Warbird Information Exchange

Pretty neat -

http://blog.kermitweeks.com/

Wade

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Website: http://www.wademeyersart.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Wade.Meyers.Studios

While I love that he's doing a blog, do we really all want to see a glimpse inside his mind?

From his blog regarding:

Also:



At least we'll see it complete

Woud like to see something about putting his Marauder back in the air on a reg-ler basis, travel the air show circus and advertising his place(s) in Florida, of course in the interest of Educating the uninformed about the heritage of aviation Civil and Military. Naturally, this is merely my opinion.

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Kind Regards,
Gary Lewis
J.A.F.O.

I have a lot of respect for what Kermit has done for Aviation, but I do have two criticisms of his operation. Just my opinion, but I wish he'd spend less of his energy on "developing" the area around his place (Orlampa, as his vision calls it, a massive development of the Tampa-Orlando corridor) and hire a few pilots to fly more aircraft. He and one other gentleman are the only ones who fly his planes, which leaves many gorgeous aircraft on the ground an awful lot.

Rich

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Rich Kolasa
www.crystalgraphix.com

There is a military show at the Musuem this Saturday August 23 with some military vehicle displays, militaria swapmeet and of course the aircraft. I'm going. Anyone have picture requests? I'm thinking the Marauder . It will be my first chance to see one in person since Flak Bait 25 years ago.

Pinecastle AAF, can you get a few photos of the Spitfire?

I really like what Kermit has done with Fantasy of Flight. While I wish he would fly at more airshows, it's nice that he tries to keep as much of his restored collection in one location so his visitors can get the full experience, rather than missing out on seeing a certain aircraft that is away at another event. Does he have a "Flight of the Day" or similar program that allows visitors the chance to see his aircraft fly?

A few years back when I vacationed with my family in Orlando, I was lucky enough to spot his B-25 out for a flight (this was almost immediately after its restoration was complete). Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to stop at the museum. It's at the top of my list of "must see" museums.

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Matt

Anyone know where I could get his kid's book? A signed one would be cool. I found it on Amazon, but I thought I'd try looking for a signed one first. The FOF site doesn't have them.

An article article on K Week.....

Interesting.....to say they least.

http://www.airportjournals.com/display.cfm/Dallas/0705012

He's a fascinating person, to be sure, but he better watch out:

"Nobody has anywhere close to what I have," he said. "The next biggest private collection I know of is about 40 planes—maybe 50."

Paul Allen may read that and if he is so inclined Kermit will be #2 in short order!

Wade

_________________
Website: http://www.wademeyersart.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Wade.Meyers.Studios

He's done a heck of a lot, that's for sure. He's a very personable guy, and I'm happy that the family thing is working for him! Just wish he'd get some of his planes in the air more (B-25, Spitfire, TP-40N, P-51D, etc). That article is super, didn't realize he was so young when he bought Cripes. Got if from Gene Stocker, I believe. I remember Gene having it at Cleveland in around '77 or '78.

The "only four engine flying boat flying" thing is a stretch. When did it last fly, 1996? Sheesh.

Rich

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Rich Kolasa
www.crystalgraphix.com

I dunno about that, I think Mr. Allen is cool about his collection, he may however, already have many many more aircraft in seclusion of which we, the minions of the public , know nothing about. It would be awesome for the "great Collectors" to find enough qualified avee-ators, to launch their entire collection at one time. (pipe dream) What I would like to see, also, is for Mr Allen to take on the B-36 Project.

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Kind Regards,
Gary Lewis
J.A.F.O.

It is interesting to read everybody's response on what Kermit Weeks is trying to do and what everybody thinks he should do.The fact of the matter is that most of the owners of large collections of aircraft like Kermit tend to be eccentric in way way or another and tend to do as they please. I for one would love to see us do more airshow appearences to promote what we are doing, but the fact of the matter is that most of the time this costs us more money than it brings in to the company. We do fly an aircraft everyday for our guests and we have recently added quite a few aircraft to flying status.

Even though alot of people may not agree with what some owners do with their collection of aircraft the fact is if there were not Kermit Weeks,Jerry Yagens,Mike Potters and Paul Allens around alot of this aircraft would not be saved at all.

We do the best we can restoring and flying the aircraft in our collection but remember that money does not grow on trees and there is not a endless supply of funds as some people think. Just to let everybody know the collection of aircraft numbers about 150 I do not think Mr. Allen has approached this yet.

Hello kalamazookid,

Yes I will get some Spitfire pics. Does he only have one? Any particular area you want to see for closeups?

As for Mr. Weeks I've been in awe of the man since I watched him climb out of his P-40 at Tico in 1986. Back then his hair was longer, he reminded me of Jimmy Buffet.