Warbird Information Exchange

I've got a client who's bring me up to Milwaukee to shoot their event on Friday night and Saturday in Milwaukee. I'm planning on driving up on Thursday, and I've realized I might be able to get up there for part of the Friday before I start working.

If I can only get there for 5-6 hours on Friday (Leaving by probably 3 in order to get back and get set up), will it be a good use of time, or would it be a poor use of time?

Can't do Sunday, unfortunately, as I've got a golf outing that I'm shooting for a client starting at 10 AM on Monday back here in Ohio.

SO whatcha think?

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"Anyway, the throat feels a bit rough...the legs have gone...but I'm still able to chant, so let's get going."

Joe Strummer, 1999

I spend seven days there, and I still don't see it all. Kind of like trying to drink from a fire hose. I think it would be well worth it and get there early. Usually the T-28 group does a practice flight in the morning. I have also found that by Saturday some of the warbirds have started home, making Sunday pretty bare. And for future plans stay in camp scholar (sp?) the experience is unbelievable, our warbird group moved from warbird camping to here.

Yes it will be worth it.

Make use of the early morning especially if you are looking to take pics. It is the only time there aren't mobs around the planes, except when it is raining hard.

Pre-learn the layout but don't overplan, just pack light because you will be walking serious miles in those few hours and experience what you can.

You'll be back for more!

August

All good points mentioned so far...early is definitely the key. Earlier in the week you can still get relatively uncluttered pics between 8-9 a.m., by Thursday/Friday between 7-8 a.m.

Construction on Hwy 41 on the north end of Oshkosh continues this summer--had a couple of nasty gridlocks last year. Again, the earlier you can drive up the better to avoid any delays.

The current extended forecast for OSH is 90s the early part of the week. I have much more success in comfortable sandals than walking shoes. Lightweight head cover and sun screen a good idea as well. Raingear? Bah! Stand under a big wing and strike up a conversation with aviation nuts from around the globe.

No need to buy overpriced water or lemonade on the grounds. One of Airventure's best-kept secrets is that EAA runs a courtesy tent with those items, as well as iced tea, cookies and fruit, all free-will. Sometimes I have loose change; sometimes I don't. The friendly ladies serving all this don't care; they just like the conversation. The courtesy tent is just a short walk south of the warbird area (and has remained in that spot for many years, although a relocation is always possible). There are also public drinking fountains (locals call them "bubblers"!) throughout the grounds (We'll cover the S.O.S. Bros. beer tent in the next episode).

Freeway traffic up 41 North from Milwaukee: Troopers will ignore you up to 5 mph over the posted limit. 10 mph over works for a few stretches. Worst bear trap is a couple of miles south of Fond du Lac at Exit 92 (County Hwy B). Up to 4 squads will work off the overpass at a time. During Airventure week you may also get a few hiding in the weeds on the north side of Fond du Lac as well.

Probably more info than you wanted, but hey--we're here to help!

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Wear a good pair of walking shoes.

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

Very cool info! Thanks, y'all!

How early can you get onsite? I'd actually LOVE to get up there predawn if it's at all possible...I'm really into shooting rampstuff in the dark and at sunrise.

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"Anyway, the throat feels a bit rough...the legs have gone...but I'm still able to chant, so let's get going."

Joe Strummer, 1999

At this late date you might have difficulty in finding accomodation within 100 miles. There is no such thing as getting there too early!!

That's gonna' be a trick. If you're coming up for just a day, you're going to have to wait until the cashiers show up to buy your wristband. On a Friday I'm guessing they'll be in place by 7. Anybody know for sure?

If you're going to be shooting warbirds, know that they will basically be located in three areas.

MOST of the warbirds are parked in the north end of the Airventure grounds.

Several warbirds of special interest are rotated in and out of Philips 66 Plaza (formerly Aeroshell Square, formerly West Ramp); On Friday you'll probably find FIFI, Yankee's B-17, Glacier Girl, Redtail P-51B/C, and perhaps a few others there.

And just south of this area is the vintage display area. Quite a few of the PT guys (N3N, Stearman, Cornell, Ryan, etc.) like to park here rather than "way up north". The vintage area is bordered by some beautiful shade trees and is a nice place to cool off if the sun gets to be too much.

Hope it all works out for you.

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Maybe if he bought an advance ticket, he could get on the field at dawn and at least have a receipt to show anyone if challenged before the gate opens.

As I recall, the field is pretty porous before opening time, but I don't know where the best predawn access points are any more. Anyone got advice on that?

August

I think I'll contact the media relations folks and see if they can help me as far as early access.

REALLY appreciate all the help. Any of you guys going to be there that day?

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"Anyway, the throat feels a bit rough...the legs have gone...but I'm still able to chant, so let's get going."

Joe Strummer, 1999

Yes, I'm driving up from Chicago Thursday and staying until Friday evening. 3 hour drive from ORD.
GrandStay Hotel in Appleton WI has suites still.

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“Knowing what’s right, doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.”

Actually, I won't need a place to stay. I've got a cousin in Milwaukee that I'll stay with Thursday night, then drive up at Oh-dark-hundred to get there pre-sun, then the event I'm shooting starts back in Milwaukee Friday at 6:00.

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"Anyway, the throat feels a bit rough...the legs have gone...but I'm still able to chant, so let's get going."

Joe Strummer, 1999

I'll be around all week. Advice looks pretty good so far.

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-Al Sauer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/spookythecat

The beer tent is a "must" after hours.

Fotobass, you'll be departing Friday before the warbird show AND evening beer tent. Are you SURE you want to put yourself through this? It'll take a will of iron...plus waiting until 2013 to add more days. I'm concerned you might not pull through this...


OR...


Plan B: Blow off the photo shoot.


I'm confident you'll make the right decision.

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.