Warbird Information Exchange

We have no evidence that Gary every sleeps!

As you all must realize, I enjoy the back and forth with Gary here on WIX and we do see each other and visit probably every other day or so. Even when Gary is just doing what he calls admin or paper work, he is making progress, I can assure you, just fewer pictures. As for the final outcome on the B-24A paint scheme, we will just have to stay tuned!

As soon as the weather warms up a bit I need to kidnap Gary and make him go fly in our SNJ to clear out the cobwebs, finances and politics from his brain. You up for it Gary? Fly safe, y'all.

Randy

I reckon I wouldn't mind seeing if I can still fly the ol' SNJ. It's been a few months since I last flew one. It wouldn't hurt to make sure I'm not too rusty.

Gary

Gary, I know you are really busy so if you need me to fly the SNJ for you, I can make it happen. I would be glad to fill in for you....


Lynn

Lynn - not answering for Gary but show up at Midland and help Gary for a day or two and we'll see about an SNJ flight - you did want a fighter check out, right? That's the one we stall inverted at the top of a very slow loop and see how you recover, right? Lots of fun. Just sort of kidding. Come on down, or up, in your case. Hope to see you at the Wing Staff conference.

Randy

Hey Gary and Randy......... Well, I had been at work for a few nights, but now I'm off for a couple...... so, the question is "What's happening?" In a nice way..... I know that you don't want to give everything away, but do ya' have something new that you have been working on, ie: did your new corrugated flooring material arrive, more new/old parts for rebuilding the various nav/radio/bombardier stations, etc....... I know, I'm a pain, but this thread has me hooked, (needin' a fix).... not a really cool thing to say in certain circles if you are an RN. See ya soon..... Alan
Oh, and I'll volunteer for a SNJ flight........ Tell Old Shep to getter' ready...

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Just call me Al.

Alan - I think Gary is consummed with paperwork and other admin stuff right now, trying to work with the B-29/24 leader and staff and work out some plans to get some more help with the B-24A conversion. I'm not answering for him but last saw him and Eric on Saturday kind of freezing outside as they worked on a trailer mod of some sorts.

I know that Gary is working on getting some more help on the B-24, that's really all I can say or know for now. Locally, we continue to try and raise funds to help the B-29/24 and keep Gary going. I'm sure that Gary will be back with more details in the next couple of days, but remember, feeding WIX is not the only thing he has to do. My 2 cents if anyone takes offense.

In the meantime, our High Sky Wing gang continues to strip paint off B-24 parts and do whatever it can do to help the project.

Start of soapbox. Just a comment, do you know how much natural gas and $$$ it takes to heat a hangar (ours) to get the paint stripper to really get active - a lot! There is also a high-pressure washer on loan to the B-24 right now due to a High Sky Wing member. Don't ask! End of soapbox.

Randy

Roger That Like being in the sim and have a 757 go by and presto your inverted and falling........

Lynn

I'm sorry for the lack of updates here lately. Frankly, I've just been bordering the point of burnout, and I don't want that to happen. There is simply too much work left to be done for me to back out now. However, it was getting to a point of dimenishing returns as far as my productivity was concerned. We were well on our way to hiring Daniel as a full time contract employee (like we did with the FIFI project), but he has had a health issue arise that will make it impossible for him to come to us full time as planned. So, for now, that leaves me as the only full time guy (again), and it was basically just a kick in the crotch to me as far as morale goes.

I will be spending a few days away from this place and will be focusing on things other than this B-24. I will probably be going to Connie Edwards' place tomorrow to deliver some parts and next week, will be going to Brownsville, TX to pick up the remaining parts from Mark's PBY (wings, tail, etc.). I intend to give everyone updates on those projects, and will get back to the B-24 project very soon. Work has not stopped completely, but it's just slowed down until I can clear out the cobwebs.

Thanks to everyone for understanding.

Gary

Gary, Take a break will ya!

Good idea to get away and do something different for a bit. You have been very generous with your time to tell and show us what is happening. We all want to see and know more, however, not at the expense of your sanity (assuming your were sane to start with!).

Looking forward to seeing and learning more on your project. However, have a few beers, and do your other stuff first.

Gary,
Give yourself a break and go fly the SNJ it works wonders

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Don't touch my junk!!

Good on ya............go out to Connie's and have a Bud and cruise the ranch with him. That'll clear out the cobwebs for sure.

And look in dusty hangars, take photos, and post them on the WIX!

And while your at it, snag the Corvette, Spitfire and Mustang for me (they are all in the same hangar), Connie said I could have em.

Gary, I'm working very hard to get some time off to dedicate exclusively to helping out over there. I wish I were in a position to contract full time with you, but just can't swing it. I should have some info from Grandpa fairly soon, maybe that will help things along. I agree with the others, take a break. I can relate because I burned out on Air Tractors, enter John Deere. Take care and I'll be in touch. James

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If I were doing any better, I'd have to be twins.

Gary:

I was gonna send you a PM, but might as well announce it to all. The RedHead and I are coming down for Winter Staff, coming in the 14th late and staying till the 21st. The intervening time we plan on spending in the hangar with you. Save some engine work for me!!

I know that our new Unit Leader (Hi Mike) is planning on spending a day or two helping out as well.

Not that we are the metalwork genius-types that you are, by any stretch, but semi-competent help is hard to beat. (Mostly cause we can run fast!)

Anyway, looking forward to seeing you and getting 60 weight on my shirt...again.

Hey Randy, that SNJ ride available to anyone who helps? :)
Jase

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Regards,

Jase
www.b26marauder.com
"I'm having a BLAST!!" 2007 CAF Wing Staff Conference

RIP Gary Austin..always in our hearts