Warbirds Over Monroe 2012- Photo Heavy

[kalamazookid]

The following is a set of photos from the 2012 Warbirds Over Monroe airshow, held the first weekend of November in Monroe, NC. Don't remember seeing a photo report of this one anywhere so I thought I'd post it since I finally got around to uploading my photos. This was my first time at this show and it did not disappoint. The best thing about this show is that pretty much everything flies. The only aircraft I remember not flying were the C-54 and the C-46. Most of the aircraft fly solo demo's or demonstrations by type and you don't get cheated on passes either- everything performed at least 8-10 fly-by's. A very well-run event with lots of warbirds. The only negative for photographers is shooting into the sun all day- not a big deal if you're someone like me who only takes static pictures and just enjoys seeing the warbirds fly. Highly recommended show for anyone in the area.

If anyone wants to see more pics of anything, just ask and I'll see what I can dig up.

The two Corsairs flew together, which was followed by an aerobatic routine by Jim Tobul in the F4U-4.





This C-45 performed a few fly-by's and was used for the skydivers.





"Briefing Time" and "Panchito" flew a very nice set of fly-by's as well.





Always nice to see the MAM PBY.





The big transports taking up the static area.





P-51s. All four flew, including a nice aerobatic demo by Scott Yoak in "Quick Silver."









The Tora! fleet was there as well. This was the first time I'd ever gotten to look at the Tora! birds up close. Most of the shows I've been to, they've been parked away from the crowd. Nice to be able to get up close for the first time.















The Super Six. Among the modifications: DC-3 cowling and engine, front cockpit fared over, bubble canopy and squared off tail



The FW149 and Piaggio flew a really entertaining and tight racetrack pattern. There was another Piaggio there as well.





The two T-28s. The blue T-28 did an aerobatic demo. First time I'd seen a T-28 do aerobatics. Not sure who the pilot was.





The SBD was probably my favorite aircraft at the show. A real treasure. Did a very nice dive-bombing demo too.



One of the four T-6s in attendance. This one did not fly. I have pics of the rest if anyone's interested.

[AG pilot]

All your photos look excellent! Thanks for posting them. Do you have any more of The T-28's that might show the bureau number?

[Pogo]

When I saw 'Photo Heavy' in the header I immediately clicked.... Very nice -- thanks for posting!!

This is the first I've heard of the "Super Six"....? WOW!



What a great air show, lots of super cool birds I'd have loved to see. I'm with you, when the birds get flying, to heck with the camera -- I'm way too busy recording the sights and sounds on my mushy matter via retinas and ear drums. I'm always grateful to those who get the flight shots ..... for me.

[BK]

The blue T-28 that did the acro demo is flown by Shuttle astronaut (sts-89) Joe Edwards. I talked to him briefly during the 2011 show.

The city of Monroe ran last year's show but the original organization is doing a Spring airshow in late Apr also at Monroe.

[Rauhbatz]

Hi Matt....really nice pics...blue T-28 was Joe Edwards...former Shuttle astronaut and all around nice guy.

I have some pics from the back of Red Nose to post....just need to find some time to do it...

Might be able to use my Facebook link but some fellow Wixer's don't have access....

But for those that want a peek...here tis...

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set= ... 337&type=3

KK

[rcaf_100]

One of the four T-6s in attendance. This one did not fly. I have pics of the rest if anyone's interested.

It might be wearing stars & bars but she ain't no T-6! She started life as RCAF Harvard Mk II 2878.

[expat]

The Super 6 looks the business !!!!Anyone got anymore info on it?
Thanks

[VaBeachEd]

The Monroe airshow is really great. The Military Aviation Museum in Va Beach has sent several aircraft there for the last couple of years, and this year we're planning to send...

ME-262
FW-190
JU-52
Spitfire
B-17

The show is the weekend of 3/4 November 2013. It promises to be a good one! See you there!

[kalamazookid]

The Monroe airshow is really great. The Military Aviation Museum in Va Beach has sent several aircraft there for the last couple of years, and this year we're planning to send...

ME-262
FW-190
JU-52
Spitfire
B-17

The show is the weekend of 3/4 November 2013. It promises to be a good one! See you there!

That is fantastic news! Thanks for passing that along. I'm hoping to make the Virginia Beach show this year, but that might be a long shot for me with finances. Always great to see the MAM aircraft around. They're maintained in fantastic condition. It looks like there will be the city show in November then and also the Warriors and Warbirds event at the end of April? Hopefully the community can support both events- there certainly was a great crowd at the November show!

Thanks everyone for the information on the T-28 pilot. He flew a very nice display. I wasn't aware of any solo aerobatic T-28 routines around and that was a cool surprise.

AGPilot, unfortunately I looked through my shots and don't have any that show the BuNo. I can email a friend who was also at the show and see if he might have that information if you like.

Here's another picture of the "Super Six" that I took when I saw it at the Winston-Salem airshow in September:

[John Dupre]

"The FW149 and Piaggio flew a really entertaining and tight racetrack pattern. There was another Piaggio there as well."

Both Focke Wulf and Piaggio built the 149. I don't remember which of them designed it. The next picture shows a Pilatus PC-3 the Swiss equivalent of the Beech T-34 Mentor and like the Mentor was redesigned with a turboprop engine to become the PC-7.

[BK]

AGPilot, unfortunately I looked through my shots and don't have any that show the BuNo. I can email a friend who was also at the show and see if he might have that information if you like.

The T-28 is Bu 140035 (N281CM). I try to take front and back shots for this very reason.

[AG pilot]

Thanks BK. I thought I was the only one to try and get bureau/N numbers.

[airnutz]

Video of John Shell's Super 6 and several passes...Any fast pass videos out there ???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6KOsq3tn2k

[Fouga23]

What's the story on that "Super Six"? And is there any connection with the Bacon Super Six?

[Warbird Kid]

Never saw this Val before. Was this the all green one? Just has some added paint to it?

Love this Kate. Don't really see it as often. Only when the Tora team comes more up north. Got to sit in her at one of the Wings of Eagles airshows in Elmira.