National Warplane Museum/1941 HAG?

[airknocker]

Pardon me if this is a Johnny-Come-Lately, but this press release on May 2nd flew under my radar:
http://www.1941hag.org/images_pdf/Natio ... Museum.pdf
What will be the status of the collection in Elmira, if any?
http://www.wingsofeagles.com/
http://www.1941hag.org/

[AHancock51]

Announcement will be made on May 23rd, all will then make sense!

[airknocker]

I'll be holding my breath!

[Warbird Kid]

I had a feeling this was going to happen, and couldn't be more overjoyed! I think this is a great step for this group in getting back to there roots. Strictly speaking in marketing terms the name: National Warplane Museum is far more exciting / interesting / conveyable than 1941 Historic Aircraft Group.

I do think though that the newly reinstated NWM should keep some of the namesake, and create the "1941 Squadron", which would consist of all the aircraft based at the field that would have been operational or flying in 1941. Crazy idea? Perhaps. But I'm very excited at the name change!

[CH2Tdriver]

Very good news but bittersweet, as when the NWM was formed it's purpose was to acquire, (from auction ex-firebomber), maintain and fly the B-17 which became Fuddy Duddy. I'm still mad at the WOE for selling it out from under us here in the northeast. I imagine most of what might be left over in Elmira is stuff on loan from the USAF/USN and am surprised it has not been crated up and shipped back yet. HAG got back their C-45 and the AAM bought the PBY which is under restoration.

On the plus side I wonder if using the NWM name it is possible to gain back some of the sponsors that they had back in the 80's and 90's which gave us those amazing numbers of warbirds in the shows? Considering all the great work HAG/NWM is doing for the Rochester area school kids, and the fact that Geneseo is now the ONLY airshow in the region, it might be a good sell.

[Warbird Kid]

I agree it was a messed up situation that happened with the group(s), but Im very glad to see that the "original blood" is working on making Geneseo what it used to be. And I can't wait to see AAM bring back the ole' PBY too. Maybe at one point the NWM will be able to buy another PBY? Doubt it, but a guy can dream right? While we're at it, maybe Fuddy Duddy will come back too!

[airknocker]

It's official! Congrats!!!
http://www.1941hag.org/
http://1941hagforums.mykingairb200.com/ ... f=6&t=2510

[B-17 guy]

Speeking of HAG and NWP, what is going on with the movie memphis belle? Is she not gonna be based in genny anymore, she's not on the airshow bill this year. Or did liberty foundation take her over fully? I hate what they did to her interior.....

[Pat Carry]

Speeking of HAG and NWP, what is going on with the movie memphis belle? Is she not gonna be based in genny anymore, she's not on the airshow bill this year. Or did liberty foundation take her over fully? I hate what they did to her interior.....

What did they do to the interior?

[airknocker]

Update from Flying mag:
http://www.flyingmag.com/news/memphis-b ... ODkzNjU2S0

Check the photo gallery.

[B-17 guy]

I meant who is controling her these days, I know liberty foundation was supposed to be leasing her but I'm starting to wonder if this will be permanent...Or does Tallichet still have ownership?

As far as the interior goes, I'm not a fan of the fact that the top turrert was removed, there was a mainly complete turret in there. I noticed last year at the genny airshow that the turret itself was gone, just the glass and framework was there.

[B29Gunner]

As far as the interior goes, I'm not a fan of the fact that the top turrert was removed, there was a mainly complete turret in there. I noticed last year at the genny airshow that the turret itself was gone, just the glass and framework was there.

The turret was removed at Geneseo before she was flown down here to GA last year, and we installed the dome recovered from Big Stoop in its place. Nothing was changed that would prevent the original turret from being reinstalled again.

[B-17 guy]

That's good to hear!

So, do you guys have her through the airshow season, or beyond that? I'm curious when she's gonna be in geneseo again..

[airknocker]

More stuff:
http://www.moviememphisbelle.com/
http://www.libertyfoundation.org/schedule.html

[Chris Brame]

The turret was removed at Geneseo before she was flown down here to GA last year, and we installed the dome recovered from Big Stoop in its place. Nothing was changed that would prevent the original turret from being reinstalled again.

So that means you still have the turret from B-17E 41-9234? Maybe you could work a deal with the folks restoring Desert Rat/Tangerine, unless they have an E turret already.