About the Belle....

fotobass · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:08 am

Steve Nelson wrote:

It's not dead, it's just pining for the fjords.....

Winner. Nothing else to see here.

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:43 am

b17engineer wrote:

Sorry if my thoughts are offensive to you, but I don't see any difference between an aircraft that is grounded permanently and a model. I just don't waste my time on static planes.

RICK

We all have our own thoughts and opinions, and have the right to have them. I have to admit that yes your thoughts offend me. It doesnn't make them wrong or right, just differesnt than mine. I don't see how one can say that I won't waste my time on static aircraft like the Memphis Belle, Enola Gay, Spruce Goose, Spirit of St. Louis, or the Wright Flyer. Why is it so awful to have a static museum. You get to get up close to the aircraft, read the stories of what made them famous, and they are preserved for future generations. Do you think my grandchildren are ever going to learn about the B-26 Carolyn? No but they will see Flack Bait, Shootin In and Kermit's. That is one example of why static is important. I am IN NO WAY saying ground warbirds. It is awesome to see them fly, hear them and smell them. Just don't bash the static ones either. They serve a purpose greater than what many realize.

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 1:27 pm

Kermit Weeks doesnt restore aircraft to never fly. Every aircraft, (or almost every aircraft) that is restored for his collection is suppose to be airworthy and are able to fly in a relativly short amount of time.

rwdfresno · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 1:48 pm

This is a debate that nobody is going to "win." Anyone on either end of the spectrum be it ground everything or fly everything are simply unreasonable people so why try and reason with them.

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 1:49 pm

Kermit was only in there because he has a B-26 that I didn't want to exclude. I am not saying that it is wrong to fly warbirds, but not every warbird can and should be flown. It is dangerous not to understand that.

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 1:51 pm

rwdfresno wrote:

This is a debate that nobody is going to "win." Anyone on either end of the spectrum be it ground everything or fly everything are simply unreasonable people so why try and reason with them.

I agree with you, it just gets old hearing the same old s$%t that if it is a static aircraft, then it is the same as a model(not picking on B-17engineer on this, he is not the only one to say that).

lestweforget · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 2:27 pm

This has been some debate, and everyone is entitled to their opinions. Question is , how many qualified pilots would be willing to take the risk of flying a national icon? That would be some responsibility. There would be no way of replacing the Belle. I was very interested to hear of the battle damage repairs found during the restoration. Thanks for keeping us posted Mustangdriver. I feel a bit sorry for starting this post sometimes. It feels like Mustangdriver has taken more flak than the Belle!! :shock:

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 4:39 pm

Thanks man. So far I don't have an scars though, so I am alright.

Django · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 4:40 pm

You realize you are now the static vs flying whipping boy...

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 4:45 pm

Ha Ha I know, and I am fine with it. :lol:

What is funny is that I am NOT anti- flying, I just understand that static is JUST as important.

Jack Cook · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:11 pm

I think that it should be painted has the one CY flew in the Black Sheep Squadron :idea:

Misterg97 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:18 pm

This morning I met a visitor who flew as the Navigator on the B-36 located in the Cold War Gallery of the museum. We had quite a conversation about that aircraft and in fact he has written some published articles on that aircraft.

Not wanting to get deeply involved as I'm to old for that ... but what a treat to see the eyes of the many young children who visit the museum for the very first time .... and many holding the hand of a grandfather ...

and for me personally, walking by "Old Shakey" inside the MFG gallery as well as driving home and taking a glance at the "Dollar Nineteen" ... hard to believe it's been over 50 years since my days ....

By the way Hawkeye .. we finally are doing the embroidered volunteer shirts.

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:33 pm

Jack Cook wrote:

I think that it should be painted has the one CY flew in the Black Sheep Squadron :idea:

Ha Ha I can always count on you Jack.

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:34 pm

Misterg97 wrote:

This morning I met a visitor who flew as the Navigator on the B-36 located in the Cold War Gallery of the museum. We had quite a conversation about that aircraft and in fact he has written some published articles on that aircraft.

Not wanting to get deeply involved as I'm to old for that ... but what a treat to see the eyes of the many young children who visit the museum for the very first time .... and many holding the hand of a grandfather ...

and for me personally, walking by "Old Shakey" inside the MFG gallery as well as driving home and taking a glance at the "Dollar Nineteen" ... hard to believe it's been over 50 years since my days ....

By the way Hawkeye .. we finally are doing the embroidered volunteer shirts.

Thanks man, that is a great story. I met the pilot of the B-36 one day. It is always awesome to meet these guys. Awesome about the shirts, how do I get one?

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