Thunder Over Michigan 2006 Aircraft Line-Up Updated July 31

[Mudge]

I know very well what the organizers are going through. That's why I put in the disclaimer below. They have my utmost respect. Particularly keeping in mind their pay grade.

I know it's not something the organizers can control

Mudge the appreciative

[Ontario-Warbird]

I know I was a little disappointed that their were not more Spit's ( In my eye's the best WWII aircraft made ), and would have really liked to see Mr. Greenwood's tr.IX but deletions can happen at anytime. Still seeing and hearing a Griffon powered Spit would be a first for myself, so I am praying it shows.

Looking forward to this weekend, see you all their.

Dave C

[mjanovec]

All due respect but I gotta' disagree.
Trading a Spit for a Goose, a Hurricane for a T-6, a Mustang for "Auntie Ju"?
Don't get me wrong. I know it's not something the organizers can control, but and even trade?

Mudge the wavering

I'm not happy with the deletions, by any means, but they're to be expected at this point in the game. The way I viewed it was that the show has more variety with the additions...despite the losses. We lose a Corsair, but there is another. We lose a P-51, but have plenty of others (seven at last count). Same with the Spit and the Hurricane...while it's tough to see them go, there are other Spits and Hurricanes that should be there.

With the additions, we now have a JU-52, a C-54, a Goose, 2 A-10s, and a B-2 flyover where we didn't have them before. Hence, more variety. The only loss of a type is the AC-47, but there is still a C-47 in attendence. For the general audience who isn't as warbird obsessed as some of us, the addition of the B-2 flyover will hold more interest for them than the difference between seeing 4 vs. 5 Spitfires.

Mark the optimistic

[RickH]

I thought you guys were all going to see the Skyhawk/Corsair formation.
Figured the others were just gravy !

[TimAPNY]

I thought you guys were all going to see the Skyhawk/Corsair formation.
Figured the others were just gravy !

I'm there for the Able Dogs and everything Navy, Those pond hoppers are just a bonus.

Tim

[Airlift48]

I hope you stop by and tour our C-54, the interior museum/exhibit is completely new this year.

This will mark the 5th event with our CGI Airman tour guide.
A really exceptional addition.

The Spooky is having engine troubles, Im sorry to say. It seems to be a disease amongst us large warbird operators.

TWA Connie, B-29 FiFi, the AC-47...

It hasnt been a red letter year for big pistons.

We're muddling through though. Not without our troubles, but muddling through, nonetheless.

Hope to see you all at Thunder.

Kevin Kearney
Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation
C-54 "Spirit of Freedom"
C-97 "Angel of Deliverance"

www.spiritoffreedom.org

[needle]

Kevin,

It was great to see the C-54 at OSH, and at the warbird banquet it was great to see you guys get the recognition you deserve.

Julian

[Ontario-Warbird]

FYI Its seems that Spitfire SL721 might not make it to Thunder, due to a mechanical problem. Now were down to 3 Spits if this information is true

See ya all their

Dave C

[RickH]

For you guys going to Thunder. The guys flying the Skyhawk are Bert Zeller and Al Hyde. Stop by and visit with them if the opportunity arises. Let them know you are a WIXer. There may be an opportunity to lend a hand if you're willing.

[RickH]

Sabertech are you guys taking the T2? Bert Zeller is flying the A-4.

[Sabremech]

RickH
We're not sure yet. We have some maint to do and we're thinking of coming out in the T28 instead. I read that Bert Z is coming so we may get the maint runs done early and bring it out. Looking at the weather forecast tomorrow and will make our decision then. We thought the T28 might fit the the Thunder theme better.
David

[Tom Crawford]

Hey Guys,
Do I detect a little pickynest (?) amongst the group? I would say that we should appreciate whomever decides to fly-in for the show. Afterall with all the costs, fuel, insurance, etc. we can't sit back, as much as we would like, and cherrypick the warbird community. We would like all of them to show but then we would we be satisfied?
Remember more folks than we would like admit died this year for whatever reason to participate at OSH.
Tom

[Ontario-Warbird]

Spitfire SL721 will not be at Thunder, but Mr. Potter brought a nice surprise in Hurricane KZ321.

Cheers Dave C

[Sabremech]

No problem on our part with what we come out there in. We've been burining alot of jet A and thought it might be good to exercise the T28 a little. Been sitting a while. Don't want it to break in the hangar.
David
WHF Maint

[Scott Rose]

Well I'll be happy with whatever you bring

Looking forward to tommorrow, had a great time at the WIX dinner tonight and look forward to meeting many more WIXers on Saturday!