Worlds only USMC Mitchell PBJ-1J Restoration CAF's Semper Fi

[Warbird Kid]

Yes very! Im dyeing to see an update!

[Dan Newcomb]

I know it has been awhile since I have put out an update. Lately my weekly visits to CMA seem more work than play. We have way too few workers these days. We have all we can handle just keeping our seven flying aircraft airworthy. We haven’t worked on the PBJ in months. Our crew has about a month more structure work on the C-46. After that there will be gear swings to fix a problem with the right main. Other aircraft need attention. I hear we still need to come up with a few grand to pay for the new Spitfire engine. If and when we get it we will have to find people to jump on that project.

I’m glad the CAF finally recognized that we have to make a huge effort to recruit and that takes a large advertising budget, but with a lousy economy and high fuel prices the timing sucks! We have been told that our Hellcat and Zero will go to Oshkosh this year. That ought to cost a few bucks!

Don’t get me wrong! I still get a blast out of going down there and in spite of $4.00 gas that costs me $60.00 to go down once a week I plan to continue but at times it gets frustrating.

Headquarters doubled our annual costs for each aircraft this year. So far we manage to come up with the bucks. TV and movie work continues. We are selling rides in our SNJ and PT19. We had a little windfall a couple of weeks ago when a certain Hollywood celebrity hired all of our planes for a party. (Hint: he owns a Mustang). We will find a way.

With all of that the PBJ crew decided to invite friends and family last Monday for a little BBQ on the ramp as we staged the annual QB Air show. Here are a few pictures. You just might recognize one or more of our members.

Dan

[bdk]

We haven’t worked on the PBJ in months. Our crew has about a month more structure work on the C-46. After that there will be gear swings to fix a problem with the right main. Other aircraft need attention. I hear we still need to come up with a few grand to pay for the new Spitfire engine. If and when we get it we will have to find people to jump on that project.

Maybe you guys can send back my PBJ donation and I can invest it. By the time you're ready it should have doubled in value!

Just kidding. You guys and gals are doing a great job. We really appreciated having some of the CAF birds at CNO again this year.

[Second Air Force]

Thanks for the update, Dan.

Not being able to work on the PBJ and C-46 because you have to give attention to the flyers is an enviable position to be in! Nice photos from the airshow, too.

I know the feeling about gas prices--going to Houston makes a darn big dent in the pocketbook. Avgas at our hometown airport is $5.30 this morning, and that is relatively cheap compared to large city FBOs. Keep up the good work, and we'll be patient for further updates on both aircraft.

Scott

[Dan Newcomb]

To my critic from HQ:

I am flattered that you follow my thread in WIX. As you see it has been read over 47,000 times by people who are interested in what we do. WIX sure helps get the word out to thousands of perspective members! Just ask Gary Austin.

First I suggest you watch the following.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea ... ID=7669796

Good! Now, that you are in a better frame of mind, Google Dan Newcomb CAF.

That should give you plenty of things to read and watch.

Now go to our website.

http://www.orgsites.com/ca/caf-socal/

You can read any number of articles that I have written over the years in our publication “Flight Line”.

Now feel free to contact me personally. I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas as to promoting the CAF in the best possible way. I think that would be much more productive than going through S.B. don’t you?

Best,

Dan

[retroaviation]

Actually Dan, it was me that had a talk with S.B. about your previous post. Frankly, it came up while talking about another subject with him, but yes, I did discuss with him my personal dislike of your previous post bad-mouthing H.Q. You are certainly welcome to your opinion, and it wasn't written in extremely bad taste, so I just felt I would not worry anymore about it and let it drop.

One thing I have to mention here is that in no way, did I, or anyone else here at H.Q. say anything bad about you or anyone else that is working on the CAF airplanes. We love what y'all have done to keep 'em flying and admire the continued work ethic you show. Heck, the WIX posts are pretty cool too!

I find it interesting, however, that as much as y'all bust your butts to keep things going within the CAF, everyone seems to think that nobody here at H.Q. is doing the same. Seemingly all we get from folks, all day long, is "H.Q. has done this" or "H.Q. has done that...to piss us off!" So, when I logged onto WIX to check on things and saw yet another H.Q. bashing session going on a public forum, by our own members, then yes...I thought it was in bad form (probably much like my response here on a public forum ). I didn't call S.B. to talk about your post, it simply came up within our conversation about other CAF drama.

So, from your "critic" here at H.Q.......keep up the good work. As I've mentioned before, y'all are doing a great job and I think it's awesome! And if you would like, please contact me at any time to discuss any issues you have with us and how we do things here in Midland. I think that would be much more productive than going through WIX, don't you?

No hard feelings.

Gary

[Dan Newcomb]

You misconstrued my statements Gary. I wasn’t complaining about HQ I was griping about the lousy luck of trying to get the job done in an economic down turn. All of this could have been cleared up simply if you had chosen to state your views to me privately rather then to the wing leader. I am NOT complaining about HQ. I am complaining about finances in a bad economy. You have my cell number for Christ sakes couldn’t you have called me first?

Love,

Dan

[retroaviation]

I apologize for the mix-up. I apparently overreacted and handled this situation poorly.

Keep up the good work.

Gary

[Dan Newcomb]

I think we are both a little frustrated. You have taken on a huge job and you are a better man than I if you aren’t just a wee bit stressed. You should have about ten members assisting you. You have my complete support as well as my admiration. First impressions are very important to me and the day I met you I felt that you were a man I could deal with. A man that knows his way around a toolbox. A mechanic. I still feel that way. Now before some of our readers get the impression that we are about to go out and choose curtains for the kitchen, I will sign off!



Dan

[rwdfresno]

you know I am not really a big mustang guy but that polished P-51 with the plane Jane factory fresh look is really pretty.

Ryan

[Warbird Kid]

Now before some of our readers get the impression that we are about to go out and choose curtains for the kitchen, I will sign off!



Dan

I think this is something great to see as well on WIX. The arguments that take place from within one of the greatest organizations to ever operate warbirds! Its, its just something funny and neat that you usually dont see. But in all seriousness, I believe that you guys have probably so much weight to carry at times. I commend you both for being apart of this great bond, even though feathers get ruffled at times.

Blue Skies

[Dan Newcomb]

The VMB433 photos in the WIX Hangar are great!

[hahnej]

Where could I find some more pics of that A-26? Who's is it?

[TAdan]

Im stunned... A misunderstanding on WIX that was solved by both members keeping their cool...and being polite!!!!!! I might just faint...

Dan thanks for the pics! All the planes look great, the A-26 and P-51 are gorgeous!

[Dan Newcomb]

The A-26 is owned by Howard Keck. He keeps it at Van Nuys.

Dan