Warbird Information Exchange

Oh heck no! We'll never see the collection then!

Wonder how big the WM tramp stamp will be.

I've seen a number of Facebook folks commenting that they're going to Arkansas. Just like on here, those "in the know" just want you to either know that they know, or think that they know, but won't say.

For anyone who hasn't seen them, there are some stunning Scott Slocum photos here of Steuart Walton's F8F-1 Bearcat, completed by Ezell Aviation last year. This is the same Bearcat that was originally restored for Texas Flying Legends/Dakota Territory Air Museum, but had engine issues on the first test flight a couple years ago. The exceptional quality of work by Ezell is evident in these photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/experimen ... 0297375125

I don't know when we can stop dancing around the answer that is so heavy-handedly obvious in the hints in this thread above, but I assume there's a reason we're playing this game.

I haven't decided quite how to feel about this, from the standpoint of a warbird looky-loo. The new owner does fly his existing planes, yes. But there is no track record of going to airshows, no history of funding restorations, no reason to think the collection will be very accessible or visible going forward. Reason to HOPE, yes, but not reason to THINK.

The reason to HOPE mainly stems from the fact that this is such an order-of-magnitude leap in the owner's warbird holdings that it would be a shame not to have some kind of a program for public display and participation. But then again, we have all seen plenty of things that are a shame.

Anyway, wishing the new owner the best of luck and safety in the maintenance and operation of these treasures.

August

August, we also have reason to HOPE for a Kelly Rohrbach pinup warbird calendar.

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

I agree with August. The Paul Allen Collection is not just a collection of mostly airworthy warbirds, but rather a significant collection of rare WW2 military aviation artifacts. Many of whom need extreme care to maintain and operate. There’s significant specialized maintenance and knowledge that I’m assuming would be needed for several aircraft in the collection.

My humble opinion with the little I know about the big picture is that I’m a bit disappointed and concerned, but I also understand that something needed to happen as the sister of PA had no interest in keeping and maintaining the collection.

My concern means zip!!! so I’ll hope for the best and wish the young Walton a successful mission with “his” new collection. I hope he understands not only the financial obligations but also the historic responsibilities.

I hope he flies em safe and takes great care of them. And above all enjoys them.

I also hope he acquires “the bug” like PA did to continue to search the world and restore to flight some of the extremely rare examples.

On the other hand, this could just be an investment. Buy the lot, keep and fly some and slowly over the years flip others.

Mac

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WWII Naval Aviation Research - Pacific
https://www.ww2nar-pac.com/

You just won the thread.

August

So you're saying Steuart Walton, of Walmart, bought the collection.

Great. Fine. Enough pussyfooting around.

Painful wasn't it? Thanks for being first to tell us.

Please bear in mind. Three different threads, which mentioned the new owner, got pulled down.

As a gear jammer, I Find it strange that Walmart would part with ANY of their fleet for a move such as this. They are busy 24/7. And their fleet is ill equipped to handle this kind of move unless this is all palletized and fork lift friendly. There are a lot of specialized carriers out there that handle this kind of move. If someone wants to bankroll me I'll acquire the equipment (The drink is after the move)

I believe Warbirdnerd's pic was posted for fun, and imagine the move will take some time to complete. The question going through my mind is: How or if the collection will be available for the public to see? The Bentonville, AR area is booming, and it would be great if Mr. Walton built a museum similar to FHCAM there.

Well, I am glad the pressure is off me to win the Lotto and buy the collection, although I did put $50 bucks down on it. Hope I get it back!

All kidding aside, I wonder if they hired any of the Aircraft Support Staff, like Jason Muszala, to continue in the operation of these birds and restorations?