[ARC5] Re: Collings Foundation

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On 5/21/07, David Stinson <arc5 at ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <flood at Krohne.com>
>
> > They were more than happy to have me help on other stuff but had no
> > interest, at that time at least, on old working radio gear.  The weight of
> > the gear was heavy and weight = fuel consumption and as we all know
> > especially now, fuel=$$$...

I have to add a bit here, having been a member of the Collings Group
for some time back in the 90s.

First, they actually *DO* haul the original gear around in some
planes, like the B-24 which appeared to be outfitted with a NOS
BC-375, Norden bombsight, Command sets and so on. IIRC, it even had
the cabling. The B-17 Nine-O-Nine also had its gear installed, but not
to the same completed level (perhaps due to its earlier restoration,
no cables). It even had the tuning units for the BC-375 stacked in the
appropriate spot. No idea about the B-25 as I don't recall if it was
flying or even there back then.

We need to keep in mind that just because we love all this old gear in
working, useable condition, it doesn't mean that the other 99.9% of
the world does. Even the OTs I know who flew never mention using it
now, though they do enjoy seeing it. Les Relation, K1OXQ (sk) even
gave an impromptu talk inside of the B-24 to those in hearing
distance, about the equipment and what it was. Les was a radio op in
B-24s in WWII, but he had not one single piece in his radio room at
home and no desire to ever use it again.

Also keep in mind that they do haul around a lot of gear unrelated to
their original duties, like folding tables and chairs, red cones to
block off certain areas, the crew's personal bags of clothing,
supplies, tools, etc required to take the show on the road. Uncle Sam
isn't paying the fuel bill now, and while I do agree with Dave's
statement about overall weight and so on, one needs to keep in mind
their current 'mission'. It takes a lot of $$ in gas, parts, and so on
to keep them in the air. This is their main priority. Some would say
that no warbirds should be flying, only static displays in museums or
wasting away outside in the weather.

When I was involved, Phil Haskell was my contact. At that time, they
were quite interested in having working examples of radio gear used in
the aircraft to be displayed at their ground facilities for open house
and other events. And yes - they were installing stuff in the
aircraft, but for safety and other issues relating to FAA
requirements, 'working' was either not an issue or option. I don't
recall the details. Think '21st Century', not WWII Wartime footing.

Granted, I'm talking of a time 10-15 years ago. Still, I'd be
surprised to hear that they had since stripped all WWII-vintage radio
gear from their fleet. I'd also be surprised if they had made an
about-face towards the original gear in general. More and more groups
have actually been looking for accurate gear in recent years for their
restorations, as many of us know. They were very receptive and
interested in having me involved then, life just took a few turns and
landed me elsewhere. I hope to get involved again at some point.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ