Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:21 am
Hey Jack: Those people who met Chuck Yeager must have met him on a good day including Vlado.
I live about 20 air miles from where he grew up outside of Hamlin, in Lincoln County WV. Just for reference, the barefoot and pregnant stuff was something that came from his up bringing, its common here.
My few meetings with him have all been unpleasant. But not to rehash anything, let me tell you a new one.
My XWIFE is a member of the State of WV's Legislature. She appropriated several hundred grand for a memorial to be built in honor of Chuck (for the record it was not her idea) on RT 119 outside of Charleston WV where you make the turn into Lincoln County. It got built, Chuck was flown in by a local rich guy in his new Citation with his new wife (about 40 or so). Everyone was there, they all made speeches including him (of course his was more of an off the cuff thanks). My XWIFE said a few words. She talked to him, he knew she got the $$$$.
My son, age 14 or so at the time was there with a 357th white baseball cap with Yeager's P-51 on it. My xwife said this is my son, son said (holding a Sharpie) "General Yeager would you please sign my hat". Chuck said, "just send it into the website and I'll do it" (I should have said "but CHUCK IT WILL NOT FIT IN THE COMPUTER"), which translates into give me $50 and I'll sign it. My son said "Thank you General Yeager" and we left. Out of earshot, Greg said a few choice things about him.
Son and XWIFE left, I went back for a few more pictures (I'll shoot them, but I'm not talking to him), a and a gnarled old man about 80 walks up. He says "Chuck I grew up with your brother (or whatever) on the holler and I'd like you to sign this book". This guy was an old coal miner and he was what Chuck would have been if he didn't join the Army. He looked pretty darn bad. He was holding a paperback copy of Yeager's book with no cover and looked like it had been read a whole bunch of times. Chuck said "send it to the website and I'll sign it".
It nice to know at least he'll sign something. I really think $50 is more than his signature is worth.
At OSH this year, Yeager was talking outside the Ford tent. My son said screw him lets go see Carrol Shelby. I worked with him at Chrysler in the 1984/5 in Sales and Marketing Financial Control. I'd talked to him a lot and spent a good deal of time with him. I hadn't seen him since. We stood in line, Carrol signed something for Greg and looked at me and said "Mark how are you?" We chatted a few minutes, what a nice guy, I hope he lives to be 150.
Chuck, well try not to come back to WV if you can help it.
Mark H
I live about 20 air miles from where he grew up outside of Hamlin, in Lincoln County WV. Just for reference, the barefoot and pregnant stuff was something that came from his up bringing, its common here.
My few meetings with him have all been unpleasant. But not to rehash anything, let me tell you a new one.
My XWIFE is a member of the State of WV's Legislature. She appropriated several hundred grand for a memorial to be built in honor of Chuck (for the record it was not her idea) on RT 119 outside of Charleston WV where you make the turn into Lincoln County. It got built, Chuck was flown in by a local rich guy in his new Citation with his new wife (about 40 or so). Everyone was there, they all made speeches including him (of course his was more of an off the cuff thanks). My XWIFE said a few words. She talked to him, he knew she got the $$$$.
My son, age 14 or so at the time was there with a 357th white baseball cap with Yeager's P-51 on it. My xwife said this is my son, son said (holding a Sharpie) "General Yeager would you please sign my hat". Chuck said, "just send it into the website and I'll do it" (I should have said "but CHUCK IT WILL NOT FIT IN THE COMPUTER"), which translates into give me $50 and I'll sign it. My son said "Thank you General Yeager" and we left. Out of earshot, Greg said a few choice things about him.
Son and XWIFE left, I went back for a few more pictures (I'll shoot them, but I'm not talking to him), a and a gnarled old man about 80 walks up. He says "Chuck I grew up with your brother (or whatever) on the holler and I'd like you to sign this book". This guy was an old coal miner and he was what Chuck would have been if he didn't join the Army. He looked pretty darn bad. He was holding a paperback copy of Yeager's book with no cover and looked like it had been read a whole bunch of times. Chuck said "send it to the website and I'll sign it".
It nice to know at least he'll sign something. I really think $50 is more than his signature is worth.
At OSH this year, Yeager was talking outside the Ford tent. My son said screw him lets go see Carrol Shelby. I worked with him at Chrysler in the 1984/5 in Sales and Marketing Financial Control. I'd talked to him a lot and spent a good deal of time with him. I hadn't seen him since. We stood in line, Carrol signed something for Greg and looked at me and said "Mark how are you?" We chatted a few minutes, what a nice guy, I hope he lives to be 150.
Chuck, well try not to come back to WV if you can help it.
Mark H
Tue Sep 11, 2007 1:17 am
Why can't the city and "museum" simply accomplish what they want with a fiberglass Corsair? The shape of the plane is what is on display, as there has been no attention paid to its past as a machine.
The plane should come down for evaluation and sale. The restoration, and subsequent owner will cost a bundle, but the plane is worth it. It is a part of the nations heritage and should not be destroyed by several proud individuals who don't choose to understand their responsibility.
The cost of a fiberglass replica, and perhaps another plane would be financed by the sale and future buyer. While the city needs to preserve its past, it is misguided to condemn a good product of the city to make a point that the rest of the city really could care less about.
Fiberglass is forever.
The plane should come down for evaluation and sale. The restoration, and subsequent owner will cost a bundle, but the plane is worth it. It is a part of the nations heritage and should not be destroyed by several proud individuals who don't choose to understand their responsibility.
The cost of a fiberglass replica, and perhaps another plane would be financed by the sale and future buyer. While the city needs to preserve its past, it is misguided to condemn a good product of the city to make a point that the rest of the city really could care less about.
Fiberglass is forever.
Tue Sep 11, 2007 6:51 am
It looks like the fasteners are pulling thru and possibly the wing could fall off.. It would be a good project for the casinos to sponser.. That plane would have to be torn down to parade rest... That's bad
Tue Sep 11, 2007 6:59 am
P51Mstg wrote:Hey Jack: Those people who met Chuck Yeager must have met him on a good day including Vlado.
I live about 20 air miles from where he grew up outside of Hamlin, in Lincoln County WV. Just for reference, the barefoot and pregnant stuff was something that came from his up bringing, its common here.
My few meetings with him have all been unpleasant. But not to rehash anything, let me tell you a new one.
My XWIFE is a member of the State of WV's Legislature. She appropriated several hundred grand for a memorial to be built in honor of Chuck (for the record it was not her idea) on RT 119 outside of Charleston WV where you make the turn into Lincoln County. It got built, Chuck was flown in by a local rich guy in his new Citation with his new wife (about 40 or so). Everyone was there, they all made speeches including him (of course his was more of an off the cuff thanks). My XWIFE said a few words. She talked to him, he knew she got the $$$$.
My son, age 14 or so at the time was there with a 357th white baseball cap with Yeager's P-51 on it. My xwife said this is my son, son said (holding a Sharpie) "General Yeager would you please sign my hat". Chuck said, "just send it into the website and I'll do it" (I should have said "but CHUCK IT WILL NOT FIT IN THE COMPUTER"), which translates into give me $50 and I'll sign it. My son said "Thank you General Yeager" and we left. Out of earshot, Greg said a few choice things about him.
Son and XWIFE left, I went back for a few more pictures (I'll shoot them, but I'm not talking to him), a and a gnarled old man about 80 walks up. He says "Chuck I grew up with your brother (or whatever) on the holler and I'd like you to sign this book". This guy was an old coal miner and he was what Chuck would have been if he didn't join the Army. He looked pretty darn bad. He was holding a paperback copy of Yeager's book with no cover and looked like it had been read a whole bunch of times. Chuck said "send it to the website and I'll sign it".
It nice to know at least he'll sign something. I really think $50 is more than his signature is worth.
At OSH this year, Yeager was talking outside the Ford tent. My son said screw him lets go see Carrol Shelby. I worked with him at Chrysler in the 1984/5 in Sales and Marketing Financial Control. I'd talked to him a lot and spent a good deal of time with him. I hadn't seen him since. We stood in line, Carrol signed something for Greg and looked at me and said "Mark how are you?" We chatted a few minutes, what a nice guy, I hope he lives to be 150.
Chuck, well try not to come back to WV if you can help it.
Mark H
I sponsered Chuck Yeager at the gathering of Eagles 2006 at Oshkosh.. Great guy . I asked him about the signature policy.. He said he used to sign everything but he would soon see it on ebay because people were profiting on it so he decided to start the Chuck Yeager foundation. He said he had to have a strict policy because where do you draw the line..
General Yeager flies Young Eagles and Make-A-Wish Foundation children, participates in fundraisers for Down Syndrome and Autistic Folks in Abilene, Texas, schools; conservation; Women in Aviation International, Paralyzed American Veterans, Disabled Veterans, and other programs.
I think it's a little better than someone making a few bucks off his autograph.
Tue Sep 11, 2007 9:24 am
Joe Scheil wrote:Why can't the city and "museum" simply accomplish what they want with a fiberglass Corsair? The shape of the plane is what is on display, as there has been no attention paid to its past as a machine.
The plane should come down for evaluation and sale. The restoration, and subsequent owner will cost a bundle, but the plane is worth it. It is a part of the nations heritage and should not be destroyed by several proud individuals who don't choose to understand their responsibility.
The cost of a fiberglass replica, and perhaps another plane would be financed by the sale and future buyer. While the city needs to preserve its past, it is misguided to condemn a good product of the city to make a point that the rest of the city really could care less about.
Fiberglass is forever.
Joe;
The problem isn't with the City of Bridgeport. I think if they owned it, some politicain would've sold it years ago. The City has some pull in the matter, but no real control. The aircraft is owned by the local chapter of the Marine Corps League. The City and airport management (the City of Bridgeport owns the airport) have to agree on what to do and where the plane would be located on the field, but that's about it.
I agree about the fiberglass being the best option, but there is almost no way that that Corsair is going to leave the state under somebody else's ownership. Fiberglass, however, is not forever. It will need attention and repainting over the years to keep it up to presentable standards. UV light is not a friend to fiberglass. Just ask all those owners of fiberglass homebuilts!
What I'd like to see happen is a fundraising campaign started that would include in the budget;
1) removal and restoration to static, gear down condition of the FG-1D Corsair.
2) A fiberglass replacement to be placed on the pedestal as soon as the original Corsair comes down.
3) A small hangar designed and to be a museum and memorial to the Marine Corps League and the history of the Corsair in the area.
This would allow access to the original artifact for cerimonial swearing in of new recruits in a beautiful, indoor setting. It creates access for the entire public to get up close and personal to Connecticut's State Aircraft.
Schools can visit for educational programs on CT Manufacturing, the Home Front and Marine Corps history.
The Corsair could even be rolled out and displayed outdoors at any even the airport has, car shows, fly-in's, airshows etc.
The fiberglass Corsairs are not cheap. It'll cost about 150K to get one and have it mounted on the pedestal. It'll cost a lot more for the restoration of the Corsair, and more to create a museum around it.
I do, however, believe that this would be the best way to go, but we're talking 1.5 million at least. It can be done, but right now we have to agree on a path.
The League wants the aircraft back on the pole when it's done.
If that is as far as we can go, then so be it. It will make fundraising harder because most people won't want to donate to something that is going to be put back in the very same environment that damaged it in the first place.
It's not a tank that's made of thick, heavy armour that can withstand outside display. It's a fragile, aluminum egg, and it should be taken care of for future generations.
Jerry
Tue Sep 11, 2007 10:53 am
I agree about replacing it with a fiberglass replica. Why not sell the Corsair, put the money in an interest-bearing fund, and use it for the replica and maintenance?
Mustangdriver, just let Jack rant, it's good therapy.
Topics to avoid:
Pappy
Lucybelle
Lulubelle
AVG
Chuck Yeager
Pappy
This space available
Mustangdriver, just let Jack rant, it's good therapy.
Topics to avoid:
Pappy
Lucybelle
Lulubelle
AVG
Chuck Yeager
Pappy
This space available
Tue Sep 11, 2007 11:05 am
Cripes wrote:I agree about replacing it with a fiberglass replica. Why not sell the Corsair, put the money in an interest-bearing fund, and use it for the replica and maintenance?
Mustangdriver, just let Jack rant, it's good therapy.
Topics to avoid:
Pappy
Lucybelle
Lulubelle
AVG
Chuck Yeager
Pappy
This space available
Actually I don't think any of those are topics to avoid on a "Warbird" forum.
People just need to respect everyone elses point of view and opinions. Deal?
That being said I also agree that only Fiberglass fighters belong in the elements on poles.
Perhaps the Corsair could be restored and displayed indoors, say in the Terminal if possible. No point in spending the money to retore the bird if youre just going to have to do it again 30 years from now.
Does anyone here have the ear of the Marine Corps League? Perhaps the ideas generated hear haven't been considered by them.
Shay
_____________
Semper Fortis
Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:17 pm
Shay wrote:Actually I don't think any of those are topics to avoid on a "Warbird" forum.
People just need to respect everyone elses point of view and opinions. Deal?
Just funnin' son, just funnin'. (Apologies to Mudge)
Tue Sep 11, 2007 1:23 pm
At the rally, Morgan stated that average maintenince will keep the fighter in good condition when she goes back up on the pole.
NO WAY! -Jerry already posted what exactlly needs to be done. But maybe the C.A.S.C. can obtain the fighter to add to the collection instead of it being a private one plane museum?
NO WAY! -Jerry already posted what exactlly needs to be done. But maybe the C.A.S.C. can obtain the fighter to add to the collection instead of it being a private one plane museum?
Tue Sep 11, 2007 1:56 pm
Ummm...ok...this bugs me....you guys wanna discuss Yeager on another thread please? THIS ain't the thread for it....let's keep our attention on the Corsair and doing something about it, not on the eccentricities and niceties or lack thereof of Chuck Yeager....
I'm glad this is all coming about, it's LONG PAST time something was done with that Corsair, and the tempest that is brewing can only get it headed in the direction of a restoration shop....where it is displayed afterwards is yet to be decided but so we don't have this same debacle 20 years from now it obviously needs to be INSIDE somewhere and preferably near where it is now.
The Vought hangars still stand, although now under the management of Atlantic Air....they have lots of empty hangar space (least they did when I went back there 2 summers ago)...maybe they can set up a Collings Corsair scenario like they did that summer, complete with spare parts and spare engine for folks to see when the come through, might even make a buck on it....I have photos at home to demonstrate my point, just gotta scan them in when I get home.
Mark
I'm glad this is all coming about, it's LONG PAST time something was done with that Corsair, and the tempest that is brewing can only get it headed in the direction of a restoration shop....where it is displayed afterwards is yet to be decided but so we don't have this same debacle 20 years from now it obviously needs to be INSIDE somewhere and preferably near where it is now.
The Vought hangars still stand, although now under the management of Atlantic Air....they have lots of empty hangar space (least they did when I went back there 2 summers ago)...maybe they can set up a Collings Corsair scenario like they did that summer, complete with spare parts and spare engine for folks to see when the come through, might even make a buck on it....I have photos at home to demonstrate my point, just gotta scan them in when I get home.
Mark
Tue Sep 11, 2007 6:27 pm
Mark,
I would WANT to be in charcge of that!
Great Idea!
I would WANT to be in charcge of that!
Great Idea!
Tue Sep 11, 2007 8:44 pm
OK, a couple of useful suggestions for someone to pass to the owners.
The scenario of putting the aircraft in it's own 'museum' is essentially what happened to the Manston Spitfire and Hurricane. They can act as a role model. The essentially volunteer Medway Aviation Preservation Society rebuilt the aircraft. See:
http://www.spitfire.memorial.museum/
There is solid evidence that restoring a real W.W.II aircraft and then replacing it on a pole is a pointless exercise, as the aircraft will begin to rot and on a pole it's essentially impossible to maintain. It's also an expensive route to failure. Rather like buying new carpets and vacuuming them in a roofless house. But let's give them some detailed analysis.
Mikesh's Restoring Museum Aircraft has a section on what it takes to prepare and look after an aircraft outside. He's also talking about piston airliners - a DC-3 and Convair, IIRC, which are easier to look after, in some ways.
http://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Museum- ... 1853108758
The scenario of putting the aircraft in it's own 'museum' is essentially what happened to the Manston Spitfire and Hurricane. They can act as a role model. The essentially volunteer Medway Aviation Preservation Society rebuilt the aircraft. See:
http://www.spitfire.memorial.museum/
There is solid evidence that restoring a real W.W.II aircraft and then replacing it on a pole is a pointless exercise, as the aircraft will begin to rot and on a pole it's essentially impossible to maintain. It's also an expensive route to failure. Rather like buying new carpets and vacuuming them in a roofless house. But let's give them some detailed analysis.
Mikesh's Restoring Museum Aircraft has a section on what it takes to prepare and look after an aircraft outside. He's also talking about piston airliners - a DC-3 and Convair, IIRC, which are easier to look after, in some ways.
http://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Museum- ... 1853108758
Factory Scene
Thu Sep 13, 2007 10:38 am
Regarding the Corsair Factory Scene that was put together for the Corsairs over Connecticut Event in 2005, the scene was not provided by Collings, it was sponsored, in part, by Connecticut Corsair. Connecticut Corsair brought in the vintage R-2800 engine can, the restored Corsair propeller, engine components, canopies, windscreens, vintage WWII era factory posters, etc, etc. We were grateful to be a part of that incredible show! Connecticut Corsair, (formerly known as Bootstrap Aircraft), was formed in 1991 to restore F4U-4 Corsair N5222V to flight, in Connecticut. Our website is a bit stale, and actually takes you to the old site, as we work to update it. www.connecticutcorsair.com. Craig has mentioned to me before that he has been working with the folks at CASC for a couple of years, loaning manuals, and tools and advice for the Corsair. I have seen that Corsair sit on a pole and corrode since I was a kid, and I am glad Jerry has stepped in to help save it!
Thu Sep 13, 2007 12:33 pm
Were all glad. 
Re: Factory Scene
Thu Sep 13, 2007 1:02 pm
Mike Banks wrote:Regarding the Corsair Factory Scene that was put together for the Corsairs over Connecticut Event in 2005, the scene was not provided by Collings, it was sponsored, in part, by Connecticut Corsair. Connecticut Corsair brought in the vintage R-2800 engine can, the restored Corsair propeller, engine components, canopies, windscreens, vintage WWII era factory posters, etc, etc. We were grateful to be a part of that incredible show! Connecticut Corsair, (formerly known as Bootstrap Aircraft), was formed in 1991 to restore F4U-4 Corsair N5222V to flight, in Connecticut. Our website is a bit stale, and actually takes you to the old site, as we work to update it. www.connecticutcorsair.com. Craig has mentioned to me before that he has been working with the folks at CASC for a couple of years, loaning manuals, and tools and advice for the Corsair. I have seen that Corsair sit on a pole and corrode since I was a kid, and I am glad Jerry has stepped in to help save it!
Have you guys made any progress.. Also what shape is the Spar in?