The Unofficial Oshkosh 2018 Thread

[Dan K]

You may add B-25 "Devil Dog" to the list.

[The Ripper]

I am surprised no one has seen the latest news on the Airventure website:

https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/eaa-a ... nture-2018

https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/eaa-a ... nture-2018

[JohnTerrell]

For anyone who hasn't seen it yet, a cool "teaser" photo from EAA of the XP-82 all buttoned-up, looking ready to go: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DfHEbdmWsAAyCBp.jpg:large

In the EAA's "Warbirds Galore" article about some of the warbirds expected to be at Oshkosh this year, they gloss right over any mention of the Mk.1 Spitfire P9374 being among the Spitfires expected. What a special, spectacular and rare aircraft that is, the epitome of the most accurate-to-original Spitfire restorations/builds. I believe so-far I've seen that three Spitfires are planned to be in attendance - the Mk.1, the CAF's Mk.XIV, and Vintage Wings of Canada's Mk.IX.

[kalamazookid]

This really is going to be a banner year if all of the speculated aircraft make it. Outside of the obvious excitement for new restorations like Lope's Hope, the Bearcat, Special Kay and the XP-82, I'm especially looking forward to the Spitfires and Tigercats. The Kalamazoo Air Zoo Tigercat was my favorite as a kid and I haven't seen one fly in an airshow since it was grounded, which was back when I was about 12 years old. For nostalgic reasons, it would be awesome to see a Tigercat again. Any chance to see a Spitfire is always a treat. I've still yet to see a Griffon-engined Spit in the air.

I'm interested to see what Rod Lewis and Cavanaugh are bringing. I'd love to see Lewis' Spitfire V for RAF 100, but I think it has already been to Oshkosh and that's a long flight given the relatively short range of a Spitfire. I always look forward to seeing Cavanaugh's fleet. I haven't seen their P-40 yet and I'd love to see the newly-repainted Skyraider.

My Dad and I are doing our typical Monday-Wednesday stay and will be attending the Janesville event on the way up.

[Dan K]

I am surprised no one has seen the latest news on the Airventure website:

https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/eaa-a ... nture-2018

https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/eaa-a ... nture-2018

Saw it, but there really wasn't any "news" to it.

As John T. mentioned, we already knew for some time that a trio of Spitfires is planned.

Presently, I'm intrigued at the potential of an A-26 gathering:

Of course, Tim Savage has been a faithful OSH attendee with "Silver Dragon".

Add "Special Kay" and whatever Jed Doggett is bringing (would that be N26BP, 41-39359, "Million Airess"?).

The good folk that keep N9682C "Lady Liberty" fed and watered have been fairly regular in attending OSH as well.

Is Kermit Weeks' "Whistler's Mother" even a possibility...I really haven't kept track.

[Tim Savage]

I am surprised no one has seen the latest news on the Airventure website:

https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/eaa-a ... nture-2018

https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/eaa-a ... nture-2018

Saw it, but there really wasn't any "news" to it.

As John T. mentioned, we already knew for some time that a trio of Spitfires is planned.

Presently, I'm intrigued at the potential of an A-26 gathering:

Of course, Tim Savage has been a faithful OSH attendee with "Silver Dragon".

Add "Special Kay" and whatever Jed Doggett is bringing (would that be N26BP, 41-39359, "Million Airess"?).

The good folk that keep N9682C "Lady Liberty" fed and watered have been fairly regular in attending OSH as well.

Is Kermit Weeks' "Whistler's Mother" even a possibility...I really haven't kept track.

There is discussion among the Invader owners of a gathering...but last we talked we had decided not to do it at Oshkosh. There maybe an impromptu gathering just because of attendees, but it isn't planned.

Last I heard Kermit's airplane won't be ready for Oshkosh.

[Ed Likes]

Dan K. Chris Henry, or John T. Any of you guys hearing if the XP-82 is coming to Oshkosh for sure? I really want to see that aircraft in particular, and hopefully see it fly as well. I have not made reservations yet because of that aircraft. Don't get me wrong I like looking at lots of different warbirds, but this will be iconic similar to DOC showing up last year which I witnessed. If there is anything definite in the way of news on the XP-82 I hope it gets posted on WIX, or PM me. Thanks in advance.

[Dan K]

Dan K. Chris Henry, or John T. Any of you guys hearing if the XP-82 is coming to Oshkosh for sure? I really want to see that aircraft in particular, and hopefully see it fly as well. I have not made reservations yet because of that aircraft. Don't get me wrong I like looking at lots of different warbirds, but this will be iconic similar to DOC showing up last year which I witnessed. If there is anything definite in the way of news on the XP-82 I hope it gets posted on WIX, or PM me. Thanks in advance.

Ed, I’m sure both Chris and John will concur with what follows:

Tom Reilly is as straight a shooter as they come. He would not have
publicly announced the XP-82 attending OSH 2018 unless he was fully
committed to ensuring that will happen.

Keep checking in for news of that first flight.

[Dan K]

Crazy thought:

The XP-82's first flight was June 26, 1945.

You don't suppose...





(Dan...giggling like school girl...heading out door to buy champagne...)

[JohnTerrell]

Here's a cool "teaser" video provided by EAA of the XP-82: https://www.facebook.com/EAA/videos/10156748395708623/

[Dan K]

Just in case folks didn't catch their facebook post, the crew with A-26A "Special Kay" are planning to depart KOSH first thing Wednesday (7/25) morning back to Tejas.



Of course, that's just a plan.

My guess is once those wild-eyed southern boys encounter the local Gemuetlichkeit (beer tent, 300+ warbirds, German food, pretty girls, 300+ warbirds, real beer, bratwurst, schnitzel, kielbasa, more real beer, etc.) they'll be seeking asylum in Wisconsin.

[Dan K]

For WWI types, Kermit Weeks has announced he's shipping up the Sopwith Pup, Snipe, Albatros, and DVII.

[k5083]

A little surprised if that info about Kermit's Pup is current, since a couple of weeks ago its cowling came apart on a test flight and shredded some of the fabric on the wings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWsca10FuUw

August

[mustangdriver]

Kermit feels the Pup will be repaired in time.

[mustangdriver]

We are going to have a full on WWI area across from the Vintage red barn. This will include several original WWI aircraft and some replicas along with living history folks. There will be flying as well as engine runs and lectures at Vintage in Review.