Paul Allen's collection sold - new owner acknowledged now.

[Warbird Kid]

I'm guessing that's a hint ^

[kalamazookid]

Air Classics has no motivation to share the name of the new owner in their post - they want you to buy their magazine to find out.

I'm looking forward to hearing more official details. I too hope the collection will be accessible to the public in some way, whether through a museum or regular airshow appearances.

[thunderbolt47d]

Well what we can be certain of is that it has sold. Now given the quantity of aircraft and the dollar value that limits the number of players. Since they say the flyable ones will be flown across country that should mean east coast so let's look at who on the east coast might be in the running.
1. Kermit Weeks- unlikely as he is putting his focus and money into what he calls "Phase 3" of FoF that he describes as a combination museum and flight based amusement attraction.
2. Collings Foundation- good possibility even with issues from the crash
3. Jerry Yagen- another good possibility
4. Neil Melton- owner of the Tennessee Museum of Aviation but I see this as a long shot.

If Mid-west/ Southwest
1. Fagen Fighters
2. Lewis Air Legends

I'm sure that I'm missing some and it is always possible for a new player to be involved but I think it will come from the first 4.

[JohnTerrell]

^ None of the above

While the new owner might be considered "a new player" for many, as he hasn't been on many people's radar, he isn't new at all to warbird ownership, nor flying them himself.

[quemerford]

New owner confirmed? Is it because all I can see here is "I know but ain't telling" BS we get when no-one really knows.

[StangStung]

New owner confirmed? Is it because all I can see here is "I know but ain't telling" BS we get when no-one really knows.

I agree with this. It really is exhausting to come to a site where we all share a love of warbirds and see not warbirds, but grown people playing the school yard card of "I know something you don't know."

Either lay the cards down and share them (a message board is designed for sharing after all), or button your loose lips and let everything be revealed in due course.

This "well, I know [churlish giggle], but I can't let you know...but the gossip in me means I just MUST let everyone know that I know..."?

C'mon man. Grow up.

[thunderbolt47d]

^ None of the above

While the new owner might be considered "a new player" for many, as he hasn't been on many people's radar, he isn't new at all to warbird ownership, nor flying them himself.

Time will tell us who and I wish them nothing but the best with keeping them flown and finishing and returning the projects to the air! As I stated I'm sure I over looked someone with the wherewithal to make the purchase.

[marine air]

I would say you can take Mr. Weeks off the list. If he were going to spend eight or nine figures, he would want more hangar space and to get many of his beloved aircraft airworthy, like his Sikorski S-43. He has been complaining for a few years about how much he already has invested in his passion.
You can also take Mr. Melton off the list. He is very content with the activity they have at his museum. I could see him buying one of the aircraft or projects but they already have about fifty years of projects and are out of storage room. It doesn't fit his profile at all.
It's possible that it's an enthusiastic younger, newer version of the current large collectors. It's also possible that someone made a huge transaction at a "cheaper than retail" price, or even a wholesale price. In other words "they made money when they bought the collection." Most warbirds when bought one at a time involve the buyer losing money on the purchase, losing money on the restoration, and losing money on the investment relative to everything else in his investment portfolio. But it's his passion.
Does the real estate go with the collection? What about the military vehicles and other artifacts?

[Warbirdnerd]

First round of moving trucks showed up-

[martin_sam_2000]

First round of moving trucks showed up-

probably not too far off....

[thunderbolt47d]

First round of moving trucks showed up-

Stueart Walton? Definitely not on my radar but certainly has the funds. Good luck to him if it if indeed it is he.

[paulmcmillan]

“Good night, John-Boy. Good night, Elizabeth. And good night, daddy. Good night, son.?

[Lon Moer]

My contribution to continuing the rumor mill....the only thing I've 'heard' in the rumors is 'F2G red #57'......

[DoraNineFan]

Is there a prize for the correct guess?

Maybe the Mig-29 is lonely.......

[CH2Tdriver]

^ None of the above

While the new owner might be considered "a new player" for many, as he hasn't been on many people's radar, he isn't new at all to warbird ownership, nor flying them himself.

Please...Let it be Rob Lauder. Proud owner of Mk1 Spitfire, Corsair, Zero and Mustang, based out of Brookhaven Airport. Yup, bring that entire collection to Long Island NY!!!!