Warbird Information Exchange

I saw some photos taken last year from a visit to the Collings museum at the Stow location, and the aircraft there were a couple Stearmans, Waco, T-6, TBM Avenger, Wildcat, Bobcat, Storch, Goose and Bleriot. Last I heard the P-38 was in Texas, following the Chino airshow, unless it proceeded onto American Aero or elsewhere - I recall they planned on stripping the paint off of it and returning it to bare metal with new markings of Tommy McGuire's aircraft.

Following the Collings Foundation on Facebook, they have a massive new building recently built on their site in Stow, though which I assume is mostly for housing their vast military vehicle collection, but may also mean that they will have more room to base more of their non-touring aircraft at their Stow location(?). I know the Collings A-36 Mustang has been based at Worcester for several years (only just recently flying again for a bit last fall, following engine work).

Well, I'd certainly be up for a trip to Worcester if they are going to roll out their goodies. For me, it would have to be the Friday (9/21) though. If anyone is familiar with their practice on that tour stop and can tell me whether the Worchester based aircraft are typically on view Friday as opposed to just the weekend, thanks in advance.

August

Stow has a short runway, their B-25 had a mishap there. I think they kept most of the aircraft on the road or in Florida for maintenance.





Phil

_________________
A man's got to know his limitations.

I forgot about the P40, that did some flying at Worcester last September also. I see the A36 every year but have not seen it fly.

Line up this year will likely be
B24
B17
B25
P51D
P40 (pearl harbor survivor)
A36
Skyraider
Spitfire BR601

Possibly
P38
Corsair (last year it was off site for maintenance)
Stearman
P51C Betty Jane (I believe she's being stored there)

As far as what is out on Fridays at that stop I am not sure. Usually after work I just go park at the end of the runway to watch the heavies fly. I live only about 30 minutes from there so it works out well.

Colling's TP-51C "Betty Jane" has been undergoing complete, almost ground-up restoration at American Aero Services since 2016. Even though it was a new aircraft when it was completed in 2004, it was completely worn out after the thousands of hours put on it through the numerous seasons it toured with the Collings bombers. This is how it looked as of this past April: https://scontent.ffcm1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/ ... e=5C0C328C

(Note the Collings Corsair in the background, which I think is based mostly at American Aero year-round.)


Speaking of the Collings Foundation - for those not on Facebook, or don't follow Gosshawk Unlimited, the Collings Foundation Fw-190F-8 reached a major milestone last week on its trek to completion and flying, when the fuselage was finally mated to the wing for the first time. The completed, ready-to-go BMW 801 engine was also delivered from Mike Nixon's shop earlier this year, and the QEC has been in the process of being built up. I believe the tail section is also well advanced.

Aside from last year their Corsair had been present at the Worcester stop for several years.

I wasn't sure about Betty Jane's status, thanks for that info! I wonder what their plan is for her once complete? I doubt they will tour with 2 mustangs.