RetroAviation-Gary Austin's Legacy

[Don Martin]

I was just reading the thread on Gary's estate, and I had the thought that Gary left us WIXers a wonderful legacy with his log of the restoration of Diamond Lil'/Ol' 927. Put together as a book or even a web-book and I would think that would be another source of income to help with the debt. Even if it took a pro to put it together, I should think it would still help. Thoughts?

[warbird1]

That's a great idea and I hope it comes to fruition. In a previous thread a while back, some of the CAF members posted that they were considering such a proposal about putting together a book based on the thread, but they didn't say if the funds would go to Gary's estate or the CAF. I'm sure that will have to be worked out prior to publication. I haven't heard anything else on this since shortly after Gary's passing. Anybody have any updates or is this idea dead?

[Nathan]

The title could be, "Turning a LB-30 into B-24A standard in one easy lesson!"

[Jack Cook]

This is one idea (althought of fine intent) should be put to rest!

[Don Martin]

Sorry Jack, I didn't know it was a sore subject. I just know it's the kind of book I would buy. And you have to admit, it's quite a chronicle!
Don

[warbird1]

This is one idea (althought of fine intent) should be put to rest!

Why do you think that, just curious?

[Jack Cook]

Why do you think that, just curious?

That's what Gary told me on numerous occasions has he struggled on this book project himself.
I think Gary's true legacy is the world of friends he left behind, the good will he bestowed on everyone
he met, the B-24A conversion and the B-29 QECs which showed the dept of his skill and determination
and his flying experiences that he shared with us which showed that he was has good a pilot has a mechanic!

[warbird1]

Why do you think that, just curious?

That's what Gary told me on numerous occasions has he struggled on this book project himself.
I think Gary's true legacy is the world of friends he left behind, the good will he bestowed on everyone
he met, the B-24A conversion and the B-29 QECs which showed the dept of his skill and determination
and his flying experiences that he shared with us which showed that he was has good a pilot has a mechanic!

I agree and I can respect that, but why not make a permanent tribute in the form of a book? Memories and friendships fade over time and nobody will know who Gary was unless there is some permanent archive such as a book. If Gary definitely did NOT want a book to be published, then that is fine and I can respect that as well. I'm just saying, when all of us are gone, the book will still be there. Tell me why this is a bad idea?

[Jack Cook]

Gary WAS working on a book and the effort caused him huge heartburn and stress.
Lots of personal stuff related to this that Gary shared with me that I'm not comfortable
with putting out for the world to see.

[warbird1]

Gary WAS working on a book and the effort caused him huge heartburn and stress.
Lots of personal stuff related to this that Gary shared with me that I'm not comfortable
with putting out for the world to see.

O.K., fair enough, end of discussion.

[Enemy Ace]

And are the people he left behind, who are having to settle his financial affairs, of the same opinion?
I personally would buy such a book. I talked regularly with Gary, I met him when he lived in Tennessee, and I personally think he would have been quietly pleased to have had a book made. The personal crap can be left out. It's Warbird /Aviation history and should be treated as such.
Kinda like the General Robin Olds situation IMHO. I am reading that book now, and I hope it makes his family a lot of money. I imagine CY's books made him a bundle and I think "Fighter Pilot" is light years better.

[Jack Cook]

My opinion of course means nothing or dang near close to it.
But, I do know the hurt and stress this book business caused Gary
and it was sad to see him go through it with all the other issues he
was dealing with. That's all I base my opinon on and nothing more.

[P51Mstg]

First, the book would belong to whoever wrote it.... The author should probably come to some agreement with Gary's estate on some kind of royality. Would the CAF get anything... Probably not.

Next, you guys need to consider what it takes to write a book. NOT EASY, I've done several and they are a lot of work.

Money, well, guess what, chances are there isn't going to be anything coming out of it. For the relatively few people here who would buy one, that doesn't start to cover the minimum press run. Market, maybe 1000 copies over a couple of years. The author can look forward to maybe $1 or $2 a book (at $30 retail). Gary's estate, maybe 50 cents per. Work, even with whats there 1000 to 1500 hours plus travel and other expenses. So whoever does it better plan on working for free.

Coffee table airplane photo books are even more interesting, little to be made there. I only know one guy that can make it with them and if he breaks even thats doing well for him. Other reasons to write them though.

Nice idea though.

Mark H

[Second Air Force]

As Jack said, Gary was working on something. Issues surrounding the project DID INDEED cause him a lot of anguish. And my opinion is worth less than Jack's, but I agree--remember Gary for what he did and what he shared with all of us.

Don, we're not picking on you, it's just a subject that Jack, Ellen, and I (and probably a few other folks) feel pretty strongly about.

Scott

[marine air]

Maybe it's just too soon. He passed away last Oct. 14th. The estate isn't even settled and people are still grieving. If it is truly a good idea, then when there is more distance, in time, it will be easier for it to come together with the right "very important people" putting it together.