Fighter Factory

[Vital Spark]

Where is Lewis's collection based? His website doesn't say.

In a uncharted part of Texas

[B25PBYGUY]

As usual, the info in that other forum posted is not entirely correct.

Unless, you are directly involved, don't speculate. Just sit back and watch.

[Liza]

Bob, wish I could "like" your post. So true. We have to wait and see what unfolds.

[John Kerr]

From my various sources, I have learned that it is a done deal. Some type of government problems. All aircraft will be sold and gone by next month. I know more, but can't tell all. Sorry, and please don't bug me for more information.

[CWBuff]

Unless, you are directly involved, don't speculate. Just sit back and watch.

This




Fade to Black...

[C VEICH]

From my various sources, I have learned that it is a done deal. Some type of government problems. All aircraft will be sold and gone by next month. I know more, but can't tell all. Sorry, and please don't bug me for more information.

No disrespect but why post even that much? The how and why is really nobody's business. The who and what will come to light in good time.

[hang the expense]

I´ll just keep my fingers crossed that the airworthy planes will be kept airworthy and be flown. It would be a shame if they would end inside a dark hangar as hangar queens. But I hope for the best for sure. Might the new owner(s) have luck and fun with their new purchase.

Michael

Lewis for sure,not so much the others.

[DH82EH]

Thanks to Mr Yagen for sharing his excellent collection of aircraft with those of us on the eastern seaboard.

It would be unfortunate if a lot of these machines end up locked away in a hangar, after having them so accessible to so many. Here's hoping for the best for all.

Andy Scott

[Mark Allen M]

Oh come on John, give us some info, you know how we love a good inside story, if you can't divulge anything factual just make something up

Don't make us start speculating or it will be all your fault .... Lol

Joking of course, Bob and John are correct though as we should wait it out.

[kalamazookid]

I echo the thoughts of the several who posted thanks for what Mr. Yagen did in bringing together such a great collection of aircraft and sharing them with the masses at airshows and his museum. I can only hope that the future owners of these aircraft do the same. It would be a shame for an aircraft like the Mossie to be limited to a private hangar and only a handful of public appearances a year. Obviously, hoping every aircraft ends up in a flying museum is very unrealistic but I would hope that whoever the new owners are have the same idea to share their piece of history with the public. It seemed as if Yagen saw himself as a more of a caretaker of a piece of history than an owner, and I hope some of his warbirds will end up with like-minded owners and operators.

This is a huge blow for warbird shows on the east coast though. Since moving to western NC last spring I have attended several airshows where the MAM collection made up a significant portion of the aircraft on display. I hope that these airshows are able to find other aircraft to fill out their lineups and keep putting on quality events. I know there are several shows that were counting on MAM aircraft as significant parts of their airshow this year and I hope that they can secure replacement aircraft.

It's a shame that the collection has to be sold off, but I have nothing but respect for the dedication Mr. Yagen showed to having his aircraft restored to high levels of authenticity and bringing such a great collection together in the first place. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

[JohnB]

Do you really think one person will/can buy them ALL? We're talking about a lot of money (but probably still less than the cost of one vintage Ferrari GTO).
It would be interesting to learn how any deal (or deals) come together. I'd imagine he knows most, if not all of the major collectors. As I said, it would be interesting to know if he called a few or if there was an understanding from one person or group in particular...something along the lines of "If you ever want to sell, give me a call...).

[JohnB]

Where is Lewis's collection based? His website doesn't say.

In a uncharted part of Texas

No such thing.

[Nathan]

So is the Mossie gonna be at Geneseo or not? This is really bad news.

[Dave Homewood]

It is sad to see this all unfolding, this must be a distressing time for all those who work there, and for Jerry and Elaine Yagen themselves. I feel sorry for them to see all they have worked for dissolving like this.

I too want to thank Jerry and Elaine for their dedication to warbirds and the restoration of so many amazing types. Especially for the Mosquito project which they wowed all of New Zealand and the world with. We will never forget what they achieved. My best wishes go out to all affected by this.

[BK]

Where is Lewis's collection based? His website doesn't say.

About 5 miles south of Encinal, TX right off I-35. Marked as Lewis Ranch Airport on the map, can't miss it.