warbird1 wrote:
Thanks Dean! Excuse my ignorance as I haven't been to Meacham in years, but is there some kind of jet museum there now. It looks like there were several "recent" jets there that look like they haven't flown in a while. I'm specifically referring to the A-4, F-5's and F-4's. Were any of those of civilian registration?
Cool shots! Was it an airshow, just just a static fly-in?
Yes, there is a growing static collection of "recent" aircraft on display. The OV-10 Bronco Association and the Forward Air Controllers Museum are putting together the Fort Worth Veterans Memorial Airpark in the grassy area just on the south side of the main hangar. Currently on display are: OV-10A Bronco (two of them), O-2 Skymaster, A-4C Skyhawk, F-5E Tiger II (USN Agressor), QF-4S Phantom II (Viet Nam combat veteran which flew off the USS America), and the very last F-14A Tomcat that was still in USN service when the fleet retired (also the oldest one that was still in service). The Airpark is still in its infancy. They plan to really do it up nice, with concrete walkways, professional signage, etc.
The Warbird Roundup is a static display event, although it's great to be there on Friday when all of the modern military aircraft arrive (you know military pilots; they just *have* to show off "a little" on their way in!). On Saturday morning before the gates open to the public is when all of the vintage aircraft arrive, and that's a real treat, too!
Rumour has it that the next event may be held in the spring of '08 instead of on October because October is such a busy month for the three groups who run the event. That is only "being talked about", not definite.
Cheers!