So Gary....?

[Nathan]

Since you are nearing your end with the B-24. Any chance on trying to get some pull and get that B-23 flying too?

[Stratofortressflyer]

I agree, maybe not to flying status but at least for display, they only made 38 B-23s so this is a pretty rare bird, at least in my opinion it should be inside and on display as a unique piece of history of the evolution of bombers between the wars.

[Randy Haskin]

Translation: Gary, thanks for the immense personal sacrifices you've made in your incredible work on the B-29 two years ago and the B-24 this last year.

Now...what have you done for us lately??? Get to work on your next project all ready!!!

[Second Air Force]

Any sponsors for the B-23? They don't get restored by sheer willpower.

[retroaviation]

I try and try to get something done with the B-23, but I am only one (sometimes loud) voice. I work for the B-29/B-24 Squadron, so I don't have the luxury of moving to whatever project seems like fun at the time.

However, with that being said, there is talk of me doing some substantial work on the CAF P-40 (which was approved by my Squadron's elected staff).

I mention the B-23 and the Mauler(s) to certain General Staff members often. It is difficult for them, however, to do much with either of those airplanes, until someone decides they actually want to spend lots and lots of money on them. It's the ol' "rock and a hard place" syndrome.

Gary

[Shay]

However, with that being said, there is talk of me doing some substantial work on the CAF P-40 (which was approved by my Squadron's elected staff).

Keep us posted on that Gary

I mention the B-23 and the Mauler(s) to certain General Staff members often. It is difficult for them, however, to do much with either of those airplanes, until someone decides they actually want to spend lots and lots of money on them. It's the ol' "rock and a hard place" syndrome.

Gary

Well if they can't make a decision uitl later in future, perhaps they can spend some money to erect a covered storage building. and bring all the aircraft and bits and peices in from the elements. You know one of those cheap "affordable" metal buildings.

Just trying to think towards saving these aircraft

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

Last edited by Shay on Sun May 13, 2007 10:34 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Taylor Stevenson]

Money is not easy to come by for a covered storage building. There has been talk of a cosmetic resto in order to bring it inside one of the hangars once our Commemorative Center is done. This has been a reoccurring topic over the past few General Staff meetings, and believe me, nobody wants to see it outside its just a matter of $$$$

[dmx]

A Mauler on the airshow circuit would be a pretty cool thing. A very exclusive, one of a kind bird. Succes guaranteed.

[bdk]

A Mauler on the airshow circuit would be a pretty cool thing. A very exclusive, one of a kind bird. Succes guaranteed.

Of the general public that would find the CAF a draw at an airshow (not the typical WIX participant), how many would be attracted to (or even would have heard of) the Mauler and would want to see that rather than another fighter?

[george]

I think the public would be intrigued with the Mauler(s), like they were when that AF-2 was at Harlingen one year. There is something about that big, beautiful monster that is very, very appealing. It has power and force written all over it. I remember reading that the great CAF pilot Gerald Martin said it flew like a dream. I hope somehow the money comes forward for at least one of them to rejoin the CAF fleet.

[retroaviation]

BKD makes a good point. A good example of a very impressive airplane that just doesn't do that well on the airshow circuit is the C-46. The Tinker Belle has been sitting here, stagnant, for several years now because there's nobody out there that wants to have those types of operating costs with an airplane that doesn't get very much attention. The Tinker Belle toured with the B-29 and B-24 many years ago, and I've been told that the majority of the time, it was quite difficult to talk the sponsors into paying for a "big DC-3." After all, that's what most people think it is anyway, right? Anyway, the C-46 was generally a huge hit once it did arrive, and the sponsors were generally happy with the results, but since very few people in the general public knew what it was, it was always a difficult sale.

The Shackleton is another fine example of a very cool and rare airplane that very, very few people hire to come to airshows.

Now, I totally understand that the operating costs of a C-46 and especially the Shackleton are considerably higher than what the Mauler would be, but the fact is that just because Warbird junkies would love to see the Mauler flying at every show in the country, doesn't mean that the public would support it.

Personally, I'd love to see the Mauler back in the air, along with the B-23, and other various projects that the CAF has. However, it all boils down to money and people. Money to fund these projects, and people to have the desire and passion to restore them and restore them properly.

Gary

[dmx]

I think the C-46 and the Shack' are in a different leaque than the Mauler. They are rare as well but a single engine fighter or fighter-bomber has more appeal than a transport or a patrol bomber.

[Warbird Kid]

The C-46 is the least rariest out of the Shackelton, Mauler, or B-23. Though that doesnt make up for its unpopularity at airshows.

Again in my -dream- museum I'd try to make a good collection of farily cheap, undiscovered aircraft, compared to some other examples.

Maybe this is what I'll get once I make my millions.


A-26
A-T6
C-46
Harpoon
C-1
Stearman

:and then for the ringers:

P-47
Corsair
P-39
B-25

Daydreaming when I should be writing an essay!

[Nathan]

Maybe WIX should start a fund drive for the B-23? I'll chip in some money and then some!

[Chris]

I think Gary has the right perspective on this. ANY aircraft can be restored but will the aircraft be able to financially support itself. You couldn't very well sell rides in the Mauler even though in the AM-1Q there was space in the aft fuselge but who might be willing to pay to sit back there. Also, the operational costs for the Mauler wouldn't be too much less than the C-46. That 4360 up front can gulp some fuel and oil and is a handfull to maintain. I would love to see the Arizona Wing restore their AF2S Guardian to fly but you can't seem to generate any enthusiasm unless it's a front line type fighter or bomber. No one wants to put up money for the obscure types except fanatics like us. It would take tremendous amounts of money and manpower even to restore some aircraft to static condition. I commend all those who put up their hard earned cash for aircraft restoration and to those who toil in relative obscurity. It is a very difficult task even under the best of circumstances