The CAF "Tramp Stamps" (a photo essay)

[Dan Newcomb]

Boy some of you guys have way too much free time on your hands. Come on down to the hangar, we could use the help.

Dan

[lmritger]

Lynn- So you're saying that any WWII warbird that has glossy paint, new hardware, modern avionics, clear coats, alternators, an owners name under the canopy or any other minute inaccuracy is no longer able to commemorate the sacrifice of the men and women who flew them? That is ridiculous. The CAF goal is the commemoration of those individuals and a decal won't detract from that goal. The problem is we know too much here on WIX, 99% of the general population wouldn't know the difference between a spitfire and a mustang and yet you and others think that because the freaks (me included) here on WIX notice and don't approve then Joe Schmo wont approve. WRONG. It is the sight, smell, sound, and perpetual existence of the aircraft that is important, not 100% authenticity (even though that is a worthy goal).

Wow, did I walk up and urinate on your L-5 when I was drunk or somethin'? Where's all this personal bitterness coming from, Taylor? It's not a question of whether Joe Schmoe approves... it's a question of educating Joe Schmoe. Let's take your allegory and run the other direction with it... let's say the CAF's "powers that be" decreed that all CAF-affiliated aircraft should be lime green with corporate sponsor logos on them. So now you've got a lime green Sentinel with the CAF Tramp Stamp on the fuselage, and a Microsoft Windows logo on the tail... do you think Joe Schmoe is going to recognize your aircraft as a vital participant in a tremendous global conflict, or is he going to see it, think "Heh, that's a cute plane", and walk on? What did Joe Schmoe just learn? Bupkus, that's what.

Generally speaking the public does not give a flip about authenticity... not because they don't WANT to, but because they simply don't know enough about the aircraft to know what's right and what's wrong. There's nothing in the world wrong with that- hell, I know next to nothing about Japanese aircraft, for instance, so I couldn't tell you if the tailcode on Chino's Zero is right or not. That's where the role of education comes in. The owners of historic warbirds have a conscious choice to make when restoring and operating them- how authentic should they be? Guys like Kermit Weeks or John Paul or Bob Odegaard go all-out to make their aircraft as realistic as possible, while still incorporating some modern features which are necessary for safe operation of the aircraft... Jerry Yagen is working towards that as well, witness the recent transformation of his Hurricane.

The point I have been trying to make, which you apparently missed entirely, was that the **LEADERSHIP** of the CAF does not appear to have the same commitment to authenticity and education. That does not apply to you, unless you suddenly got a promotion we don't know about- it doesn't apply to the other CAF colonels here either. I did make a suggestion, which apparently got overlooked in the rush to defend the besmirched "honor" of the CAF, and that was to have better signage around the aircraft on the ground at events, such as a CAF flag. Here's some more specific ideas:

- Work with air bosses at shows so all CAF aircraft are gathered into one area, with "branded" corral posts and wide, bright lines or ropes which you can run around the circumference of this corral, and a single entry point for the public to come into the CAF area to see all the aircraft gathered together.

- Ensure that there is a wide range of CAF-branded merchandise available at a tent/booth/table/whatever in one corner of this corral... and MAKE SURE there is a *LOT* of reasonably priced kid-oriented stuff like small t-shirts, etc.

- Get promotional brochures printed up which are all done to a common format and which give the history of the aircraft type AND the specific airframe, and talk about some of the pilots who flew them... this doesn't have to be big, the Fighter Factory has glossy trifold pamphlets printed on a standard 8.5 x 11" sheet which have all this info

- Have a centralized database on the CAF homepage which gives this same detailed information, along with external links to other sites which cover the type in greater detail.

- Cultivate relationships with aviation photographers and magazines to ensure any A2A photos specifically mention the CAF, AND print a web link to the CAF site in the photo caption where readers can go to find out more info on that specific airframe

- Solicit targeted advertising for each individual aircraft history page on the website; this allows CAF to market advertising opportunities to businesses, and perhaps allow those business sponsors to use imagery of "their" aircraft in their advertising or correspondence if they so desired.

Nothing I've mentioned above would incur a major cost, but it WOULD require excellent communication skills and a commitment from the CAF as an organization to work together to build "brand recognition". The question then becomes whether the CAF leadership is willing to entertain alternative marketing and branding ideas such as those offered above.

Lynn

[TonyM]

I have been a CAF member for several years now and I have hundreds of dollars worth of Khaki uniforms. I am sure that as soon as I have gained an equal amount of blue uniforms, we will change uniforms again. It has happened twice already.

I really hate the CAF Ramp Tramp Decals. Am looking forward to the day that they come off of the aircraft.

TM.

[muddyboots]

boy, I knew this was a popular subject to gripe about but I never realized there was so much outright animosity for them...

[Jack Cook]

but I never realized there was so much outright animosity for them...

and I haven't even retorted yet

[Nathan]

I don't like the stamp. But I understand why it was done. But sadly a lot of warbirds are incorrectly painted or marked anyway whether it be with the CAF or not. Europe, New Zealand, and Australia seem to be getting it right everytime. They have the most authentic warbirds in the world!

We really need to let modelers help warbird owners with paint and markings. They will get it right 100%.

[Django]

Lots of good ideas here Lynn. I'm no skilled A&P, but I am a skilled graphic designer, and I have volunteered my time to work on some pieces for the CAF, but have never heard a peep out of anyone.

I did make a suggestion, which apparently got overlooked in the rush to defend the besmirched "honor" of the CAF, and that was to have better signage around the aircraft on the ground at events, such as a CAF flag. Here's some more specific ideas:

- Work with air bosses at shows so all CAF aircraft are gathered into one area, with "branded" corral posts and wide, bright lines or ropes which you can run around the circumference of this corral, and a single entry point for the public to come into the CAF area to see all the aircraft gathered together.

- Ensure that there is a wide range of CAF-branded merchandise available at a tent/booth/table/whatever in one corner of this corral... and MAKE SURE there is a *LOT* of reasonably priced kid-oriented stuff like small t-shirts, etc.

- Get promotional brochures printed up which are all done to a common format and which give the history of the aircraft type AND the specific airframe, and talk about some of the pilots who flew them... this doesn't have to be big, the Fighter Factory has glossy trifold pamphlets printed on a standard 8.5 x 11" sheet which have all this info

- Have a centralized database on the CAF homepage which gives this same detailed information, along with external links to other sites which cover the type in greater detail.

- Cultivate relationships with aviation photographers and magazines to ensure any A2A photos specifically mention the CAF, AND print a web link to the CAF site in the photo caption where readers can go to find out more info on that specific airframe

- Solicit targeted advertising for each individual aircraft history page on the website; this allows CAF to market advertising opportunities to businesses, and perhaps allow those business sponsors to use imagery of "their" aircraft in their advertising or correspondence if they so desired.

Nothing I've mentioned above would incur a major cost, but it WOULD require excellent communication skills and a commitment from the CAF as an organization to work together to build "brand recognition". The question then becomes whether the CAF leadership is willing to entertain alternative marketing and branding ideas such as those offered above.

Lynn

[lmritger]

Lots of good ideas here Lynn. I'm no skilled A&P, but I am a skilled graphic designer, and I have volunteered my time to work on some pieces for the CAF, but have never heard a peep out of anyone.

I did make a suggestion, which apparently got overlooked in the rush to defend the besmirched "honor" of the CAF, and that was to have better signage around the aircraft on the ground at events, such as a CAF flag. Here's some more specific ideas:

- Work with air bosses at shows so all CAF aircraft are gathered into one area, with "branded" corral posts and wide, bright lines or ropes which you can run around the circumference of this corral, and a single entry point for the public to come into the CAF area to see all the aircraft gathered together.

- Ensure that there is a wide range of CAF-branded merchandise available at a tent/booth/table/whatever in one corner of this corral... and MAKE SURE there is a *LOT* of reasonably priced kid-oriented stuff like small t-shirts, etc.

- Get promotional brochures printed up which are all done to a common format and which give the history of the aircraft type AND the specific airframe, and talk about some of the pilots who flew them... this doesn't have to be big, the Fighter Factory has glossy trifold pamphlets printed on a standard 8.5 x 11" sheet which have all this info

- Have a centralized database on the CAF homepage which gives this same detailed information, along with external links to other sites which cover the type in greater detail.

- Cultivate relationships with aviation photographers and magazines to ensure any A2A photos specifically mention the CAF, AND print a web link to the CAF site in the photo caption where readers can go to find out more info on that specific airframe

- Solicit targeted advertising for each individual aircraft history page on the website; this allows CAF to market advertising opportunities to businesses, and perhaps allow those business sponsors to use imagery of "their" aircraft in their advertising or correspondence if they so desired.

Nothing I've mentioned above would incur a major cost, but it WOULD require excellent communication skills and a commitment from the CAF as an organization to work together to build "brand recognition". The question then becomes whether the CAF leadership is willing to entertain alternative marketing and branding ideas such as those offered above.

Lynn

Many thanks, Django. There's SO many things that could be done, and there's surely no shortage of people willing to help... perhaps something good may come of this in the end, which would be great. Anything which helps grow the organization AND encourages historical authenticity would be a win-win in my book.

Cheers,

Lynn

[warbird1]

If the CAF is actually serious about getting maximum exposure, they should put the website on their aircraft in large, prominent letters:


commemorativeairforce.org


They could put it on both the top and bottom of the wing, span-wise, so that anybody seeing the aircraft from the ground in a turn could instantly recognize the ownership of the aircraft. They could also put it on both sides of the fuselage, perhaps along the entire length, from nose to tail. That way, there would be no question, whatsoever, who "owns" it!

Yep, that's it. Put it on the top and bottom of the wings, and both sides of the fuselage, that way, you're covered 360 degrees. Since historical accuracy is not a priority to the CAF, then this should be no problem whatsoever!

Nothing wrong with a little shame-less plugging, is there?

[mustangwatcher]

Seriously, ALL of you need to just forget about "Tramp Stamps" Just because the CAF has the ability to operate these aircraft doesn't mean they OWE YOU PEOPLE the right to paint them up EXACTLY like the original. For crying out loud, while you folks are b*tching about tramp stamps and camo on the helldiver they are flying and RESTORING these aircraft.

They are numerous people with amazing looking P-51's that have "original paint schemes" with flaws on them. And you know what? So be it, if you dont like then buy the darn things, repaint them, and stop this idle ranting about CAF logos.

A thread on this site has NEVER changed anyone's mind about the logos so GIVE IT UP!!!!!

Everyone just leave them alone, you folks are far worse than ANY major league or professional sports team's Armchair Quaterbacks

[mustangdriver]

Except that most of the people on here in one way or another work on or support warbirds. You are right they don't owe us. You know who they owe? They owe the veterans to make sure they are getting details right. They owe the future generations to make sure they get it right. And what's the first thing you see on a plane? The paintscheme. If you screw that up then you risk losing the integrity of the organization the support of the die hard warbird folks or as you call them arm chair quarter backs and you compromise what you are doing.

[Taylor Stevenson]

Lynn- No bitterness, just annoyance that people overlook the great aspects of the CAF and focus on a minute detail. Plus look at OSH and Sun-N-Fun, the majority of those things you suggested have been done. Thanks for the suggestions though. Ideas about the ways we can do things better is great (keep em coming), griping is not.



This is truly getting old.

Goodbye.

Last edited by Taylor Stevenson on Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Young Shep]

- Work with air bosses at shows so all CAF aircraft are gathered into one area, with "branded" corral posts and wide, bright lines or ropes which you can run around the circumference of this corral, and a single entry point for the public to come into the CAF area to see all the aircraft gathered together.

- Ensure that there is a wide range of CAF-branded merchandise available at a tent/booth/table/whatever in one corner of this corral... and MAKE SURE there is a *LOT* of reasonably priced kid-oriented stuff like small t-shirts, etc.

- Get promotional brochures printed up which are all done to a common format and which give the history of the aircraft type AND the specific airframe, and talk about some of the pilots who flew them... this doesn't have to be big, the Fighter Factory has glossy trifold pamphlets printed on a standard 8.5 x 11" sheet which have all this info

- Have a centralized database on the CAF homepage which gives this same detailed information, along with external links to other sites which cover the type in greater detail.

- Cultivate relationships with aviation photographers and magazines to ensure any A2A photos specifically mention the CAF, AND print a web link to the CAF site in the photo caption where readers can go to find out more info on that specific airframe

- Solicit targeted advertising for each individual aircraft history page on the website; this allows CAF to market advertising opportunities to businesses, and perhaps allow those business sponsors to use imagery of "their" aircraft in their advertising or correspondence if they so desired.

Nothing I've mentioned above would incur a major cost, but it WOULD require excellent communication skills and a commitment from the CAF as an organization to work together to build "brand recognition". The question then becomes whether the CAF leadership is willing to entertain alternative marketing and branding ideas such as those offered above.

All excellent ideas! I think some of these concepts have come to fruition in slightly different ways than specifically mentioned (Hangar 51 at major aviation events) and the logo was also an attempt at uniformity....

I know the CAF leadership is definitely willing to embrace alternate strategies and I'm sure Steve Brown would welcome these ideas. While some might not agree with every decision he has made I do believe Steve is very adept at communicating to CAF members and has spent a fair amount of time trying to provide visibility into the organization. There's a blog, twitter, Dispatch articles regarding fund-raising techniques, etc...

[mustangdriver]

Taylor if gripping means getting that logo off of sentimental journey than so be it.

[mustangdriver]

Alo it is the attention to those small details that make champions