Warbird Information Exchange

This is the one in N.J. but Chris was asking about the one in Alaska.

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

That was NAS Glenview. The area around Glenview, postwar, became a bedroom community for Chicago and was rapidly built up with subdivisions in the '60s and '70s (including the one where I grew up). The 1100 acres of the base property had been in the sights of the city for a long time before the base closed as the last big unbuilt parcel in the area; I imagine general aviation wasn't part of the plan because of the close proximity of Palwaukee Airport about ten miles away and the fact that the area was considered pretty well-to-do and could afford to launch a big NIMBY campaign if it was suggested. Housing and retail were what the city wanted, and that's what they got. Maybe it would have been a different story if the base had lasted into the time of the housing downturn. Oddly, the base never had any display aircraft, but there's now a Stearman hanging in one of the stores in the shopping center and there's also a small museum in an industrial park just east of the property.

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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, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

send every and all aircraft to the " New England Air Musuem" located in Windsor locks, CT. A great museum that would look good with these planes

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" I am a nobody in aviation, but somebody to my family."

I would like to relay the fact that the Chanute Air Museum can use volunteers! I initially heard Curt (currently working on the P-51 H restoration at Chanute) on the Warbird Rescue show and soon after headed to Chanute, about an hour drive, to see if I can pitch in on their P-51 H restoration. Once there I ended up looking around and really saw how bad the A/C need help there. I have now contacted the Museum staff and adopted the O-2A Skymaster currently on display. She is sitting on three flat tires, and holding up a lot of dust. My goal is to do my best to get her cleaned up and looking good and then adopt another.

If there is anyone in the central Illinois area that cares about keeping the history of our Warbirds alive and a great museum open...We could really use the help, come and adopt one of these great planes!

Tom

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"Thirty seconds....We went like this, he went like that. I said to Hollywood, "Where'd he go?" Hollywood says, "Where'd who gooooooo?"

That is good news Tom, I also listened to the warbird rescue show about Chanute. I wish I was closer. Glad to hear you have adopted the O-2.

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Share your story: Rutgers Oral History Archive http://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/

Way to go Tom! That's the way to step up and be a part of the action. As a museum professional, I certainly appreciate what you are doing!
- Zack

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Volunteer Coordinator/Curator - Military Aviation Museum - Virginia Beach, VA
"America's Flying Museum"
http://www.militaryaviationmuseum.org

Tom, so great that you are volunteering there! They are a great group!

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

Welcome to WIX, Tom.......and I guess I'm a bit prejudiced in saying you'll have so much fun spiffing up that O-2. Thanks for doing it !!!! Wish I could help but the commute from TX might be a bit much. Show us pictures of your progress when you can !!

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You have quite the talent for understatement.

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Steve Turner, USAF aircraft refueler 54+ years ago.

mcguire has some great gate guards,

F-4E, F-105B, F-84F, P-38L

would be fantastic to see them all inside where jersey/pa kids can see them. anyone have a source on the rumor, i've long wanted them all inside. contact ABW PA?

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-recovering Viper crew chief
-AWACS driver/soon-to-be A-26 driver
-displaced Philadelphian