Sun Jun 07, 2009 7:20 am
Hello, WIXers,
It was a big week for the old Harpoon. We flew the pants off the old girl, and the more we did, the better she liked it. The engines are strong and clean, and you know she looks and sounds great flying past.
The airshow crowd have been just loving it, and we have had an endless stream of visitors at the door. People--airport neighbors, former members, people we don't even know, but who know Hot Stuff--keep coming by to smile at us, and at her, telling us how happy they are to see her back in the air where she belongs.
Heck, we're pretty darn happy too, as you can probably tell.
We've flown her twice a day every day but one since we first flew on Tuesday, and she's been shaken down well. This coming week, we'll continue with proficiency practice for Long Tall Glen, who will be going for his type rating checkride as soon as he's ready.
So, we're finally seeing the payoff for many months of toil, and it sure is great. Even though we're not getting paid for the airshow appearance, donations at the door seemed to be fairly good yesterday, so maybe that'll continue today (last day of the show), and the financial pressures will ease up for a while. Our next scheduled gig is in early July, I believe, but we're hoping to get a pop-up show or two between now and then--a lot of our appearances in the past have been as replacement for a cancelled bird.
All in all, this has been one of the best weekends I've had in a good long while.
Which is saying something, considering the crippled-up state of yours truly at present.
IndyJen had a bit of a mishap at the end of the day yesterday, and is sitting here typing with her broken foot up on a stack of pillows. I was able to have the very first ambulance ride I've ever had, and that's why no pictures just now--all my stuff is still out at the airport. PJ stayed over last night to help out, and in a while she's going out there to get her jeep (restored 1946 Willys), and she'll pick up my camera then, and email my pics to me. So I'll post up a supplement later on with the extremely excellent images of Hot Stuff doing what she does best.
We had one technical glitch yesterday morning, when we re-spotted the plane for the morning flight. Number two started right up, but number one wasn't happening--the starter wouldn't accelerate at all. So we had to pull her back into the corner where they had us stashed. While the tourists lined up to look inside her, we got to work in the aft nacelle support bay--that's where the starter relay is located, and that was our immediate suspicion. About an hour to take it apart in place, clean and reassemble, and we were good to go. The afternoon flight, when the airspace opened up again, went just great.
While this was going on, many old friends came by to see what was up with us, and kibitz and hobnob, and it was fine. Craig H., who trained IndyJen as a crew chief back when, came in with his son Tyler, and it was great to see them both. Craig's been an inactive member for several years now, but he's still with us in spirit.
Bruce N., who was our treasurer back in the day, came up to me smiling a smile that was bigger than his actual face. He works right close to the airport, and heard us go overhead Tuesday, and knew that sound immediately, and reports that he darn near cried tears of happiness right there on the spot.
And the Leslies, Mark and Nan, tooling around the ramp in their role as official photogs of the show, came by to share their own pleasure at seeing the big blue bomber up in the sky again.
We had a number of WIXers come by to see us, too, including MustangDriver. It's always fun to meet and greet, and I'm sorry if I'm missing any of you by not being out there, but there is is.
We also had several old PV vets on hand, telling their stories, and it is always great to see those old gents. One fellow showed up early in the day, as I was still pulling covers and plugs. He was a radio operator/gunner on Harpoons back in the war, and I had him inside the plane in no time flat. The poor old fellow was overwhelmed by memories as soon as he stepped over the flap actuator carry-through. It's very affecting, seeing the memories come flooding back in their eyes. It's another one of the big payoffs for all this work.
Anyhow, that's just a sampling of how it was, and the days from Thursday to Saturday have already become in memory just a blur of smiling faces and people waving as we taxi past. The old girl may look a little tubby and odd on the ground--the plane, I mean, although that could just as well describe IndyJen herself!--but once she takes off, she looks and sounds like All Business, and she lights the people up. To know her is to love her.
The show continues today. We've gotten our three pilots--Steve Rider, our left-seater, and Long Tall Glen and Scotty, our two guys who will shortly go for their type ratings--their three takeoffs and landings, and they've each had the pleasure of a nice airshow pass down the show line, too. As all our fuel was out-of-pocket--we passed the hat among the team, basically--we'll wait now until after the show's over to move on to the next phase of proficiency work, to get the most out of every gallon. No use just boring holes in the sky.
I expect that my Mom, who was out to see her fly Tuesday and Friday, will bring me her old crutches later today, and then I'll be a bit more mobile. Right now, mobility is not my strong suit at all. Even with the crutches, it's going to be a while before I'm climbing up on the wing again. No problem--we were planning to start training up some new crew chiefs anyhow, and we'll just proceed with that. A lot of the load will fall on PJ for that now, but I know she's up to the task.
That's the news, WIXers. I'll put up some pics as soon as the people get to me. If you're in the neighborhood, go on out to Mount Comfort and see the goings-on, which are going on for one more day. And take a look at the big blue bomber!
till next time,
It was a big week for the old Harpoon. We flew the pants off the old girl, and the more we did, the better she liked it. The engines are strong and clean, and you know she looks and sounds great flying past.
The airshow crowd have been just loving it, and we have had an endless stream of visitors at the door. People--airport neighbors, former members, people we don't even know, but who know Hot Stuff--keep coming by to smile at us, and at her, telling us how happy they are to see her back in the air where she belongs.
Heck, we're pretty darn happy too, as you can probably tell.
We've flown her twice a day every day but one since we first flew on Tuesday, and she's been shaken down well. This coming week, we'll continue with proficiency practice for Long Tall Glen, who will be going for his type rating checkride as soon as he's ready.
So, we're finally seeing the payoff for many months of toil, and it sure is great. Even though we're not getting paid for the airshow appearance, donations at the door seemed to be fairly good yesterday, so maybe that'll continue today (last day of the show), and the financial pressures will ease up for a while. Our next scheduled gig is in early July, I believe, but we're hoping to get a pop-up show or two between now and then--a lot of our appearances in the past have been as replacement for a cancelled bird.
All in all, this has been one of the best weekends I've had in a good long while.
Which is saying something, considering the crippled-up state of yours truly at present.
IndyJen had a bit of a mishap at the end of the day yesterday, and is sitting here typing with her broken foot up on a stack of pillows. I was able to have the very first ambulance ride I've ever had, and that's why no pictures just now--all my stuff is still out at the airport. PJ stayed over last night to help out, and in a while she's going out there to get her jeep (restored 1946 Willys), and she'll pick up my camera then, and email my pics to me. So I'll post up a supplement later on with the extremely excellent images of Hot Stuff doing what she does best.
We had one technical glitch yesterday morning, when we re-spotted the plane for the morning flight. Number two started right up, but number one wasn't happening--the starter wouldn't accelerate at all. So we had to pull her back into the corner where they had us stashed. While the tourists lined up to look inside her, we got to work in the aft nacelle support bay--that's where the starter relay is located, and that was our immediate suspicion. About an hour to take it apart in place, clean and reassemble, and we were good to go. The afternoon flight, when the airspace opened up again, went just great.
While this was going on, many old friends came by to see what was up with us, and kibitz and hobnob, and it was fine. Craig H., who trained IndyJen as a crew chief back when, came in with his son Tyler, and it was great to see them both. Craig's been an inactive member for several years now, but he's still with us in spirit.
Bruce N., who was our treasurer back in the day, came up to me smiling a smile that was bigger than his actual face. He works right close to the airport, and heard us go overhead Tuesday, and knew that sound immediately, and reports that he darn near cried tears of happiness right there on the spot.
And the Leslies, Mark and Nan, tooling around the ramp in their role as official photogs of the show, came by to share their own pleasure at seeing the big blue bomber up in the sky again.
We had a number of WIXers come by to see us, too, including MustangDriver. It's always fun to meet and greet, and I'm sorry if I'm missing any of you by not being out there, but there is is.
We also had several old PV vets on hand, telling their stories, and it is always great to see those old gents. One fellow showed up early in the day, as I was still pulling covers and plugs. He was a radio operator/gunner on Harpoons back in the war, and I had him inside the plane in no time flat. The poor old fellow was overwhelmed by memories as soon as he stepped over the flap actuator carry-through. It's very affecting, seeing the memories come flooding back in their eyes. It's another one of the big payoffs for all this work.
Anyhow, that's just a sampling of how it was, and the days from Thursday to Saturday have already become in memory just a blur of smiling faces and people waving as we taxi past. The old girl may look a little tubby and odd on the ground--the plane, I mean, although that could just as well describe IndyJen herself!--but once she takes off, she looks and sounds like All Business, and she lights the people up. To know her is to love her.
The show continues today. We've gotten our three pilots--Steve Rider, our left-seater, and Long Tall Glen and Scotty, our two guys who will shortly go for their type ratings--their three takeoffs and landings, and they've each had the pleasure of a nice airshow pass down the show line, too. As all our fuel was out-of-pocket--we passed the hat among the team, basically--we'll wait now until after the show's over to move on to the next phase of proficiency work, to get the most out of every gallon. No use just boring holes in the sky.
I expect that my Mom, who was out to see her fly Tuesday and Friday, will bring me her old crutches later today, and then I'll be a bit more mobile. Right now, mobility is not my strong suit at all. Even with the crutches, it's going to be a while before I'm climbing up on the wing again. No problem--we were planning to start training up some new crew chiefs anyhow, and we'll just proceed with that. A lot of the load will fall on PJ for that now, but I know she's up to the task.
That's the news, WIXers. I'll put up some pics as soon as the people get to me. If you're in the neighborhood, go on out to Mount Comfort and see the goings-on, which are going on for one more day. And take a look at the big blue bomber!
till next time,
Sun Jun 07, 2009 7:27 am
Only IndyJen would put the 'I iz broke' bit in paragraph eight... Well, actually, I reckon our Gary probably would slip such news in midway too.
Sorry to hear that, and hope you are on the mend and it's not to serious. Remember, kicking the tyres just don't work.
Great news you've got a working and (shhhshhh) behaving airplane.
Terrific news. I hope you shook Mustangdriver down for a BIG donation.
Sorry to hear that, and hope you are on the mend and it's not to serious. Remember, kicking the tyres just don't work.
Great news you've got a working and (shhhshhh) behaving airplane.
Terrific news. I hope you shook Mustangdriver down for a BIG donation.
Sun Jun 07, 2009 8:02 am
Excellent news on your successful weekend, Jen! I'm envious of the feeling of pride y'all must have right now. It's been a while since I've been proud of anything I've worked on, but it is truly one of the best feelings in the world to know, inside, that your hard work has paid off. And having it affect the Veteran the way it did, is EXACTLY the kind of cool bonus that makes everything you do worthwhile. I miss that feeling and appreciate you telling us about it, as I am living vicariously through your report.
And JDK, I doubt she broke that foot of hers by kicking the tire (or tYre in your part of the world).......I suspect she broke it kicking Mustangdriver in the rear!
If anyone needs it once in a while, it's him. 
Just kiddin' Chris....just kiddin'.
Gary
And JDK, I doubt she broke that foot of hers by kicking the tire (or tYre in your part of the world).......I suspect she broke it kicking Mustangdriver in the rear!
If anyone needs it once in a while, it's him.
Just kiddin' Chris....just kiddin'.
Gary
Sun Jun 07, 2009 8:52 am
Mustangdriver showed up and said that it needed to be preserved by sticking it on a pole and that is when Jen broke her foot, while saying something about she was going to break it off, well she was close, she got the break part right............................
Just kidding Chris, oh and Jen, you have earned the Purple Shop Towel, for injures sustained while in the service and operation of Warbirds............
Just kidding Chris, oh and Jen, you have earned the Purple Shop Towel, for injures sustained while in the service and operation of Warbirds............
Sun Jun 07, 2009 12:23 pm
Excellent news on your successful weekend, Jen! I'm envious of the feeling of pride y'all must have right now. It's been a while since I've been proud of anything I've worked on, but it is truly one of the best feelings in the world to know, inside, that your hard work has paid off. And having it affect the Veteran the way it did, is EXACTLY the kind of cool bonus that makes everything you do worthwhile. I miss that feeling and appreciate you telling us about it, as I am living vicariously through your report.
Aw Gary, I'm sorry that you're feeling that way. I know of some of the work you've done, and it seems to me that it's worth feeling very proud of indeed. But you're right, in that we're feeling very good right now--a lot of suffering to get to this point, and some level of despair that we'd ever see this day, but here it is. Maybe we've finally found bottom, and we're on our way up again--that's the hope, anyhow.
For the record, there was no kicking of tires, nor tyres, nor any Mustangdriver abuse. Nope, it was just me falling off the Harpoon like an idiot. Could have been worse, and at least it was at the end of the last flight of the weekend. PJ says I should tell it in the vein that "she wanted to fly again, but the Harpoon bucked her off."
It turns out that the emergency room doesn't issue crutches anymore, so I arrived home with a foot I couldn't use at all, and no means of support, and a dozen front steps to climb in order to reach my front door, and what am I gonna do? Nothing for it, but to climb up on my hands and knees, and I was in the middle of this (at 11:00 p.m.), when out come my neighbors.
Telling this story to my Dad, he interjected: "what did they say--'there's Jenny, drunk again?'"
Well, no they didn't, but there were some quizzical looks at first. On the bright side, I have arranged for the neighbor girl to mow my grass the next few weeks, which will be a big help.
I still say that this has been a great week!
Sun Jun 07, 2009 1:11 pm
Great news on the airplane success Jen! I remember seeing Hot Stuff for the first time back in the early-90's when she visited the Geneseo, NY Airshow (then known as Wings of Eagles) and paying the cash (and a few extra bucks) for my first ever walkthrough of a PV-2. I remember that she was the star of the show for me that year... such a small package of raw power! Little did I know I'd eventually move to Phoenix where there are more PV-2's hanging around than any other type!
Alas, none flying YET! (Mr. Kropp? Paging Mr. Kropp?). That hopefully will change within the next few years...
I hope your foot heals (er, heels?) up quick and painlessly! I know the feeling of "airshow clumsiness" as I quite gracefully fell off the announcers stand at the Geneseo Airshow back in 1995 and got a nice hairline fracture and a lot of damage to my ego. I was coming off the stand on Sunday after speaking my last words of the show with the B-17 flyover and culmination... and, in my floating high of a job well done, I forgot that a ladder works best when both feet are used in maneuvering it. A nice ride across the field by the EMT on the four-wheeler and a trip to the ER closed the show out for me instead of the wrap party
Alas, none flying YET! (Mr. Kropp? Paging Mr. Kropp?). That hopefully will change within the next few years...
I hope your foot heals (er, heels?) up quick and painlessly! I know the feeling of "airshow clumsiness" as I quite gracefully fell off the announcers stand at the Geneseo Airshow back in 1995 and got a nice hairline fracture and a lot of damage to my ego. I was coming off the stand on Sunday after speaking my last words of the show with the B-17 flyover and culmination... and, in my floating high of a job well done, I forgot that a ladder works best when both feet are used in maneuvering it. A nice ride across the field by the EMT on the four-wheeler and a trip to the ER closed the show out for me instead of the wrap party
Mon Jun 08, 2009 1:03 pm
Some pictures of the past weekend's Indy airshow, as it applied to Hot Stuff ...
I'd say we're turning here for the Friday afternoon hop. That's PJ in the crew chief's position, sticking out of the escape hatch.
There's PJ again, Most likely prior to us pulling the plane around for the start.
I believe this may be one of Long Tall Glen's landings Friday morning.
View from the cockpit, rolling in for a pass down the show line. Our practice hops this weekend usually included one low pass, then two landings. By the end of the day Saturday, all our guys were current, and the plane had been exercised well.
Once she's flown and made the noise, the crowds invariably flock to the door to get a good look at her.
There's where they had us spotted for the weekend--back behind our maintenance shop, tucked away in a corner of the ramp. We were able to push out for engine starts, and after we'd get back, we'd tug her back into place. it worked out. We were about thirty yards away from the USS Indianapolis (CA-53) survivors' association tent, and had some visiting PV veterans in the shade under our wing Saturday and Sunday. it was fine.
That' the first batch I've received from the people. I imagine they'll be getting more to me. We'll be resuming the weekly maintenance posts too, most likely beginning this Wednesday.
I'd say we're turning here for the Friday afternoon hop. That's PJ in the crew chief's position, sticking out of the escape hatch.
There's PJ again, Most likely prior to us pulling the plane around for the start.
I believe this may be one of Long Tall Glen's landings Friday morning.
View from the cockpit, rolling in for a pass down the show line. Our practice hops this weekend usually included one low pass, then two landings. By the end of the day Saturday, all our guys were current, and the plane had been exercised well.
Once she's flown and made the noise, the crowds invariably flock to the door to get a good look at her.
There's where they had us spotted for the weekend--back behind our maintenance shop, tucked away in a corner of the ramp. We were able to push out for engine starts, and after we'd get back, we'd tug her back into place. it worked out. We were about thirty yards away from the USS Indianapolis (CA-53) survivors' association tent, and had some visiting PV veterans in the shade under our wing Saturday and Sunday. it was fine.
That' the first batch I've received from the people. I imagine they'll be getting more to me. We'll be resuming the weekly maintenance posts too, most likely beginning this Wednesday.
Mon Jun 08, 2009 2:01 pm
That's actually a Scotty take off on Saturday with Indy Jen as Crew Chief and the cockpit photo is Steve and Scotty on Friday afternoon. Good Flights!!!
PJ
PV-2 Harpoon "Hot Stuff"
www.amhf.org
PJ
PV-2 Harpoon "Hot Stuff"
www.amhf.org
Mon Jun 08, 2009 4:26 pm
Thanks to all of you who got the old girl flying again! It was so awesome when you guys taxied by on friday afternoon! It gave me goosebumps cause I hadnt seen her in the air forever. Great diving high speed pass too!
Here is a takeoff shot for you guys!
Here is a takeoff shot for you guys!
Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:17 pm
What a great picture! Thanks for posting it!
PJ saw it on the Airshow Buzz site, but I didn't want to go posting someone else's picture. I appreciate you putting it up here.
PJ saw it on the Airshow Buzz site, but I didn't want to go posting someone else's picture. I appreciate you putting it up here.
Mon Jun 08, 2009 6:44 pm
IndyJen, PJ, and the rest of the "Hot Stuff" crew:
I am soooooo happy to see that beautiful 'Poon flying! I'm a big fan of Venturas and Harpoons, and it's great to know that TWO of those beauties are in the air once again! It's been many years since I've had the pleasure of seeing a Harpoon in the sky (and that one's no longer with us
). So... when are you gonna bring her to Texas? 
Sorry to hear about your busted foot. I had a silly, senseless near miss a few weekends ago. I fell off the trailing edge of the B-17's right wing when the rickety POS ladder I was using gave way and sent me careening rapidly to the hangar floor!
Fortunately, I wasn't injured beyond some bruises (and a bruised ego, since several of our folks saw me fall!). As soon as the gang made sure I was unhurt, Steve (WIXer "akflyer") grabbed up that accursed ladder, headed straight outside to the dumpster, and tossed it in! Anyway, I sure hope you're back in shape in a jiffy and back into flying duties.
KUDOS TO ALL OF THE HOT STUFF CREW!!!!
Cheers,
I am soooooo happy to see that beautiful 'Poon flying! I'm a big fan of Venturas and Harpoons, and it's great to know that TWO of those beauties are in the air once again! It's been many years since I've had the pleasure of seeing a Harpoon in the sky (and that one's no longer with us
). So... when are you gonna bring her to Texas?
Sorry to hear about your busted foot. I had a silly, senseless near miss a few weekends ago. I fell off the trailing edge of the B-17's right wing when the rickety POS ladder I was using gave way and sent me careening rapidly to the hangar floor!
Fortunately, I wasn't injured beyond some bruises (and a bruised ego, since several of our folks saw me fall!). As soon as the gang made sure I was unhurt, Steve (WIXer "akflyer") grabbed up that accursed ladder, headed straight outside to the dumpster, and tossed it in! Anyway, I sure hope you're back in shape in a jiffy and back into flying duties.
KUDOS TO ALL OF THE HOT STUFF CREW!!!!
Cheers,
Tue Jun 09, 2009 3:53 am
Aaron, I can't tell you how much i like that picture. We at the Harpoon have waited so long for that moment and I am glad that you caught it. Sure feels good to have all of that power on each side of you.
Dean...you were no doubt wise to throw away that rickety ladder. We have the same type out at the ramp and I am always catching the what-for from Jenny about climbing on them. After last weekend's mishap, I will be thinking twice about it.
Again, thanks to all who have taken an interest in "Hot Stuff" and our little group.
PJ
PV-2 Harpoon "Hot Stuff"
www.amhf.org
Dean...you were no doubt wise to throw away that rickety ladder. We have the same type out at the ramp and I am always catching the what-for from Jenny about climbing on them. After last weekend's mishap, I will be thinking twice about it.
Again, thanks to all who have taken an interest in "Hot Stuff" and our little group.
PJ
PV-2 Harpoon "Hot Stuff"
www.amhf.org
Tue Jun 09, 2009 5:03 am
Aw, she beat me to it. I was all ready to post a "see? See what I'm telling you, with those rickety ladders?"-type post, but too late.
It is ironic. I'm the one who's always yammering about safety, and worrying about one of my crew getting hurt, and it's me who's laid up, now.
I will probably never hear the end of it.
It is ironic. I'm the one who's always yammering about safety, and worrying about one of my crew getting hurt, and it's me who's laid up, now.
I will probably never hear the end of it.
Tue Jun 09, 2009 6:06 am
Matt Gunsch wrote:Mustangdriver showed up and said that it needed to be preserved by sticking it on a pole and that is when Jen broke her foot, while saying something about she was going to break it off, well she was close, she got the break part right............................
Just kidding Chris, oh and Jen, you have earned the Purple Shop Towel, for injures sustained while in the service and operation of Warbirds............
Ha Ha Matt and Gary, you guys had me laughing out loud this morning. There men and women of the Hot Stuff group were so nice, and welcoming, that I am actually joining the group, as I will be located about 40 minutes away from there. SO I will have weekends free to go and help.
Tue Jun 09, 2009 4:32 pm
Now there is no doubt as to why Jenny is our Safety Officer.. It will be about time that we get to carry her for a change.
I am forever to be proud of our small dedicated group that basically lifted by hand the Harpoon back in the air. The Harpoon gives up nothing easy, but maybe will be a tad lighter as everyone strengthened skills and toughened their resolve.
Maybe my personal goal of PV2 at MAAM WW2 will happen next year?
Cheers!
Fedex John
It will be about time that we get to carry her for a change.
I am forever to be proud of our small dedicated group that basically lifted by hand the Harpoon back in the air. The Harpoon gives up nothing easy, but maybe will be a tad lighter as everyone strengthened skills and toughened their resolve.
Maybe my personal goal of PV2 at MAAM WW2 will happen next year?
Cheers!
Fedex John