Warbird Information Exchange

Thanks, guys - here's the 30th:

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Chris

Snagged a ride on Yankee Lady out of Appleton on the final day:



And this is the effect it had on the granddaughters on the van ride back to Oshkosh:

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Chris

This was a great year for photo opportunities. There were a lot of different types and variants of warbirds. For me some of the highlights included Bud Anderson in the TF-51D in formation with the P-51B and P-51D, "Old Crows" I guess the TF-51 D now has a connection. BTW in plain polished metal, no unit markings looks really great and my favorite. The huge tail and canopy blend much better without paint. Also, the missing man formation with the four C-47's was technically flawless and beautiful.
There were four Skyraiders representing at least three different variants and it would've been neat to have them in formation. I think there was an AD-1, AD-3,AD-4N , and an EA-1F.
There were three "Messerschmitt 109 variants. The DB-605 original, the Allison variant with Galland mods, and the stock Buchon in the museum. Several variants of the Corsair and Mustang. Several aircraft representing the Vietnam War and painted in the SE Asia green and tan. I remember seeing two Hueys, an H-34, Loach, AC-47, L-19s, and T-28.
Many really beautiful fresh restorations in the L-Birds and trainers. It's always nice to see fresh paint and restoration work.

Nice seeing blue skies this year compared to the consistently smoky backdrop from last year. Thanks to all sharing info and pics

Great photos, Chris! Thanks for adding them to the thread.

This was my seventh year at Oshkosh and I would say this was one of my top experiences. Each trip is unique in its own way and I hate ranking things in general, but this year was awesome. I typically only attend Monday-Wednesday and was able to stay until Thursday this year. The Cat Flight was right up there with the QF-4s and the Mars as my favorite things I've seen at Oshkosh. They can have a Cat Flight or have Stewart Dawson fly Tigercat aerobatics as often as they want and I wouldn't get tired of it. This year was my first evening show at Oshkosh and seeing the F-35 and Heritage Flight at sunset were incredible, not to mention the MiG-17, which was also amazing. Seeing a REAL Bf109G-6 in airworthy condition was special. I loved the aerobatics by Bernie Vasquez in the Sea Fury and Lee Lauderback in the P-51, as well as Aeroshell, the Trojan Phylers and Matt Younkin. The four-ship Legacy Flights were excellent and I got to see three different Heritage Flight formations. I also happened to be in the right spot for several arrivals, which doesn't always happen for me.

I still think the warbird shows could use a refresh and the way they are formatted does a bit of a disservice to the pilots and organizations who are able to fly, but I am appreciative of the efforts the operators make to participate. I wish I could have stuck around through Friday to see the Mig-29, but I had other commitments. Maybe there will be another opportunity to see this aircraft in the future.

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Matt

Hi all,
here is a small (very, very small) selection of my photos of OSH22
It was great!

Nice close ups, Aerovet. I agree with the variety statements above. We registered 370 Warbirds this year, beating last year's 354 but short of the 400 we got in 2019 (pre-Covid). Best selection of "Big Iron" fighters in many years, IMHO. The Flight of the Cats guys promised to be back next year - hope that happens!

Missed the Sea Fury Acro both times - only caught glimpses from a distance. I also missed the Me-109s' appearance in Warbirds in Review. Did anyone in the crowd ask them to start the engine? How many there have actually heard a DB motor run? The thing I heard about and wish they captured on film was when they walked Bud Anderson around the Gustav after its appearance in Warbirds in Review. Probably better that they let him have that moment without a camera in his face though, I guess.

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Chris

Your wish is my command

Great shots as usual. I would certainly be napping on the way to debrief too

The Lewis Air Legends "Year of the Cats" video just went up today

Turns out a friend who works with us was there and sent me a photo after seeing my post:

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Chris

That's very special.
A very unique moment.

Huge respect.

Andy

Just a few, it's taking me forever to upload and host these.

Beautiful pix, thanks!!

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Cheers,
Kurt Maurer
League City, Texas

PIC, Ford 6600 pulling Rhino batwing up and down the runway