Warbird Information Exchange

While I'm watching a "destroyed in seconds" marathon, I thought I'd scan some slides and send off some to friends around the world (this Inna-net thing is cool!).

The first is one of my favorite shots (I was 10 when I took it, sorry for the poor composition... ). The others might be of some interest too:










I'll scan a bunch of the 1991 "Phantom Pharewell" at McGuire AFB later tonight. Hope you enjoy. If anyone wants higher quality copies, just message me. I have 3500 pixel versions of these.

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Rich Kolasa
www.crystalgraphix.com

That pic of the Constitution was a real shock! Where & when was it taken?

<edit> According to Wiki, the second prototype languished at Opa Laca, Fla, until it was scrapped in 1978. Amazing that it survived that late, and wasn't preserved..I know it was a huge bird, but judging by that pic, the NMNA has some in worse shape sitting out back.

SN

GREAT shots, Rich! I was almost thinking these belonged in the "Vintage Aviation" forum until I saw the R6V Constitution and the DC-4/C-54.

I love the Connie with the remains of the late TWA markings and the Super Connie with the very faded remains of the late EAL markings.

Did the Constitution end up scrapped? You answered the question - 1978

Thanks for the shot of the Opa Locka Constitution - the only other shot of it I've seen was in Air Classics' "Warbird Report" showing it partly dismantled. The caption mentioned that it had been there since 1962 when a fire gutted the interior. There was a long banner hanging on the port side reading something like "Constitution - International Permanent Pavilion Exhibit" - did you see it?

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

I'll bet the guy who runs the Connie web site would really appreciate those Constellation pictures...

http://www.conniesurvivors.com/1-connie_news.htm

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"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

Sorry, I didn't mention that if you right-click and do "save as", the file name is when and where it was taken.

Rich

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Rich Kolasa
www.crystalgraphix.com

It was indeed at Opa Locka, March 1977. I really was taking a shot of my Dad's 1970 Torino wagon, and that just happened to be in the background.

Rich

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Rich Kolasa
www.crystalgraphix.com

In that first shot, you might notice the C-82 underneath the departing 737.

Also, does anyone know what the seal is on the one C-54? I think it says USDA, so I guess it was a Department of Agriculture bird?

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Rich Kolasa
www.crystalgraphix.com

Here's some shots from the Sept 1991 "Phantom Pharewell" at McGuire:

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Rich Kolasa
www.crystalgraphix.com

And some vintage Oshkosh and Dutchess County (NY):

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Rich Kolasa
www.crystalgraphix.com

What mustang is 44-73489 ?? is it still with us ??



Steve

Love the F-4 shots, thanks.

We spent alot of Saturdays on drives around NJ way back when - many of them ended up at the end of the runway at McGuire AFB to watch the Guard guys fly. Most of my childhood, they were flying the F-105B, but I do distinctly remember the F-4 too. I left the area in '86 - probably never got to see the jets wear grey, come to think of it. Thanks for sharing the photos.

Sadly, no. This is NL51JL and crashed fatally in '84 killing pilot Jack Levine.

http://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/p51who/301.shtml

Very likely Unlimited Leasing's (Mac McKindry (sp.) N6021C which plied its trade throughout the Caribbean and Central America in the mid- late 70s. Later sold off and cought with 36.000 lbs of marijuana in Panama City, FL. Went to Aerochago in the Dominican Republic where it was used until 1988 when it was dbr. in a heavy landing. Later scrapped.

T J

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Make my day, punk!