Thanks, Jim Harley,Collings

[Bill Greenwood]

I flew up to Loveland to see the Collings B-17, B-24, P-51 yesterday. I got to meet Jim Harley again and visit with him for some time.
Thanks Jim for all the info and showing me the plane.
I didn't go in the bombers, there was a long line, but I took a look at the 51 in the hangar.
Some info, may be of interest:
The group is doing well, the stop at FNL was well attended. The previous one at BJC, Metro in Denver was not so good due to weather.The 51C has a Roush engine which seems good. They fly at reduced power, I think only 45 in and 2700 takeoff, climbout. They use Shell 120w, no airfilters. The low power requires them to clean a plug perhaps every 15 hours. They had problems with the auto plugs the engine came with but now the Lodge ones are better. They had some minor hydroulic problems with the gear doors, seems good now., the usual minor rad or prop seep, for the most part trouble free. Thye fly the 51, a lot perhps 8 to 10 flights a day, lot's of cleaning the bugs and exhaust off. The Pilot was Stu Everhard, sp? from California and Reno racing, who is 74. He flies in shorts and short sleeves, and headset in the hot weather. He uses a full tail high wheel landings. Price of rides is $3200 hour, $2000 half, right at market. Looking in the cockpit of the 51, holding the stick really made my hands itch, and I joked to Jim that it was good I didn't have a check with me. He, like a good salesman, replied that they take credit cards. I haven't had any real 51 time in a long time and miss it. It's like goiong to grad school after junior high which is like ordianary airplanes. I didn't get to ask much about the bombers. Jim flies them and has 30 hours dual in the 51 and hopes to fly it soon solo. He taught in T-6 at Warbird Adventures, Kissimmee , so has hundreds of hours of 6 time. They have had a good relationship with the FAA, not as much hassle as you'd think. They hope to get the Me 262 flying, but some mechanical bugs to work out. Also hope some day to have a dual P-40 on the tour.
During a tour like this may be fun for the warbird guys, but it is also a great deal of dirty work often in the hot sun, and maybe a lot of nights in not so good motels and not so healthy food. If they were to be here longer I 'd sure volunteer for a while. I sure know how to wipe oil of a belly, or top off the header tank or add oil or fuel, etc.

[TAdan]

Thanks for the report Bill. I am looking forward to seeing the Collings Bird's this fall in NJ.

[warbird1]

Also hope some day to have a dual P-40 on the tour.

AFAIK, there are only two known dual control P-40's - Chris Prevosts' and Kermit Weeks'. I don't believe either of these two would be willing to sell their aircraft. So, there must be something else in the works. Care to elaborate?

[bipe215]

Is John Paul's Parrothead dual control?

Steve G

[One-0-Wonder]

The Vintage Wings P-40 has dual controls with limited instrumentation in the back seat as well. It's a very nice mod done by the very talented folks at Pioneer in New Zealand.

[bdk]

Bob Pond's P-40N is dual control.

[cg51]

The Pilot was Stu Everhard

Sounds like a porno star stage name
Correct spelling is Stu Eberhardt

[warbird1]

Dang, I guess I was totally off the mark! I stand corrected.

Any other dual control P-40's ?

[Chuck Gardner]

yes

[warbird1]

yes

Whew! I'm glad we have that settled. Thanks for that essential piece of information. That contribution was simply OUTSTANDING!

[Lynn Allen]

The Pilot was Stu Everhard

Sounds like a porno star stage name
Correct spelling is Stu Eberhardt

And he is a great stick....

Lynn

[mlenoch]

Yes, Parrothead is dual control........not a factory installation, but a very-excellent set up. (Slightly more room than a factory dual control.)
VL

[Bill Greenwood]

For Cg51, and Lynn Allen, when you quoted me on Stu's name, you left off some of what I wrote which was the "sp.?" after his name. I knew I wasn't sure of the spelling, but it was not something that I thought was important enough to stu over.

As for the hoped for P-40, it would have two seats, not sure if they plan dual controls, my guess is they'd like to.