Champlin Fighter Aircraft Museum tour ?

John-Tucson · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2003, 10:33 PM

Hey Mikiec, what plans do you have for an event in July or August ? Is the Champiln Museum still open or have they moved the WWII aircraft up to Oregon ? This might be an interesting tour, perhaps I can get a few Cobras from Tucson to drive up there if the museum opens early. What do you say for a tour and a get together for hot dogs at someones home ? Or lunch there at the airport. We'd probably want to leave by 1:00pm for Tucson. I've had a couple of good responses on early Sunday morning events down here. John

BPWilliams · #2 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 08:13 AM

Hey John!

BPWilliams · #3 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 08:18 AM

Sorry, I have a lot of problems hitting the wrong key like "Tab - Enter"

Anyway:

Hey John!
I think that the museum is gone, we live just down the street from the Airport, and last I saw they were taking down the building that housed the planes.
I do think that it would be a great Idea to make a run, but man is it HOT! Well thought you would like the info on the Museum at the airport.
Later,
Brian

John-Tucson · #4 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 08:25 AM

Brian, thanks for the update. I'd like to ask a favor of you, could you call the museum and ask what their status is ? I knew that the WWII aircraft were to be moved to Oregon or the Flight Museum in Seattle but wasn't sure if the entire collection and museum were going to close down. I took a peak at the photos of your car and it looks great. Thanks, John

mikiec · #5 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 08:29 AM

John,

I think Brian's correct. They moved everything to Seattle last I heard.

I have something in the works for Sept. Right now it's to darn hot. The only way something would work is to leave real early and come after dark.

I think a trip up to the top of Mt. Lemon is out of the question. I hope they get that thing out as soon as possible. Any of our gang have property up there?

Mike

John-Tucson · #6 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 08:57 AM

Thanks Mikiec, Yes, it is getting warm down here also. On June 1st we had 13 Cobras gather for a drive up Mt. Lemmon. We were awed by the devastation from last year's Bullock Fire. One of the small but memorable things was breakfast at the resturant across from the ski lift where the hundreds of humming birds came to feed only a couple of feet from our tables. All of that is gone now. Over 320 homes and all seven business' are gone also. Today they have evacuated the Ventana Canyon Resort and the 100 plus homes around it and started back fires in hopes of stopping the fire before it gets any lower. From our home we see the fires every day and night, they are within four miles now. The smell of burned wood fills the air and a thich cloud has covered northeast Tucson for two weeks. On the 4th, the wind shifted and the smoke cloud covered the entire city and made the sun a brilliant orange from noon until sunset. Hopefully the back fires and a few days of calm winds will get the fire under control. I didn't tell you about the DVSFIII drive through Columbus, only 25 Cobras showed up and we had a blast ! There were a dozen motorcycle cops escorting us as we roared thru the city. Some of the guys even "lit 'em up" for the crowds who seemed to appear from nowhere. Son, Jim, and his family were able to join the parade at the end in their van, you should have heard our grandson talk about the police escort and the lights and sirens. 'Twas another DVSFIII memorable event. John

BPWilliams · #7 (**permalink**) 07-08-2003, 10:47 AM

John,
Thanks for the nice words on the car!
I will have my wife call the airport to get status on the museum, I can't imangine being that close to the fire down there! Talk about smog, I feel for everybody that lost everything, it is truly sad.

I was thinking that the airport might not be a bad idea! It's only 10 min away for us, we can jump in the pool, then race over to the museum before we cool down......... ;-)
Take care,
Brian

mikiec · #8 (**permalink**) 07-08-2003, 11:40 AM

John,

I really do not have anything for July or August. Just to hot. I may have a breakfast run soon but everyone would like to be back home before noon.

We are working on a gathering for the 20th of Sept. It will be in conjunction with the AKCC.

Also, SPF is opening a new facility in Scottsdale sometime in the next few months and want us to be there for the open house.

Mike

Scooterman · #9 (**permalink**) 07-09-2003, 12:02 AM

Hey Guys,
The Champlin Museum has moved for sure. I am an active member of the Commemerative Air Force Airzona Wing( formerly the Confederate Air Force). They are just down the ramp from Champlin. The B-17 and He111 will be out on tour until October. That would be a perfect time to plan something. They have just finished a new hanger addition and are acquiring more displays. Maybe if you want to plan something I could inquire about a group rate. They are also having another Veteran's Day fly-in for November. This might also be a good venue to meet and display the Cobras. They also host Corvette and other car get togethers through the year. This might also be a thought. Let me know if you want to plan something and I will put you in touch with the right people.
Thanks,
Scott A.

mikiec · #10 (**permalink**) 07-09-2003, 10:48 AM

Scott,

I like the idea of a veterans day gathering there.....

Mike

John-Tucson · #11 (**permalink**) 07-09-2003, 07:25 PM

Thanks Scott, great plan for Veteran's Day. Take it and run with it. I'd love to have a picture of a dozen Cobras under the wind of a B-17. Not to get technical though, Veteran's Day is Tuesday, November 11th, 2003. Do you think that they will have a program on the previous weekend, Nov. 8 th or 9th. ? John

Scooterman · #12 (**permalink**) 07-09-2003, 11:09 PM

I think the Fly-in is on the 8th and 9th. I will e-mail Chris (the Fly-in committee chairman) and see if the Cobra meet would work for them.
Talk to you guys soon,
Scott

Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB · #13 (**permalink**) 07-09-2003, 11:25 PM

The Weekend of Nov 8th-9th would be great! I'm even off those days and Good Guys is the following weekend.

Bob

Scooterman · #14 (**permalink**) 07-10-2003, 10:04 AM

Hey Guys,
Chris e-mailed me back, and said that they have quite a few events happening in conjuction with the fly-in already. But he wants to explore the idea of having the Cobras and maybe some other cars for a get together a little later. I will keep you all posted. Everyone is welcome to come for the fly-in though.
Later,
Scott

mikiec · #15 (**permalink**) 07-10-2003, 11:06 AM

Scott,

That's good news ... I was somewhat disappointed that I would miss the event as Ginny and I will be in Vegas at the Factory Five Owners Group gathering.

Let me know what you can work out with them. We have nothing planned for November yet. The first weekend in December we are having our 3rd anniversary gathering.

Mike

Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB · #16 (**permalink**) 07-10-2003, 04:47 PM

Mike, keep in mind the Wickenburg Toyz for Totz Run is the first Sunday in December (7th).

Bob

Scooterman · #17 (**permalink**) 07-11-2003, 05:41 PM

Hi All,
We recieved word yesterday that our He-111 that is based at Mesa was destroyed in a crash killing both pilots. One of the pilots was assistant crew chief with myself on the SNJ-5 also at CAF. It is a sad loss. If you can all send your thoughts and prayers to the families I would appretiate it. I will keep everyone posted on a get together at the CAF.
Thanks,
Scott