Warbird Information Exchange

I was looking for a date to the TOM for 2012 when I found this string. Quite interesting too. I think the Korean Wat theme is great! My dad flew RB-26s on night missions over the North, so I have a particular bias to this theme.
As for the question on C-46s flying currently. At the very moment I am writing this, there is one in the air in Alaska. Check FlightAware every so often and there it is. I also noticed a couple of DC-6s and a VC-117 in the air at the same time. Wouldn't they be considered Korean War era aircraft?
The F-15 theme is a great idea too. Why not add this to the show too. TOM always has a few modern fighters in attendance, on static or as performers, no matter what the theme has been.
Hope to see you there next year!

[quote="PhantomAce08"][quote="TOM WALSH"]The Taxiway Photography/Photo Tour/Photo Pit crew are in for the Korean theme next year. The Korean War began on June 25, 1950 and lasted until a cease fire was declared on July 27, 1953. During this so called "Police Action", the USN/USMC alone lost 564 aircraft - 312 Corsairs, 124 Skyraiders and 64 Panthers.

F-51 Mustang Wings that served in Korea, were the 8th, 18th and 35th Fighter-Bomber Groups.

When you factor in all the aircraft/helicopter types that served, you have the makings of another don't miss T.O.M. event.

Until the 2012 dates are announced, keep your powder dry!

Cheers,

Tom Walsh.[/quote]

We didn't hear anything either day, but we would both LOVE Korean theme! OK... I did have to explain a bit more in detail as to what planes this would include, but once I did, Erica approved!

-Nathan and Erica[/quote]

Hi Nathan & Erica,

We didn't know until after the show what the possible themes were for 2012.

When I said the Photo Tour/Photo Pit were in for the Korean War theme, I was referring to the eight members of my team who are always up for anything aviation related.

Cheers,

Tom Walsh.

Got it! I wasn't trying to be presumptuous, but just thought we missed some of the "potential future air show discussions" that have taken place the last couple years we've been there. Looking forward to a Korean theme and will make sure I don't jack up my leg right before the show next year!

Mike,
Korea sounds like a great idea. would you consider something a bit more generic? The F-15 turns 40 next year (firtst flight), so how about "A Gathering of Eagles - Evolution of Fighters"? You could have everything from the Spad to the F-22. Just a thought.

Mike

I was just told this 2012 Poll was started in October/November 2010! And apparently, it isn't even close to what they are considering for next year!! Great!!! As soon as I know anything definitive, I'll pass it along.

Cheers,

Tom Walsh.

Tom, yes that poll was started by Michael WELL before this year's show in an apparent effort to see what the interest was in themes under possible consideration. I am sorry to hear that the Korea/Gathering of Sabres theme, despite it overwhelming popularity is apparently off the table for 2012. If not 2012, I hope they can do a Korea theme in 2013 since that will be the 60th Anniversary of the last year of the Korean War.

Not sure what is being considered for 2012, but I know it is the 65th Anniversay of the USAF (1947-2012). If they can do a vintage jet theme covering Jets of the forties/fifties/sixties that would be great, but probably expensive. Bombers are also a good theme if they can get Fifi and then build a varied list around her. Whatever theme is chosen, Thunder can still be a great warbird show for ALL enthusiasts, since if the past is any indication there will be a wide assortment of all types of warbirds from all eras from pre-WWII through the Post-WWI era in any case.

Can't wait to hear the theme or themes and the definite dates.

Over on Facebook, Kevin Walsh has mentioned that he hopes to announce next year's definitive dates by mid-October. Hopefully we will get to hear what the 2012 theme will be by then also.

I have been hoping that next year's dates will be back to the traditional first weekend in August (August 4-5, 2012), but there have also been rumors on Facebook that the Thunderbirds may be coming next year, so who knows. Not necessarily good news to us hard core vintage warbird fans, but it would be good news from a Yankee Air Museum revenue standpoint.