I spent a couple of days at the EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin earlier this week, my first visit to the airshow. I expected to see lots of neat airplanes, but the last thing I expected to see were some neat Model T Fords!
It turns out that the local T club (didn't get the name) brings some Ts to the show every year and offers free rides around a specified course around the show grounds. The club parks their Ts by the Ford pavilion at the show (Ford is one of the show's corporate sponsors). They were kept busy both days I was there talking to show-goers and giving rides.
There were also two Ford Trimotors at the show, offering rides at $75.00 per hop. I did not spring for a ride in one.
Were there any P-47 Thunderbolts?
Hey Bob, I don't know about this show but there was a P-47 at the Cherry Point airshow a month or two back. It was almost blinding, like they dipped the whole thing in chrome it was so shiny.
Great pictures Mark - the blue touring is gorgeous. Is the guy driving the hack wearing pajama pants?
There are two clubs at the EAA. The Greater Milwaukee MTFCI and Dairyland Tin Lizzies MTFCA. The guys in the pictures are Tod and Bob Wirth and Kevin Brusso. I think the guy driving is Greg Zangl.
I did not see any P-47 Thunderbolts. There were at least a dozen P-51 Mustangs, two P-38 Lightnings, two P-40 Warhawks, one Grumman Bearcat, two Grumman Avengers, one Supermarine Spitfire MK. XXII, and one Japanese Zero (with a Pratt & Whitney engine, the owner said it would have been too hard and expensive to get a flight certification with the original Japanese engine). I did not see any German or Italian warbirds while I was there.
If folks are interested, I will start an OT thread with warbird pictures from the show.
Yes please, definitely do an OT warbird pic thread.
Please start a warbirds thread
Warbirds thread has been started.
Mark.......you should have ponied up for a ride in the Tri-Motor.
It's an unforgettable experience!
I got a ride in one of them and got to sit in the co-pilot's seat........which made it even MORE unforgettable.......
Yes that is Greg Zangl in the Hack and he is wearing pajama pants.
I drove up there this AM in the 60 degree weather in my Speedster. About 70 miles. Once I got there the sun came out and numerous people were given rides. We operate from 10-2, Monday through Friday. That is the time period that EAA gives us.
Ford also gave us a new shirt, a Mustang hat for the 50th anniversary, a free lunch and free admission. I think the Model T people came out ahead on this deal.
We do this every year, so if you want to head to Oshkosh you will always be able to get a ride.