Just a note on our Passion

Once again friends .... this is great!, and I thought I was a loner in the warbird world. Problem is, all you guys are killing my work progress, my clients have all been put on hold so many times during the day ... lolol .... I just love all the great communication and discussion going on in here. So much to say, so little time ... lolol ... so many great topics ... so many wonderful photos of present and past good stuff .... WOW! ....

So very happy ... so very frustrated, oh well, I could have worse addictions.

To all, ... over the past few months that I have been on board, I have been reading and researching all you crazy WIXER's and I am so very impressed with all of you, you folks are the "real deal", there's more experience, talent, history, and a complete and full ... and if I can say ... respectful amount of debate going on at all time in this crazy WIXER World. Congrats to all of you and a salute to your commanding General Scott and his crew.

MY PLEDGE! .... lolol ... I will pledge from this day forward to always try to contribute, discuss, debate ... and seek professional help so as to not spend 12 hours a day on this crazy website. ... for my clients sake if no other. lolol

One last thing that may interest you all .... I've been a licensed pilot since 1984 and am shopping for my next dream airplane .... a P-51D ... very soon to bring one back to sunny Santa Barbara. ... with a little luck and a lot of money and training, who knows. I could be one of the few and the proud. But with our very sad loss of a good pilot and beautiful Mustang last Sunday just down the road, maybe I should just shut up about my news.

One very last thing. .... I have been learning more here about my passion for warbirds than I could ever explain ... thank you all, I'm very honored to be able to be a part of your world. Maybe we will meet at times all around this big WIXER world. I know it will be an honor to extend a handshake.

Mark

[Former Member]

Welcome aboard Mark!!!

John

[Scott Rose]

Yes, welcome aboard. Glad you could join us.

[Dan K]

Mark, great post until you mentioned P-51.

Couldn't you set your standards a little higher, say, for something with a real (round) motor?

And here I thought you were a Hellcat fan...

[Robbie Stuart]

Nice post Mark. Don't pay no attention to those anti "hot water 12" guys, you chase that dream man. We are glad to have you along for the ride.
Regards
Robbie
(son of a P-51 combat pilot)

[daveymac82c]

Hey Mark,

I'm really glad you've enjoyed this message board. I love it too.

I'm not the most knowledgable about warbirds and their inner workings, but I'm in love with them regardless. I'm a volunteer at my local air museum and try to do my best to help preserve and spread the word about warbirds and the greatest generation that flew them.

In a way, I feel bad because I have learned a lot more from this message board than I'll ever be able to contribute back. I guess I have to go out and buy myself a warbird. Gotta get a good paying job first.... sigh...

Cheers,

David

hahaha, I knew I would open up a can of worms on that one ..... my father flew both Hellcats and Corsairs, (see my first post for photos) ... I love both dearly ... and he gives me enough grief about the Mustang. But I have my eye on a specific Mustang and the price is finally right after some long and hard negotiations. Mustangs are on the market more too. Not too many F6F's for sale these days. And all the Corsairs seem to be scooped up as well.

I guess I better put my two cents into the Warbird ownership issue. Remember, It's only "my two cents" and actually I'm going to need those two cents. lolol .... As you all probably well know, owning, maintaining, insuring, storing, hangering, locating, etc. etc. all things "Warbird" ... is ... how do I say it? .... crazy f!@#$$$$$$$ing expensive. .... but! .... ever since I was 2 feet tall I have had a passion for Warbirds of all types and I made a promise that I would own one someday. I'm not a rich man, but I do work hard and I have been very lucky in a few financial areas. But I should state that I'm not in this purchase alone .... and THAT is where the difference comes from a wealthy sole owner of a Warbird and a modest, simple guy like me. I share the expenses, that will always be tough .... but I really get to share the wealth in ownership of something dear to me. ... OK, OK enough of this, I do not want to come across as a snobby guy. A door opened for me with this opportunity and I guess I just crashed it in .... I just hope not to get kicked back out ... lolol ... BTW ... anyone who happens to be in the Santa Barbara, CA area in the next few months, stop by the airport and ask where the Mustangs are. Come on by ... always welcome. Open hanger doors ... always.

[Dan Newcomb]

What Hellcat do you fly? We have one just a few miles south of you. Have you considered us?

I've seen your hellcat many times ... love it very much. ... No! ... there's no Hellcat I fly, but the thought has always crossed my mind. I have months and months to go before I solo in a Mustang, and especially since our terrible loss last Sunday, I'll add many additional months to the schedule. I'm in no hurry to own or fly a Warbird, ..... until I'm fully ready for both.

I'll have to stop by and say hello one of these days.

[Elroy13]

Welcome aboard Mark!!

[muddyboots]

I've seen your hellcat many times ... love it very much. ... No! ... there's no Hellcat I fly, but the thought has always crossed my mind. I have months and months to go before I solo in a Mustang, and especially since our terrible loss last Sunday, I'll add many additional months to the schedule. I'm in no hurry to own or fly a Warbird, ..... until I'm fully ready for both.

I'll have to stop by and say hello one of these days.

I was just in SB Sunday and thought of driving to the airport, but it was my wifes day. So we went to longboards and ate peanuts

There's a Restaraunt in SB that is New orleans themed (my hometown) so we'll be back. I'll hollar when we head up there. Maybe we can meet for lunch or something

[muddyboots]

dang- double post!

[vg-photo]

Mark,
Let me know when you are ready to photograph your new bird. I am always up for that!

Yes, indeed, SB is the land of incredible restaurants. And yes, I am planning on an open house party (hanger) soon. Lot's to do yet.