeling that was the one you were referring to in the other thread!
How about a little encouragement?

Name on the intake looks like Siouxlencer - from when it was with the Sioux City ADS.

Last edited by Chris Brame on Sat Dec 24, 2016 6:22 am, edited 1 time in total.

[cooper9411]

Woo-Hoo!!!!! Thanks for the encouragement Chris!

[Nathan]

Hey cooper,


Here is a T-33 speed brake for sale on ebay, looks in really good shape and the price can't beat:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Lockhee ... 4d394a01ab

[cooper9411]

Thanks for the link Nathan. Just got back from Leon's (again), picked up the canopy and all the fairings today. Possibly going back this weekend to remove the tail section and bring it home.

[Woodsy Airfield]

What a fine group of airplane troopers...It took awhile to get her aboard, but situation never in doubt(Gulp). All hands were busy in the loading...

Paul - After leaving you this afternoon, I picked up the October 2015 issue of Air Classics and there is a photo of the B-25 being dis-assembled for Australian trip. I recognized your truck and the pony tailed person under the engine nacelle...The subject of the B-25 was discussed Saturday...Small world..

[Mark Allen M]

Below will be Nathan and his crew for a group shot someday soon the way their going. Nice job guys, keep up the great work.