Warbird Information Exchange

I'm presuming that none of the collection is accessible at the moment? I'm visiting Seattle next month, and would love to see some of the aircraft.

Mike, as far as the new location, from the following link it states:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/200803 ... 01/1147300

"The new Paine Field home for Paul Allen’s Flying Heritage Collection of rare World War II aircraft will open to the public June 6,"

It doesn't mention anything about the old location, so your guess is as good as mine. You might want to call the museum from their website to find out for sure.

If this is the case I hope Mr. Allen is interested in a Buffalo and Devastator

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Jeff

A couple of questions, is Paul Allen a pilot? and what do you think is his feelings toward people viewing his aircraft? Anyone here know him personally? ... I ask these questions because I know Andy Granatelli here in Santa Barbara (Montecito) and he has an incredible car collection. One of the best in the world. He rarely shows his collection to anyone and when asked he states he has zero interest in public viewing of his collection ..... which in my view is so sad. Why have them if you care not to share them? ... I would be very proud to share them with anyone interested in seeing them. Just wondering ...

Mr. Allen is not a pilot he is a warbird buff just like us. If he didn't want to share the planes with us he wouldn't have to. He could have lerft the planes in area 51.

Norm

Paul Allen is definitely not a pilot as mentioned earlier. I don't believe he has even gone up for a ride in any of his airplanes. He just appreciates and respects aviation history as stated above.

As far as people viewing his aircraft collection, his actions would definitely indicate that he wants to share them with the public so they can experience the magic of these airplanes taking flight.

Few aviation people know this, but Paul Allen is a HUGE music fan, with Jimi Hendrix being one of his main musical influences. Mr. Allen is so inspired by music that he spent $ 400 million of his own money to build a music appreciation museum/center in downtown Seattle called the "Experience Music Project", which is sort of like a Music Hall of Fame/Museum/Cultural learning center. Many pieces of rare rock memorabilia are contained there including priceless artifacts of Jimi Hendrix from Mr. Allen's own collection. Here is the website:

http://www.empsfm.org/aboutEMPSFM/index.asp

If Mr. Allen didn't want to share his music appreciation and collection with the public, he would not have opened this center. Based on this, I think it's safe to assume that he would want to share his aircraft collection with the public. Also, if Mr. Allen just wanted to collect rare airplanes for colllecting's sake, he would have them stored in some deep dark warehouse or hangar away from the public as a static only collection. The fact that not only has Mr. Allen opened a public aircraft museum, but also wants to fly the airplanes in his collection, speaks volumes on his intentions and attitude towards the public.

Let's hope that Mr. Allen can try to wrest control of a Devastator from the NHC! Maybe he can threaten to not release the updates of Vista to the Navy if they don't allow him to recover one!

Maybe he hasn't ridden in any of his warbirds, but I know for a fact he has been chauffeured around in his 757 and Global Express.

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real airplanes have round engines

does anybody know the progress of his fw190 and me 262 that were being restored in a norfolk workshop?

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i ain't getting on no plane!

Yea, I meant warbirds.

He's never even been up in any of them? That is hard to even fathom!? We are all lucky he is such an enthusiast. I would probably do the same thing if I was in his position to do what he is doing with his collections. Hard to bash Microsoft when it brings about such great things.

I've been to the Experience Music Project and it is definitely worth a visit. The Hendrix exhibit was awesome. The 700 guitar sculpture in the lobby is mind boggling.

I had no idea that Mustang was a combat vet in it's original markings. That rules.

VISTA!!!!!! ..... ugh!!!! .... let's NOT go there ....

My office is a mess because if Vista ..... All our AutoCAD software is kaput!!!! ... haha

He has flown in his warbirds.
Norm

I can confirm that the Myrt is no longer on Moen island in Chuuk.

I was a contributor of the information on Pacific Wrecks.
Originally the photos of the Myrt were listed as being a Val. I corrected this and added that the aircraft had been removed.

For the record, I did not state that the aircraft was recovered for Paul Allan. This was a rumor that Justin tried to get me to confirm. I can not, and will not state this as fact.

Unfortunately Justin and I have a very different opinion on aircraft recovery.

I fear that when the aircraft finally emerges it could be the subject of detrimental controversy, such as that which plagues the B-17 "Swamp Ghost."

I can tell you that the corruption in the area of Chuuk State (Truk) is so bad, that with enough money, anything is possible. It wouldn't have taken that much cash to pay off the Governor or anyone else involved. It's the "Golden Rule." "He who has the gold, makes the rules." For the average citizen of Chuuk, there is very little respect for the artifacts of WWII. I was actually given two propellers from Japanese aircraft (with bullet holes). I only wish I could have fit them in the overhead bins.

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Curtis Block

I've seen too many airplanes destroyed by the term "Static Restoration."

Offer to buy the locals a rice factory ...I hear it works wonders ....