Future themes for Thunder Over Michigan?

[michael luther]

I was wondering what aircraft themes/gatherings you might like to see in the future at our air show? (ie. as many B-17s as possible, TBMs or what else?)

[James Church]

Hi Mike, like we've discussed in the past:

1. Korea
2. Spitfire gathering/Battle of Britain theme
3. P-40 gathering
4. Pretty much anything you can come up with!
Jim

[TimAPNY]

Lets see,

P-38s
Wildcats
All Cats
A-26s
B-25s
Anything to get a B-26 to fly up from Florida.
Anything to get a New Me-262 to show up.

[mrhenniger]

I was thinking the general category "Jets", but maybe the "Century Series Jets" is what I would like to see. However, I doubt there are enough out there to make up a show, so maybe "Wings over Korea" which would allow F-86s and early MiGs as well as late model Corsairs and Mustangs in appropriate markings.

Other suggests already made that I like would be "A Gathering of Cats" and an A-26 gathering (they just don't get enough attention).

Mike

[mjanovec]

A great idea would be to get about seven B-17s, two B-24s, five B-25s, a B-29...and throw in about four P-47s. That would be a great show.

Oh wait, that's the lineup for THIS year!!

The only thing that would make it perfect is to get Kermit's B-26 to join in the fun. But I'll settle for one tiny notch below perfect.

Mark

[Steve T]

Michael--

"The British Are Coming, The British Are Coming"! To misquote Paul Revere, how about trying for Duxford In Wayne County. Could consist of:(assuming circa 2008)

3-4 Spitfires plus a fullsize replica and maybe a Seafire or two
2-3 Hurricanes
Lancaster
Mosquito
Swordfish
Lysander
Bolingbroke/Blenheim (maybe)
2 Fireflies
as many Furies/Sea Furies as possible
Vampire(s)
Venom(s)
Hunter(s)

...and lots of Moths etc.

My 2 cents Canadian (or is that pence!)

S.

[henning]

Lets keep this the WWII show ....
#1 on my list would be a combination WWII bombers & P-38's
(no one's done a P-38 show and now theres a few more
flying than in the past).

Grumman Cats would be nice, (although I believe you did this
a couple years ago? - unfortunately I missed it!)

The B-26 would be fantastic if kermit could bring it along with
the classics - B17/B24/B25/A26 & B29. etc. Wow..

German stuff & British? yeah, could be a neat one as well.

As for the jets, well, Oshkosh seems to want them and
since OSH is falling way behind on WWII, let them do the jets.

(EAA are you listening? fix the WWII airshow attendance please!)
Past glories are great, but now pay some attention to WWII again.)

hh

[TimAPNY]

Hijack: ON
It seems that Geneseo (1941 HAG) is putting together a "Battle of Britain" show on this year. They may have 2 Hurricanes, a couple Spitfires (3?), Bf-109E. I'm not sure what else is up the sleeve with this theme but so far it sounds great. PLUS, All on a grass field (hopefully not mud this year).

Plus 2 B-17s, F4U-5NL, 3 B-25s, P-40, P-47…

Just in case some of you don't know about this

Hijack: OFF

[krlang]

Hey,
How bout getting everyone that goes to the show to bring a cinder block as a donation to the new facility?

Or maybe a gathering of Legendary Crew Chiefs?

T-6/SNJ/Harvard Mass formations? Hundreds?

Just a thought.

I like the Pacific gathering idea.

[Al Moore]

I would like to see at a future Thunder over Michigan: Spitfire Gathering or Battle of Britain event.

[kalamazookid]

The theme I would most like to see is a post-WWII theme centering around the Korean War and maybe the Berlin Airlift. You could have P-51s, late-model Corsairs, F-86s, Mig-15s, C-54 and maybe some more transports and other fighters. Battle of Britain and maybe a Grumman-themed show would be cool too.

[Lynn Allen]

How about bunch of Mustangs, Spits Vs the Me 262, 109's and the new 190's and invite The Home Depot or Lowe's, who ever wants to donate the most to the new hangar and make them the grand marshall


Cheers,

Lynn

[Steve T]

Mike et al--

Two other ideas came to mind:

1. Racers, ex-racers, and replica racers. (The Cleveland/Reno quartet a couple years ago stole the show IMO...and of course now there's that beautiful Howard Ike replica at Willow Run too.) Maybe have the ex-Walt Soplata F2G trucked in and assembled as a special guest display...?

2. In a couple years...truck over the Windsor Lanc project and assemble that on the line, then have CWH's flyable Lanc arrive and park beside the Windsor one. When would the last show have been to feature two Lancs (consecutive airframes no less)?

S.

[mrhenniger]

Mr. Luther,

I just wanted to let you know that I am stuffing an envelope to send to you with a money order for two symposium tickets. Catherine and I are looking forward to the show! Please set aside two tickets, the money is on the way.

And to everyone else... Do you have your symposium tickets yet. It may be a little on the pricey side, but trust me, it is worth every penny!

Regards,

Mike

[mjanovec]

Mr. Luther,

I just wanted to let you know that I am stuffing an envelope to send to you with a money order for two symposium tickets. Catherine and I are looking forward to the show! Please set aside two tickets, the money is on the way.

And to everyone else... Do you have your symposium tickets yet. It may be a little on the pricey side, but trust me, it is worth every penny!

Regards,

Mike

I have mine...plus I signed up for both photo tours. I figured I would go all out for this show, since I'm flying over from Minneapolis.

Has anyone pointed out that Fifi will be there on the 60th anniversary of Hiroshima? I just realized that (duh...). Seeing the only flying B-29 on that historic anniversary is a great coup for the TOM show.