Warbird Information Exchange

I dunno, you tell me. Of coarse it would help a bit if I knew what a ABCCC capsule was to start with.



It is possible that it is shipping the disassembled THOR missle that is in front of the restoration facility. Sorry I didn't take a direct photo of the parts.



What does the acronym ABCCC stand for?

Shay
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Semper Fortis

Try these links for a description, Shay.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ ... -abccc.htm

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ ... c-pics.htm

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I never said the jokes were Good, they're just Free! You gets whatchyas pays for!

Airborne Command and Control Center - ABCCC

http://www.abtriplec.com/

There were 4 or maybe 5 of those ABCCC's in Biloxi back in 77, no idea where they went. They were however the very nicest place to be in during summer months with their great air conditioning.

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One day I looked up and he's pushing 80...
He's got brown tobacco stains all down his chin.
To me he's one of the hero's of this country, so why is he all dressed up like them ole men....

Oscardeuce--

There hasn't been a book entirely about the Soplatas, but Walt has appeared in at least two books primarily about other subjects. A very good article originally from the Akron Beacon-Journal was reprinted as a chapter in one of Bob Hull's books on the National Air Races (A Season Of Eagles); more recently the book Hunting Warbirds (the author's name escapes me) had a section in it on Walt. Those aside, the most extensive text I've read on Walt is actually Randy Haskin's 2002 internet report, just re-posted with photos (thanx Randy!) on the current Soplata thread here. All three of those give an excellent "feel" for what Walt and his collection are like...There also exists an extensive interview with Walt on audiotape, which would be absolutely priceless to hear.

And you're quite right. A book about the Soplatas and their love affair with old airplanes--replete with photos and all the individual histories, which Walt has committed to memory--would be a marvelous read. Maybe someday!

S.

There was an article in a modeler mag back in the 80's that had good pics and stories from walt about the individual birds.

The mag is the one by the AMA which every R/C nut joined for the insurance they provided. ( couldnt fly at meets without it)

It is the best review of walt I have ever seen.

_________________
One day I looked up and he's pushing 80...
He's got brown tobacco stains all down his chin.
To me he's one of the hero's of this country, so why is he all dressed up like them ole men....

Steve T,

Are you thinking about Hunting Warbirds by Carl Hoffman?

(Ballantine Books copyright 2001)

I'd love to hear that interview, much less interview the man himself. I live about 30 miles from him. If there was a way, I'd love to tell his story. Give him his rightful place.

John--

Yep, Carl Hoffmann. Couldn't think of the name. The Walt chapter in that book is the loopiest take on Walt that I've seen in print but still brought back memories for me!

Oscardeuce--

I'd love to hear that interview too. I forget who it was told me about it, but it was fairly recently. I was amazed Walt had allowed it. Hope the tape still exists; it'd be priceless for all sorts of reasons. Re the book idea...that probably wouldn't get very far with publishers (or, for that matter, with the Soplatas themselves). Course it is now possible to self-publish online. If in due course you do decide to proceed with an idea like that, I'd be happy to provide recollections and maybe a photo or three...though Walt himself might well object, he's a "historical hero" and does deserve such a tribute.

Cheers

S.