A place where restoration project-type threads can go to avoid falling off the main page in the WIX hangar. Feel free to start threads on Restoration projects and/or warbird maintenance here. Named in memoriam for Gary Austin, a good friend of the site and known as RetroAviation here. He will be sorely missed.
Post a reply

Mon Apr 02, 2007 10:01 am

Gary,

Looking at your last photo on the last page, I see from the paint drippings on the drop cloth the guy on the left is using & the paint on the palette the guy on the right is using that the nose art is the US Flag.

Good choice, I think!!

Your doing a he11uva good job!!

Mac

Mon Apr 02, 2007 11:03 am

Jim MacDonald wrote:Gary,

Looking at your last photo on the last page, I see from the paint drippings on the drop cloth the guy on the left is using & the paint on the palette the guy on the right is using that the nose art is the US Flag.

Mac



Sorry Mac, but that's not correct. The big flag didn't get the vote.

Gary

Mon Apr 02, 2007 11:15 am

Told you that was a good photo opportunity Gary!

Scott

Mon Apr 02, 2007 12:05 pm

Sorry Mac, but that's not correct. The big flag didn't get the vote.


Why does the CAF Executive Board hate America?

(lights fuse, runs away)

Mon Apr 02, 2007 2:09 pm

Wow.....this posting is just under 100 pages....that is some feat.... :shock:

B-24

Mon Apr 02, 2007 2:50 pm

A truly gratuitous post to try to be the one to kick it over 100 :wink:

Mon Apr 02, 2007 2:55 pm

retroaviation wrote:

Sorry Mac, but that's not correct. The big flag didn't get the vote.

Gary


Maybe it's a Confederate flag...yikes!

Mon Apr 02, 2007 3:18 pm

Or, since it was built to a British contract, someone proposed a big ol' Union Jack... and of course, that just wouldn't do down in Tejas. :)

Maybe we can all chip in for some huge US flag decals to put on either side of the nose when it comes near a WIX member's city? :D :D :D

Mon Apr 02, 2007 3:31 pm

Eeeeaaasy does it guys. Remember, the scheme of the airplane, including what's just been finished being painted on the nose, was voted in by the elected staff of the Squadron, and was done not only to try to improve the overall appearance of the airplane, but to also make the it "sellable" to the general public. It's unfortunate that we're not financially able to do exactly everything we'd like, such as a "completely" authentic paint scheme, and that we have to draw in the public to help finance our airplanes so that everyone can see them fly, but it's just how it is.

We encourage anyone who's not happy with what has been decided for the airplane to join our Squadron, pay their dues (and not just monetarily, but by actually pitching in to help), and eventually become elected as one of the staff members. Then, as an elected official for the Squadron, you'd be able to make those difficult decisions that our current staff has to make that is guaranteed to not make everyone happy. I'm sure it's a great position to be in. :roll:

I reckon what I'm saying is that while I don't necessarily agree with everything that was voted in for the airplane, I still understand that it was all done for a reason. I may not like all of the decisions made, but I at least give them a chance, as the folks that made that call are only trying to do what's best for the Squadron and the airplane.

Just give it a chance before you shoot it down.

Gary

Mon Apr 02, 2007 3:31 pm

NO shooting here! I think this is all very exciting..the first change in the CAF heavy iron in @ 30 years! WOOT!
I only wish I had the time to go to Midland and work a day or two...

Z

Mon Apr 02, 2007 4:36 pm

Well, it's official. The new "Ol 927" noseart is finished. Fellow WIXer, Chad Hill, and his crew worked dang near until the last minute before they had to catch their flight. I cannot tell you how fortunate I feel that I got to watch them in action. Truly amazing!

The really sad part for me is that I cannot show y'all the progress pictures of them at work. This nose art is the only part of this reconfiguration that we've not shown y'all each and every step of, but if you're still interested in the details once the unveiling has occurred, I'd be happy to show them to you.

But until then, keep on guessing. ;-)

Gary


Oh, and Scott....Congratulations on your first thread with 100 pages! :shock: :D :D :D

Mon Apr 02, 2007 4:47 pm

WOW !!! 100 pages and almost 168,000 views. Got to be one of the most active threads ever. Congrats Gary, thanks for keeping it interesting.

Mon Apr 02, 2007 4:49 pm

Cant wait to see the new nose art!!! So what is basically left Gary, small tasks???

Mon Apr 02, 2007 4:54 pm

Elroy13 wrote: So what is basically left Gary, small tasks???


Well, unfortunately, I still have some pretty big hurdles to get over before it's ready. No easy days in the foreseeable future. I'll try to get y'all a better update tomorrow, with pictures.

Gary

Tue Apr 03, 2007 1:45 am

'morning gary, if it isn't too depressing a Q, what else is left.

from what i can see you need to get the cowls back together and on, more paint details (if time permits), the gun mounts and guns fitted, the latch for the tunnel gun door, plus the "fun stuff"... the rear gunners doors and the waist doors? then i'm sure more testing etc.

anything else?

wish i could get over there and help. how about some of you out there who can get there go and help (i'm sure you will enjoy it)

henry.
Post a reply