flyingheritage wrote:
In all seriousness, what kind of costs does one look at when dressing up in WW2 pilot gear?
Do veterans and more the public truly understand why the renactors are doing this? I assume some people might have no concept of history.
Dont the poor renactors get heckled or labelled as idiots for dressing up?
What does you all think?
I haven't been heckled as an idiot - yet... I think it really helps if you are part of a crew - or the pilot. It makes it easier to explain. I did go to a few shows where I was just by myself, but was grateful that some of the Lone Star guys "adopted" me and I got to help them out with Thunderbird.
Sometimes you do have to watch out for lots of folks who want to take their picture with you. I'm not big on that at all. Especially not with silly girls - I'd rather not have that show up sometime when I hope to get married to a decent gal... So, I tend to turn away unless it's a mixed group or kids.
Most of the time you'd be surprised how many folks really don't make a big deal about it. I've had a very few veterans complain or think it weird, but even they are usually ok with it once they realize we're trying to honor them.
As far as how much it costs - it can vary quite a bit. I think you could probably do a half-decent impression for $300-500 fairly easily, but could also spend into the thousands very easily. If I had lots of money I'd go with repro stuff as it's fresher and doesn't endanger the originals - but sometimes you can get the originals at a better rate - and since there are actually a fairly good number of good examples already in collectors hands, it's not like we're wiping out the last handful.
Most folks aren't that familiar and couldn't tell you it was a WWII outfit - including a few military folks who've saluted me. I usually just return it
.
The more reenactors the better - for the aura. It definitely is useful as a starting off point for a discussion or a talk.
As far as how hot the old wool stuff is - you'd be quite surprised. I live in San Antonio, TX, where the temperatures on the tarmac can easily reach 100 degrees on the right kind of day. I've worn the uniform on those days and it isn't as bad as you'd think. It can be a bit uncomfortable for a bit and then you get used to it. I've even worn my A-2 over it on a summer day up in New Braunfels!
I think that humidity (think Wings Over Houston two years ago) may be worse than sun.
Here are some pictures to prove it.
A sunny day with the A-2 on at Randolph with some of the Lone Star crew on Thunderbird
With a WWII pilot and his (son?)
I've got plenty of other shots, but this was too many already.
Ryan
_________________
Aerial Photographer with
Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites:
Texas Tailwheel Flight Training,
DoolittleRaid.com and
Lbirds.com.
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31
- Train, Practice, Trust.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
I think that is Con Carlson. ( Another one of our members is a WWII B-17 Radio Operator & POW shot down on the first Berlin mission...)
