Warbird Information Exchange

Yep! The Shack will be on the flightline and in the air. Spoke with airshow chair Bill coombes to get the final wrap. The bomber line should be well represented, with at least 4-5 B-25's, two A-26's, B-17, B-24/LB-30, Ju-52/3m, S-2F, TBM's, SB2-C, SBD. The Grumman single engined Cats will be represented chasing the A6M-2 around (again), plus two scheduled Corsairs (Doug, Ya gonna be ready?). The P-40 is running nicely and Gunfighter and Rednose will be in attendance. The P-47 will be brought in by Lone Star. The P-63 will be coming out from San Marcos. The P-39 is back in San Marcos, but I don't think it will be ready for a few months. The P-47 is progressing and so is Redtails.... both are scheduled to be back up next year. Lima Lima will provide team aerobatics and there will be a night show complete with a fireworks show on Saturday! Now, the slightly down side... our price for avgas has skyrocketed...... this has exploded our fuel budget which sits near six digits to begin with... I do not know at this point how many additional aircraft that we will have (big iron)..... Ike Enns, Bill Greenwood and many others have been great supporters of the show....... So add in all the Tora birds, trainers, etc..... still lots of airplanes on the ramp and IN THE AIR! Ok, you noticed that the B-29 in not listed.... well most everything is completed except for that left outer wing panel..... It will now be done by Gary Austin and crew... for an official update visit their B-29/B-24 website. Still working on a last minute surprise..... More to come! Comments Welcomed!

How much work has been done to the Shack over the last year? The last time I saw her, she was in bad shape.

Most amazing thing you have ever seen! The Shack hasn't flown in years. So in July, a crew of around 6 shows up, works on it a bit and flies it! Unbelieveble!

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Doug Matthews

The last Airshow the Shackelton flew was about three or four years ago.... She was making some really nice passes with Bill Greenwood (Spitfire) tailing off her wing. Little did I know (at that time) it was going to have a few years in between shows and flights..... Alan

Alan,

The last time I saw the Shackleton was when it was at Oshkosh some years back after being "purchased" by Wally Fisk of AMJET in Anoka, Minnesota. At the time, based on a cursory walk around, I had never seen one before and was impressed with her, but what I DID see was quite abit of evidence of corrosion in and around the bombay area. Could you tell me if any of the corrosion issues on this old girl have been adressed ? And being so long on the ground, did that take any toll on the airframe and engines ?

Thanks,

Paul

Is it a for sure that she is going to fly in Midland? The CAF site still has her listed as static only.

The website does not always reflect who is attending.... but see the first post... Bill is the show chairman and those words are from him..... Doug Jeanes and co. from Cavanaugh's is bringing a new toy, their Mohawk. Tim Savage and crew with the B-25 is coming in.... Rick Sharpe's Skyraider is already at Midland, dodging the storm on the Gulf.....
Another certain Spit from Spring, Tx was planned to make the show... I'm hoping they get the bird out now to Midland...... more to come.... Alan

It looks like I will be there for the airshow this weekend. Anyone else attending????

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Live to fly, Fly to live.....

Chuck, look over here The Minnesota WIXers will be well represented, with Warbirdnerd and John Beyl riding down on Miss Mitchell.

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Dan Johnson

Airplanes already arriving... The FM-2, flown by Carter Teeters came in a few days ago, and Carter and crew have been getting the I-16 ready to go... engine run-ups yesterday..... Rick Sharpes' AD-4 is still in attendance. The Shack was having some additional maintenance stuff happening.... Rednose (P-51) and SBD were scheduled to arrive today... Lone Star is sending Tar Heel Hal and the Hellcat...... Doug Jeanes is bringing the C-47 and either the P-51 or the P-40. Chuckie is supposed to coming in but not confirmed on that, but do have a confirmation on Bill Greenwood. Ray Thompson is a no-go, his prop is off the airplane and in the shop... Tim Savage and the Green Dragon are scheduled to arrive sometime after 1200 hrs on thursday. Will continue to update arrivals as I get them... Chuck Gardner coming in thursday evening.... So John and wardirdnerd, would like to meet you guys.... look for us in front of the big hanger on thursday and friday....... Steve Rister, Chuck, myself and whoever else is with us....... One last thing is my usual disclaimer... anything that is mentioned here that really happens is PURE luck... More later guys..... Alan Brooks