Tally Ho

I should have punched out about ten days ago.  Back when I still had a week's worth of posts in the queue.  Counting this one, assuming I get it finished in time, there will be TWO entries left before you catch up.  It's too late to bail out and hit the silk now.  I've either got to push the throttles to  the firewall or flare and try for a soft belly landing.

How was that for a lead-in segue?

Today in the skies over the wastelands, the sounds of Wasps, Hornets and Cyclones are rumbling.  If you listen closely, and know what you are listening for Merlin is out there casting a spell or two.  While there is a Thunderbolt, unfortunately, there's no Lighting.  I've even heard rumors of a Vampire stalking the skies..

This weekend marks the 28th annual Salute to Veterans Memorial Day Airshow. 
There are some awesome aircraft overhead this weekend.  Yes, I would love to own any one of them.  No, I couldn't afford to fly them.  There are three though, I might consider trading my left nu... there are three that I would absolutely love to have.  All three had their first flights in the 1930's, All three served with the U.S. Military, and none of the three are sexy fighter beasts, or the gorgeous Boeing B-17's or the stunning, drop dead gorgeous Mitchell B-25's one might imagine I would choose.   

The Boeing Stearman.  Cruising low, slow and in an open cockpit.  Sign me up.  All day everyday.   Seen in Tora! Tora! Tora! and as Randy Quaid's crop duster in "Independence Day".  One could have been purchased as airworthy surplus in 1946 for about $500.  Would have been a helluva investment.  They're going upwards of $100k today.

The Grumman G-21 Goose.  Let's fly around the Caribbean searching for Desdemona, her rocket ship and the missing Joe Merchant.  (Reference).   We might even choose the South Pacific and go on our own adventures, searching for the Gold Monkey. (Reference).   This one will cost you about $250 bucks an hour to play with.  Just for fuel .  

Finally, the crème de la crème.  The Consoldated PBY-5A.  Ugly, slow, and pondering.  You didn't turn a Catalina, you ordered the helmsman to put her hard over.  She turned like a boat, a big, ungainly flying-boat.  She wasn't a cheap date though.  1,750 gallons of fuel at nearly $5 a gallon and burning about 60-70 gallons per hour.  



This one got long here, I've decided to make it at least a two-parter.  Aside from length, it lets me cheat the system and give me a freebie entry.

Thanks.  Part two tomorrow...

See you in the friendly skies...