Early USAAC discussion group

[Nathan]

Just wondering if anyone else here has a big thing for pre/early WWII USAAC/USN/USM aircraft? I got lots of pics and info regarding this time period but this era doesn't seem to draw big as with the later war subjects. Just curious...

Also there is a void of current warbirds from this time period. I know the reasons but just wondering with hope from other peoples opinions if we will ever see an increase in types and warbirds from this era? Honestly probably not but will there ever be an increase of interest for this time period as well?

Thanks,
Nathan

[TonyM]

I certainly enjoy the pre-war 1930s photos. And the notable flights, such as the B-17 flight to South America or when Le May found the Rex.

TonyM.

[JDK]

There are some interesting logistical and psychological aspects to the differences between early-war and late war memories and equipment.

Some, briefly and in general:

- Early was equipment is more likely to be consumed in the conflict against late war equipment being likely to survive (also in often excess numbers as production responds to a often sudden cutoff in demand).

- Late war heroes and achievements often have a numeric and social advantage over early war ones; rearguard actions have a certain cachet, but not as much as straight victories.

- Late war equipment is often technically superior to early war equivalents, and may therefore have a greater attraction.

Early W.W.II USAAC/F equipment is rarer, more challenging to restore and has less 'fame' and therefore financial and social value compared to later types. Thankfully, due to a select group of restorers, there's at least a selection of preserved machines both active and static, as against the really early war aircraft used from 1937-41. Think PZL P-11c, Avia B-534, Dewoitine D-520 and Morane 406, Mitsubishi AM5 'Claude' and rare reconstructions such as the Polikarpov I-16 and 153s.

Regards,

[Nathan]

I see your point James.

Some of these types saw little to no combat with the U.S. But I consider that they did serve "ready combat patrols". Many such as the A-17, B-18, B-23, the P-43 Lancer, and P-36. I often would like to hear more stories about these "missions". I know shortly after Dec 7th P-43 Lancers patrolled the west coast before switching to P-38's and headed to Africa. And you could find A-17's, P-36's, and B-18's protecting the Panama Canal zone. They made a line of defense and that is often forgotten.

As for todays warbirds is there any chance to see some of these numbers increase or fly?

Thanks,
Nathan

[tom d. friedman]

pre - ww 2 aviation is a gray area to this day that is most ignored, both allied & axis. the only magazines to touch on this on a regular basis before the economic melt down were the publications "wings" & "airpower" magazines.... "aviation history" & "air & space smithsonian", as well as challenge publications "air classics" & "warbirds international" magazines have amply filled that void.

[JDK]

As for todays warbirds is there any chance to see some of these numbers increase or fly?

Early P-40s are increasing, there's a P-36 flying in the UK, more P-39s on the way, as well as early Mustangs, even. Numbers have, and I hope will continue to increase, but the pool and the attraction remains smaller and slower than yet more P-51D Mustangs for the new rich enthusiast market.

[bdk]

Early P-40s are increasing, there's a P-36 flying in the UK, more P-39s on the way, as well as early Mustangs, even. Numbers have, and I hope will continue to increase, but the pool and the attraction remains smaller and slower than yet more P-51D Mustangs for the new rich enthusiast market.

No P-36 as yet flying, unless you mean the Curtiss Hawk that TFC has. There is a P-36 in the works I have heard and I've seen a couple of "extra" early Allisons floating around.

[TonyM]

According to the latest issue of Air Classics, there is an O-47 being restored. Can't wait to see that one flying.

TonyM.

[Nathan]

I love the O-47. I always had a thing for the old observation planes. If I ever win the lotto.........

[JDK]

Early P-40s are increasing, there's a P-36 flying in the UK, more P-39s on the way, as well as early Mustangs, even. Numbers have, and I hope will continue to increase, but the pool and the attraction remains smaller and slower than yet more P-51D Mustangs for the new rich enthusiast market.

No P-36 as yet flying, unless you mean the Curtiss Hawk that TFC has.

Yeah, that one. I was too busy for designation soup.

[TonyM]

If I remember correctly, Air Classics featured a new build Boeing P-26 a few years ago. That was pretty exciting.

And there was a Curtiss O-52 that was airworthy.

Are there any North American BT-9 or BT-14 airplanes around that are airworthy? Douglas O-46? North American BC-1?

TM

[wacoykc]

There are no BC-1, BT-9 or O-46 flyable in civilian hands. Not 100% sure about a BT-14. My father had time in all the above except an O-46. A friend close by just purchased a Consolidated PT-1 complete with a Wright J-5 engine. Nearly a complete airplane. There are 3 P-26's being built by a gentleman in either Indiana or Kentucky. Had one fuselage on display at Oshkosh about 3-4 years ago. Another friend has a Boeing F4B that he is finishing. Should be a show stopper.