Warbird Information Exchange

It would be interesting, indeed, to hear what happened to that A-26. I can tell you that in my short time with the CAF, I found where several aircraft simply "disappeared" over time. I was able to track one of them down...at least some of the parts that was left of it, but was never really encouraged to pursue it. Frustration got the better of me, so I just dropped it.

There are also many (unconfirmed) reports of at least two truck loads of parts that never made it to Midland on their trip from Harlingen, back in 1991. Of course, there's no way to prove that, but it's my opinion (if I'm allowed to have one) that those stories of missing parts are true.

Gary

airnutz,

Unfortunately, I do not have any photos from the early Dulles shows. I am looking around the net for some, but have been unable to find anything good.

Transpo '72' was a huge event that went on for at least a week. There were fantastic airshows, but all other aspects of transportation were represented. I saw Petty's #43 car and Don Garlit's dragster etc...

The air show was fantastic. I do rember seeing the Vulcan Bomber, but I liked the warbirds best. I remember it seemed like everything was there. I remember the bf. 109, I believe a Spitfire, a P-38, Mustangs, a P-39 I believe and at least three heavy bombers. For some reason I believe FiFi was there with the B-24 and B-17...

I do know that there were 3 deaths at Transpo. I know one of the Thunderbird's crashed and the pilot was killed. I believe the day I was there was the day a hang glider or early ultra-lite pilot was killed? And, i am sure an air racer also passed away.

I am looking for photos or even an old program that would jog my memory. Like I said, it seemed like I saw everything there. I would like to know what I really saw! lol I was only 14 and quite overwhelmed with awe! lol

If I do find anything, I will be sure to get it posted!

Chip

I'm fairly certain the Constitution has your back here Gary

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I don't know Gary, they probably made it to Midland County just not to the airport.

Wonder if someone can point me to Part One of the G'ston airshow pics? Sorry I'm so inept at searching. Seriously cool pics for this old dude; my first in-the-flesh warbirds were at Scholes just a year or two later. MAN, it's almost too much to believe, but warbird shows were as cool back then as they are now, and in some ways cooler yet! WOW!!

THANKS for the photos (and keep 'em coming)!!!

Gary, your opinions are gold as far as I'm concerned. Keep 'Em Flying!

Since you mentioned Transpo, I took a shot at a query. I see Transpo 72 mentioned quite a bit in the searches
for the early Dulles stuff but same result..not much in the way of good photos.


Amen to that brother! I want to see what I forgot and confirm whut I remember! I was about 15 at the time
and it was alot to take in. The warbird stuff I'd been around since '62 or '63, but the big stuff was pretty mind
blowing...tho I would be curious to know what warbirds may have been at Dulles in '70. Toured the Smithsonian the
same year, as well as other D.C. stuff...a lot to absorb!


Same here, I've been looking for quite a few years. Knowing this place (and a few others), something will eventually
turn up. Good luck Chip!

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DBF

airnutz,

Do you remember your 1970 visit to the Smithsonian? Did you get to the old, red, "Arts and Industries" building that is next to the origional "Castle" building? That is where the aircraft were prior to the Air and Space building being built!

They had their airplanes and space capsules in the front room and some of their rockets standing outside the building. I loved that place.

I was living in DC at the time and I remember taking a photography class in that building. I recall that our darkroom entrance was right next to where their Hawker Hurricane was displayed all by itself. I would finish my class and then wander over to that beautiful bird. I would have it all to myself. It was roped off, but, I would just stand outside the ropes and suck it all in....

Lots of great memories....lol

I will keep looking for early Dulles photos.....

Chip

Hi Gary.

Just found the letter I got from Bill Tilghman of the Ranger Wing regarding the disposition of N6101C.

A possible subject for Austin Acres...?

T J

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Thanks TJ, but no. I've cut all ties from that organization for reasons I won't discuss here. (I get too many phone calls and nasty-grams from folks who don't believe I should be entitled to my opinion.) I'm done trying to save their airplanes.

Its interesting though, that this A-26 is not on the CAF list of aircraft anymore. I wonder if it was sold, or if it just "disappeared," like a few of their other aircraft? I'm not accusing anyone of anything, by the way, I'm genuinely curious.......not that it really matters.

Gary

I think that dissappeared list is longer than most people think.

There was a severely picked over A-26 carcass behind Joe Niemer's shop in Waco several years ago. It was almost down to the basic sheet metal. Seems like I remember some fire damage. Maybe that's your missing aircraft.

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I guess these must be shots of N6101C at Valley Mills, TX?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/monica/2407946431/in/photostream/

Judging from the placement and size of the national insignia remnant it looks like it may be the same airplane. I'd been wondering if there were any photos of this old girl after her "disappearance".

That would be N6101C alright.

T J

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Make my day, punk!