Around the Hangar

As I said before, there is a TON of activity at the hangar, and it is quite difficult to keep up! A number of members made an off site visit to the C&P hangars to check out their B-25s, Betty's Dream and Lady Luck. Betty's Dream is a pristine example of a B-25, and is a great way to gain knowledge for our own projects.
(Photos Thanks to Gary Chambers and Brian Strom)

(Roger Van Ranst, Matt Myklebust and Jim Lauria check out Lady Lucks nose section)


(Roger, Dave Schouveller and Ray Miller look over the uber-complete Betty's Dream)


(Steve Wagoner removes panels from the B-25 tail section)


(Rudy Nassif, clearly moving faster than the speed of light, works on the PT-22's tail wheel)


(Mustangs don't look nearly as sleek with the spinner removed...)


(Bill Atchison and the Motor Pool workers are getting close to finishing their insulating wall)


(Carol Lovaas works to improve another museum case)


(Doug Olson inspects the PT-22)


(Matt Myklebust working on the P-51)


(It took me a minute to remember what was going on here... Larry Utter, Dave, Doug and I were trying to read very fine print in a manual)


(George Colaizy and Randy Hutchison got the tug running again!)


(Doug fondling one of the new ladders we purchased)


(Ray Miller running hydraulic lines for the tail turret. This picture reminds me of the colorized photos shot in the manufacturing plants during WWII.)

A Cool Way to Start a Saturday

A few weeks ago, we were approached by Brandon, a Navy Helicopter pilot, who asked if we would be able to grant a favor. He and his girlfriend Deb wanted to get into the cockpit of Miss Mitchell. He went on to explain that he was going to ask her to marry him and wanted to do so inside the B-25. We thought this was a neat idea, and were happy to help.

Congratulations to Brandon and Deb on getting engaged!

The Outside Air

This update of The Outside Air focuses on the PBJ-1J (Navy/Marines B-25) being restored by the So. California Wing of the CAF. The group has done a significant amount of fabrication work, due to some daunting corrosion issues. The aircraft is looking great, and looks like it will be an outstanding example of a PBJ! For more info, visit http://www.orgsites.com/ca/caf-socal/index.html
(Video by Dan Newcomb)


Six Years in Six Minutes

Dan Newcomb | Myspace Video

Blog Update - 09December to 14January

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday! This year Christmas Day and New Years Day both fell on a Saturday, but that didn't stop some die-hard members from showing up at the hangar to work! I know, we're a bit nuts.

The Holiday season has been a good one for the CAF. We've gained a number of new members, all of whom are enthusiastic! I have had so many members and visitors comment on how busy the hangar is. We have people working on every aircraft, working in every area of the hangar, and a good sized group at the motor pool. It is amazing, and impossible for any one person to keep track of everything that is going on! This is so great to see, and has new and old members excited about being at the hangar!

Our efforts to cut cold at the Motor Pool are already paying off. The heat runs less and less, and the building stays quite warm. It will be a great place to work once the building projects are completed!

There are a number of new efforts being devised by the Wing Staff and Membership to increase revenue. If you have any suggestions for new revenue to pursue, let us know! We are looking for any way to generate funding, which will allow us to expand, update and procure new items in the museum!

Be sure to make an effort to swing by the hangar, especially on a Saturday, to meet some new members, see the new projects, and get involved with the CAF!