???
Sun Dec 24, 2006 5:06 pm
get OFF the paint deal.
No harm in talking about it is there
I think we all understand that on the list of priorities paint
hasn't even made the list. But, I like the Korean War scheme idea
of black on the bottom but keep the name (in a different style with
some good artwork added) and add accurate KW bomb wing markings.
Same name and paint on it but jazzed up with new markings
FIFI on half
Mon Dec 25, 2006 3:50 pm
Sure, get it back it the air first but there is the idea of only leaving half of it as FIFI, and begin now researching and organizing a plan for the paint for the other side.
On a once per two year basis change the left side nose art, and left side tail markings to represent an actual WWII and (maybe once per 10 years, Korean War) veteran combat ship. Yes that cost many $$$ but the right type of sponsorship solicitation and follow up souvenir sales would solve that. Many Bomb Group Associations have surplus funds from widow's donations, etc., and it wouldn't be hard to schedule the next six to ten years out for select Bomb Groups to sponsor their 2 year slot.
The magazine coverage, calendar shoots, poster sales and gate proceeds should sore. You may say "I doubt it", but seriously how many of you went out of your way to go see the Collings B-24 again, after seeing it several times before, when it went into Dragon colors and then into Witchcraft colors? How many of you like myself bought a calendar or magazine that you might have otherwise passed on because of the coverage of these new paint schemes.
I guarantee much more press, and as a result much more benefit to teach some history about various Groups. I think there would be more income to keep her flying if done right.
I wish this was done with the flying B-17s that tour.
My dad had 50 combat missions in B-17s in the 12th & 15th AF, then 29 combat missions in B-29s over Korea. I may never see a flying B-29 in his 22nd Bomb Wing colors (although March AFB had the static MISSION INN for several years). I do hope to one day see at least one touring B-17 in 15th AF colors (They flew with 5 Bomb Groups out of Italy) for a couple of years at least. Maybe I'll be lucky and someone will paint at least half a B-17 with nose and tail in 301st BG markings!
On a once per two year basis change the left side nose art, and left side tail markings to represent an actual WWII and (maybe once per 10 years, Korean War) veteran combat ship. Yes that cost many $$$ but the right type of sponsorship solicitation and follow up souvenir sales would solve that. Many Bomb Group Associations have surplus funds from widow's donations, etc., and it wouldn't be hard to schedule the next six to ten years out for select Bomb Groups to sponsor their 2 year slot.
The magazine coverage, calendar shoots, poster sales and gate proceeds should sore. You may say "I doubt it", but seriously how many of you went out of your way to go see the Collings B-24 again, after seeing it several times before, when it went into Dragon colors and then into Witchcraft colors? How many of you like myself bought a calendar or magazine that you might have otherwise passed on because of the coverage of these new paint schemes.
I guarantee much more press, and as a result much more benefit to teach some history about various Groups. I think there would be more income to keep her flying if done right.
I wish this was done with the flying B-17s that tour.
My dad had 50 combat missions in B-17s in the 12th & 15th AF, then 29 combat missions in B-29s over Korea. I may never see a flying B-29 in his 22nd Bomb Wing colors (although March AFB had the static MISSION INN for several years). I do hope to one day see at least one touring B-17 in 15th AF colors (They flew with 5 Bomb Groups out of Italy) for a couple of years at least. Maybe I'll be lucky and someone will paint at least half a B-17 with nose and tail in 301st BG markings!