Warbirds Over Monroe 2012- Photo Heavy

[kalamazookid]

What's the story on that "Super Six"? And is there any connection with the Bacon Super Six?

The story I was told is that it was modified for racing and that it's a fairly recent mod. As far as I know there is no connection to the Bacon Super Six, as that was tri-gear and a completely different design. One of the guys in front of "Super Six" (his term- not sure if he was the owner, pilot, or mechanic) said that the aircraft is essentially a DC-3 from the firewall forward. The engine, cowling, engine mount, etc. are all from a DC-3. I can't remember what the source for the prop was. The front cockpit was fared over and the bubble canopy added for lower drag and better visibility. The aircraft also has clipped wingtips and vertical stabilizer. I remember the guy I talked to saying the aircraft was beefed up internally a bit around the spar, but I didn't get any more specifics. Hope that helps!

Chris, I hadn't seen that Val before either. I actually wasn't aware that Tora! ever had a green painted Val- I just assumed one of the grey aircraft had been repainted. Didn't think to get an ID either- something I don't pay attention to enough. It sure is a nice paint scheme though!

[kalamazookid]

What's the story on that "Super Six"? And is there any connection with the Bacon Super Six?

The story I was told is that it was modified for racing and that it's a fairly recent mod. As far as I know there is no connection to the Bacon Super Six, as that was tri-gear and a completely different design. One of the guys in front of "Super Six" (his term- not sure if he was the owner, pilot, or mechanic) said that the aircraft is essentially a DC-3 from the firewall forward. The engine, cowling, engine mount, etc. are all from a DC-3. I can't remember what the source for the prop was. The front cockpit was fared over and the bubble canopy added for lower drag and better visibility. The aircraft also has clipped wingtips and vertical stabilizer. I remember the guy I talked to saying the aircraft was beefed up internally a bit around the spar, but I didn't get any more specifics. As you can probably tell, I'm not the most technically literate person in the world, so a more complicated explanation probably would have been over my head anyway. Hope that helps!

Chris, I hadn't seen that Val before either. I actually wasn't aware that Tora! ever had a green painted Val- I just assumed one of the grey aircraft had been repainted. Didn't think to get an ID either- something I don't pay attention to enough. It sure is a nice paint scheme though!

[Ryanacsek]

The city of Monroe took this show from the non profit group, Warriors & Warbirds, in 2012 after establishing it in 2005 and funds no longer support the Warbird group. Warriors & Warbirds continues its Veteran programs and will start producing its own Airshow again in 2014. The city show seems do be getting away from the original purpose of the event, recognizing our Veterans.

[kalamazookid]

The city of Monroe took this show from the non profit group, Warriors & Warbirds, in 2012 after establishing it in 2005 and funds no longer support the Warbird group. Warriors & Warbirds continues its Veteran programs and will start producing its own Airshow again in 2014. The city show seems do be getting away from the original purpose of the event, recognizing our Veterans.

Noticed that the lineup is much more aerobatic heavy this year. I kind of figured that was because the MAM aircraft canceled and they weren't able to find warbird replacements. Not sure if I'm going to be attending this year or not. Hopefully they will return to more of a warbird focus next year.