Warbird Information Exchange

Just saw a post on Facebook of the Planes of Fame Betty removed from its long time diorama setting. The caption stated that it was sold to an owner near Seattle. I can only assume this would be Paul Allen / FHC.

This is a very big move if it is true!

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Very exciting! Not entirely surprising (and I'd imagine this sale took place a while back), as the Betty is one of the aircraft types that the Flying Heritage Collection have been publicly (last year or so) on the hunt for, for original design drawings and other items that could help aid a restoration (others on their list include the Stuka, Zero, Oscar, and Ju-88 (and the original engines for all of these types)).

Good observations John.

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Yep, as well as one of the A6M5's and the F-86A that FHC has, which also both used to be owned by/displayed at Planes of Fame (Chino and Valle), and POF's Fighter Rebuilders of course did the restoration of FHC's P-40C (prior to FHC purchasing it) and did a lot of work on FHC's flying two-seat Zero.

My main complaint is that POF had one of the best collections of Japanese WW II aircraft anywhere. Only the Smithsonian seems to have more than a couple. This diminishes the collection and the Betty is an iconic aircraft of the war in the Pacific. Lots of U.S. Navy/ Marine aircraft to see at Chino. Sad to see it go.

If it's going where some assume it's going then IMO it's a win, win, win all around. POF gets much needed and necessary $$$ to maintain its own empire, FHC (if indeed where it's going) adds a prize to their fantastic collection, and we who enjoy these old airplanes perhaps win by possibly seeing a billionaire work more warbird flying magic. All speculation of course, but you never know what may end up flying someday. I'm not aware of the FHC doing much wrong with whatever they acquire (other than a snails pace of restoration progress) so I'd say if this pile of diarama goes to P Allen it's a good thing indeed. Perhaps he'll also choose to simply display it as it is. Good thing as well as they'll most likely do a nice job their too.

All speculation ....

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I'm just glad I got to see and photograph the Betty at Chino before it goes into hibernation. Too bad he couldn't get his hands on another of the South Pacific Betty wrecks and increase the display population, but the red tape there is worse than the jungle vines...

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Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

Paul Allen should try and get the B-17E back and flying before the Betty. Why it hasn't been done yet is a mystery to me. I have long waited to see an E model fly.

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I bet you the Desert Rat flies first.
None of Paul Allens machines ever leave the circuit, never mind go to other shows.

Andy

That isn't true at all. They do take several of their airplanes to different Airshows in Washington and British Columbia.

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Brad

Brad would know. He is a misplaced Washingtonian living in Texas!

Hmmm, some interesting replies on here, which goes to shows we all have opinions, but my .02 cents is I would rather have the Betty go someplace where it will get the attention it deserves (static or flyer), rather than to stay in the diorama at Chino. Yes Chino is a great place, but things do move slower there, and that is OK. Granted Mr. Allens collection may not see the light of day, or go to far flug airshows, as much as others, but I have a hard time about complaining about anything he or his organization has done. I deeply appreciate it. I would much rather have one rare type complete as in this Betty than another B-17 (regardless of model). If it gets rebuilt I would prefer it to stay on the gound- I don't think sole survivors should fly. I realize not all share my opinions.

Stuka next pretty, pretty please

Is POF picking up another display of just selling off assets for daily operations? If the latter, they may not last.

Seems like a smart way to keep operations lasting by selling certain assets at certain times when a certain offer is made that makes sense. Smart business management operations every day to keep an organization afloat. Sometimes it takes the selling of one 'something' to either keep other 'somethings' from having to be sold and /or acquiring or restoring another 'something'. Change is good as long as the vision is still intact. I'd imagine that's still the case here.

If I recall this was a similar practice of a few other collections recently and it seemed a good thing to do. Pretty basic stuff really. I'd also suggest that POF and FHC (P Allen) have a good relationship that seems financially beneficial to one side over the other.

keyboard and internet forum loads of speculation .... whatever the case, I hope it works out nicely for all involved.

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“With bottomless pockets...anything is possible”

I seem to remember their Mustang, Upopa Epops, showing up at Oshkosh some years back.