Fantasy of Flight Adding a Combat Vet C-47 to the stable

[Jollygreenslugg]

Oh really? Perhaps you're not familiar with what is generally known as "opinion"? Anyone can criticize ANYONE they want..... Unless the govt controls your thoughts in Australia?

Opinions are one thing. Comments which border on personal attacks are another. Being disappointed that a warbird may not fly again is one thing, and that's fair enough. Making snide remarks and assuming that a warbird won't fly again, or won't fly as often, or won't fly soon enough are another, and that's unfair.

And no, our government don't control our thoughts any more than your government controls yours. I don't know how my nationality is pertinent to the discussion.

My attitude comes from having been involved with collectors who have warbird items and aren't in a hurry to return them to flight. They have their reasons for this, and in a free market economy they can pretty-much do as they please with their assets. One gets sick of hearing "oh, you're not a TRUE collector because you're not restoring your aeroplane to fly yet". Maybe I'm a little touchy about it, and I apologise if I've come across as preachy. Opinions are fine, snide remarks aren't particularly useful. Note that I said "none of us can criticise him", not "none of us can express a view about his actions or decisions". One is personal, the other isn't.

We don't know Mr Weeks' plans for his aircraft. We don't need to.

That's all I'll say on the matter.

Cheers,
Matt

[Invader26]

ZRX61 wrote:
Oh really? Perhaps you're not familiar with what is generally known as "opinion"? Anyone can criticize ANYONE they want..... Unless the govt controls your thoughts in Australia?

Opinions are like backsides, everyone has one!

Matt is right, Kermit's $$$$$ he can do what he likes. He has contributed so much to the warbird scene....

[denoon]

HAG 1941 in Geneseo has a similar C-47. A Normandy plane that led the high group at 2:15 AM. #37

[ZRX61]

He left the UK yesterday, currently in Iceland.

[baldursveins]

Here are some photos of N1944A aka 43-15211 as it arrived in Reykjavík yesterday: First the touchdown in slight crosswind with the upwind wheel touching first. This was after a 5.5 hour flight from Wick on the north coast of Scotland, mostly at 1500-2000 feet.

Second the rollout in profile.

Parked with some puddle reflections. The Icelandic Friends of the DC-3 Associations DC-3, TF-NPK in Icelandair colors parked behind it. Was originally 43-30710 with the US forces at Keflavik, then TF-ISH with Icelandair until converted to drop fertiliser and used that way from 1973. Still has the fuselage tank installed and is flown every summer. this aircraft has spent almost all of its career in Iceland.

Lastly the ferry crew

Very visible in this view, is how everything looks like brand new out of the box, just look at the engines and the landing gear, shining like it was polished. And the crew told me that it runs like an angel too.
Hope somone enjoys these views and you can follow the trip on the Fantasy of Flight Facebook page.
Baldur
Edit July 29: Just want to add the names of the crew members to this photo: From the left:
Andy Salter - Wayne Root - Glen Moss - Werne Jobst - Kermit Weeks.

Last edited by baldursveins on Fri Jul 29, 2011 9:31 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Silverplate]

Thanks for the update and awesome pictures Baldur.

[Dwhart24]

I live 45 minutes from Fantasy of Flight and I will definitely be going to visit once Kermit gets her there.

[maxum96]

I know a lot of people get tired of seeing warbirds with D-day stripes on them. But darn that C-47 looks good in them!

[baldursveins]

Kermit and company left Reykjavík just before 1300 today, July 30, 2011. We had some heavy rainshowers this morning and the reflections were even better than before, so I shamelessly add two like that.

and here

Now for the takeoff

and the farewell flyby.

Godspeed and safe journey to you all.

N1944A is already in Narsarsuak safely, see the Fantasy of Flight Facebook page.

[Chappie]

1. Warbirds should fly.

2. D-Day stripes never get old.

3. I'm not on Facebook. Is there a planned route for the ferry flight? Delaware is between Iceland and Florida.


Chappie

[Sopwith]

Thanks for the update photos Baldur,she is a lovely old plane,sorry to see her leave the uk,I remember her arriving here and I have flown in her quite a few times,so it's a bit like saying goodbye to an old friend.

[baldursveins]

There is a video of the planned route on Youtube. The link is here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/FantasyOfFlight

[Chappie]

Oh bummer. I thought it would go straight to Florida.


Chappie

[myteaquinn]

Just wondering where in Detroit Kermit is planing to land.

[kmiles]

Now that Oshkosh is over, I wonder if there have been a change in plans.