Warbird Information Exchange

I hate P-51s with that pukey blue paint!! But for some reason I love the paint on Bald Eagle
Don't know, maybe it's the shade of blue?? Whatever it is, it looks great. It makes me feel a bit dirty
Maybe there's hope for me yet

Just need them teeth!

I know my O-2 doesn’t excite you like those exalted P-51s and Corsairs of which y’all so often speak. But it is a combat vet and is my “warbird.” The markings and the paint scheme are both representing original (albeit “shiny”) despite what most people think. And I have pictures of it at NKP to prove it. Those who know the history of the “night birds” in Thailand will understand. But I can be at a show parked next to purely civilian models dressed up with camo or AF gray pretending to be B models and have people accuse me of bringing the “fake” one. I patiently explain the plane’s 7 year history in Thailand and S Vietnam and then its 6 year history with ANG. Even show them rocket and bullet holes. Does it matter, probably not.

Warbird owners are not Gods…..I have met lots of the best and flown with some too. We are all just people enjoying our planes and hopefully giving the public a little bit of the history. Maybe some of you who think those P-51, Corsair, P-40, etc. owners act like “Gods” but it is because the way YOU perceive them and then attack how they display their planes. I’ve only met two people in my airshow career that truly believe they are “Gods” and both have been discussed over the years on WIX with good and bad comments. And no, they are not WIXers, past or present.

Even though this has not happened on WIX, I really don’t care if you complain about my paint scheme or the fact that I did not put the radio rack or military seats back in that the previous owner removed. I have my reasons and they are more important than “appearance.” Until those who complain start supporting our warbirds with checks, I figure it’s the same as complaining about politicians when you don’t take the time to vote.

Do I care about history…you betcha. Even though I enjoy flying, I fly airshows to honor the Forward Air Controllers who flew my plane in combat. I have met 26 of them so far…yes, 26 who flew MY O-2 not just O-2s in general. I also fly to honor all the Vietnam Veterans who were never properly thanked back in the day. So complain all you want about paint schemes and markings. At least I know the people who were there with my plane and others like it appreciate me telling their story.

Personally, I am sick and tired of this subject coming up on WIX over and over. Might account for my harsh tone here…..to you that complain, save your money, buy a warbird, learn to fly it, paint it in the scheme you deem historically correct, get involved on a museum board using decision power, whatever. Can we just cease and desist with the complaints about those who have already done it.

<Off my angry soapbox now>

Huh....and I always thought the N3N was just a cheap knockoff of the Stearman.

T28Mike threw a big 'ol rock and ran like heck!

So reading it all now, what say ye, T28mike?