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Classic Wings Magazine WWII Naval Aviation Research Pacific Luftwaffe Resource Center
When Hollywood Ruled The Skies - Volumes 1 through 4 by Bruce Oriss


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PostPosted: Wed Jul 01, 2015 10:07 pm 
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I had the opportunity to purchase North American NA-64 Yale #3464 from Ray Kirkpatrick’s estate with my brother a couple of weeks ago. The journey starts out a little over three years ago when an employee of my brother’s company says to him that his grandfather is into airplanes and has a WWII plane in his hanger. With an eyebrow raised he asked what kind. The grandson knew it was a trainer but said his Aunt would know more. We got to meet his Aunt (Patty) along with Ray at a nursing home in Texas. Ray was 95 at the time, and had many great stories from being a WWII pilot, Braniff Captain, and CAF pilot. Ray passed away a few years ago and since that time we had been in contact with Aunt Patty. The airplane meant a lot to Ray and the family and yet a few months ago we were contacted by the family saying it is now time to pass the airplane on to the next caretakers of #3464.
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This is how the plane looked when we went to pick it up.
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We had a couple of experienced warbird guys help us with the move. Robbie Vajdos drove with us from Austin. On the way out, we were stopping in Uvalde to eat lunch and Robbie asked if he could call Conrad Huffstutler to come meet us for lunch. Great! More airplane guys to talk to. After we were wrapping up lunch, Robbie runs by Conrad about coming with us to take apart the Yale. After a quick stop at the local airport for a change of clothes, we were on the road. I don't think Conrad knew it was going to be so hot in the hanger and it had enough dust and dirt in it to plant corn. It took about 9 hours to get the plane loaded. Robbie and Conrad jumped right in on the project and made it run smoothly. Their knowledge and work ethic is second to none. I would recommend them to anyone
Conrad and Robbie marking the wings with a "R" and "L" to help in assembly later on.
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35 years of dry heat. Tough on control surfaces.
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Loading the Yale
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Ready for the trip home
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#3464 cleaned up pretty well with just a little soap and water. In its new home in Ft. Worth.
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I'll post more as things progress

Mark Cyrier


Last edited by Yaleno1 on Thu Jul 02, 2015 7:53 am, edited 1 time in total.

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PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 7:03 am 
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Thanks Mark. I'm sure we'll all be anxiously waiting for any/all updates.

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PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 8:06 am 
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I got to hear all about this straight from your brother last weekend, so very nice to see the photos. Thanks for posting, congrats, and best wishes for speedy return to flight!

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PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 8:11 am 
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Really cool! :drink3:
Looking forward to the photos of her progress!

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PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 8:27 am 
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That is so awesome. It looks beautiful even in it's present condition.


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 8:31 am 
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That is so awesome. It looks beautiful even in it's present condition.


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 8:51 am 
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I had no idea the aircraft survived.
Considering the importance of the North American trainers to aviation history, that's quite a significant aircraft you've got.

Hope to learn more about it....

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PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 8:52 am 
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I wish you all the best on your endeavor! Keep us informed on progress.


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 9:29 am 
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Will you restore it to fly ?

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PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 12:20 pm 
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Congrats! :drink3:

It gives the rest of us hope that there are still "barn find" aircraft out there waiting to be discovered and recovered.


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 1:53 pm 
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Conrad and Robbie know their right from left?! :shock:

You couldn't have had two better guys help you. When it's done, come over to KADS and play.

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PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 2:21 pm 
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Good to see another great NAA aircraft being restored.

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PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 5:24 pm 
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That is truly stunning! What an amazing story, and what an amazing example! The picture of her in the hangar, covered in dust, took my breath away.

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"It's his plane, he spent the money to restore it, he can do with it what he wants. I will never understand what's hard to comprehend about this." - kalamazookid, 20/08/2013
"The more time you spend around warbirds the sooner you learn nothing, is simple." - JohnB, 24/02/22


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PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 6:47 pm 
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Nice first post Yaleno1 :drink3:

Welcome to WIX.

Please be sure to keep us posted with your progress.

Andy Scott


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PostPosted: Fri Jul 03, 2015 7:06 am 
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Great news!another flying Yale will be great.Does it have controls in the back seat?I think I have the original right wing for your airplane.Pm me and I'll give you the details,
Cheers,John :drink3:


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