Warbird Information Exchange

Rawson isn't a quitter. He'll finish the airplane. I don't know all
the particulars at this moment but Wright-Patt will get their A-25.

Just don't tell the process servers where Mike is, okay? I heard Mike was trying out for a part in "Breaking Bad" where he plays a former biker turned warbird restorer turned boy-toy with a heart of gold.

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REMEMBER THE SERGEANT PILOTS!

Perhaps Eric has left us a clue in his post announcing Helldiver's move to St. Louis.

"Once Mike gets situated, I will be adding airplanes to the collection. No types named now, but I will be posting as additions are made."



And there you have it.

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Albert Stix Jr.
"Work is the curse of the drinking class"

Has anyone of us (except Gary Austin) almost single handedly rebuilt a plane as large and complex as SB2C. I know from experience in the paint business that problems arise and so do unforseen delays, added cost, etc. Let's let Mike tell the story when and where he chooses. I did not pay him to do the job, I don't think I would have a right to demand an explanation.

Pirate Lex

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An ego is no match for gravity.

As far as I know it is still at Mike's. It is nearing completion, and will be shipped, unpainted and finished at Wright Pat. The museum had changed a few things they wanted done to it, and created more work for Mike. That comes from the USAFM

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

As you can imagine making the move from one city to another is logistically difficult. Mike is living in temporary housing until he gets situated and didn't have access to the interenet for the last 10 days or so. We got him set up this morning and I'm sure he will comment on the Helldiver project shortly.

To be clear, the airplane(s) that I wish to add will not be projects at this time, and my decision to hire Mike will not comprimise the completion of the Helldiver project.

If the last few days are any indication, I am going to be very happy with my decesion to bring Mike on board. We pulled the Spad out in some clear and cold weather on Monday morning and ran it up, but the weather turned too crappy to fly safely. Mike had a huge grin from ear to ear and I think he got a kick out of referring to the Helldiver as "that little plane in Minneapolis" the rest of the day.

F3A-1 and Lex are right on track. As for my friend Albert, he knows the last thing I need is to start rumors about the ownership of the Helldiver (no matter how ludacris they are), besides if I am going to get a project, the Mauler will be first on my list. AT-9 Jeep second and then it really lapses into the obsucre.

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Eric

"I spent most of my money on alcohol, women and skyraiders....and the rest of it I just wasted."

I just hope they're on the same track!

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Now you're talking my language.

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James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

Now you're talking!

Hi,

Sorry I havent had access to my computer and my not for a while, the A-25 is getting very near to completion and my hopes and plans are to get it finnished and shipped asap. In the mean time Eric made me an offer I could not refuse. I'm into my second day on the Sky Raider annual and of course learning alot and Eric seems like a great guy to work for and am looking forward to my new position.[ look for some new postings in the next few days on the Sky Raider] This is a very good opportunity for me to get away from everything for a while and even make some of that green stuff we all need and want. The A-25 has been a financial challenge from day one, I am very close to the final goal but with the added work they wanted done and they are holding the last payment until its complete I had to make a choice of either lossing everything or going to St. Louis and try to get caught up. This job came in just in the nick of time and should get me back in the pink. I plan to return to Minneapolis in a few weeks or so to make the last push to get it out the door. As far as photos go I'm not up to speed on posting them and have to rely on a few of my wix pals to do it for me[ that will change soon] Stay tuned and I promise I'll keep you up to date when I can.

Thanks mike

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IF YOU CAN FIND IT WE CAN FIX IT

Best of luck Mike! Sounds like you've landed a peach of a job (thanks Eric), and I hope it all works out well. We all know what a labor of love the Helldiver has been, and I truly commend your efforts. Can't wait to see it finished... and I am sure the same is true for you!

Cheers,
Richard

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Richard Mallory Allnutt - Photography - http://www.rmallnutt.com

Thanks for all your interest and support we all want to see the A-25 on display soon Thanks Mike

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IF YOU CAN FIND IT WE CAN FIX IT

GLAD TO HEAR EVERYTHING IS GOING GOOD FOR YOU MIKE.
GOOD LUCK DOWN THERE. SCOTT

Sounds like an absolute win-win for both Eric and Mike. Mike hope to see you again, this time, down in Midland this coming Sept for Airsho! Eric, this year, I hope you get to fly sun-up to sundown. Alan Brooks

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Just call me Al.

Alan Brooks wrote:



That's very nice of you. Watching Rick Sharpe and Brent Hisey flying, with me sitting on the ground....Really sucked! We will be there and ready to fly. Maybe Doug will bring the CFM AD as well.

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Eric

"I spent most of my money on alcohol, women and skyraiders....and the rest of it I just wasted."