Connecticut Corsair- A Project in the Making

               An incredible thing is happening here in our small but eclectic state. At the small Chester Airport, a World War II Corsair is being restored.......TO FLY. Warbirds arnt previlent in this area of the country and its a welcome site to see a flyable aircraft of this nature to be based in the state and to be flown for the state.

              May 29th is designated Corsair Day in Connecticut as this memorable aircraft has become the official aircraft of the state. This title has not been bestowed upon any other aircraft for any other state. Because of this, the plane is especially noteworthy and important to the "locals", and what better way to preserve such an important part of history than to operate one?

              Craig Mcburney started "Connecticut Corsair" and has since collected a wealth of parts and pieces from the famed bent wing bird. His goal, along with many others is to see a F4U-4 Corsair return to the skies. With restoring an aircraft of this magnitude the notion of rebuilding new parts has come into play. Craig is organizing and utilizing as many companies within the state to aid in the reproduction of numerous parts for the Corsair, including the main wing spar. This is single-handedly one of the most challenging parts to produce Craig says. We aviation enthusiasts will eagerly watch for updates on this amazing of restorations. 

Project Website
Video of Project
Discussion of project on WIX forum

1/144th Corsairs

While at the Simsbury Fly-In I ended up bringing a few of my 1/144th aircraft to the show to liven up the display booth. Here's an example of one aircraft straight out of the box in its pre-done markings.

The other is a little more modified. This one is representing the Goodyear aircraft we rescued off the pedestal at Stratford Airport. Its received its fair amount of weathering, birds, and bird poop. Almost looks real huh? I was surprised myself with the end results of the pic.

Warbird Kid out...

EAA Fly-In/ Simsbury Airport, CT. 9/20/2009

           Reporting "Live" from Simsbury airport NW of Hartford, this years EAA fly-in was a fantastic event. As its my first time visiting this eclectic little field, I felt Ive been missing something special for years right in my own back yard! It was a great day to bask in the late Summer sun and inform a few people about our little museum located in Stratford. The link is: www.simsburyairport.com/flyin.php

(Great shot of me just as we were setting up. This is after a few hours of sleep and one large cup of coffee.)

And on to a few photos of some of the more exciting aircraft there...

Of course there were far more aircraft there than these few measly pictures, but a few more pics can be found here: http://s190.photobucket.com/albums/z141/Warbird-Kid/Simsbury%20Flyin/

All in all I wish we could have more of these types of events in our small but exciting state.  It just seems that the usual degree of enthusiasm towards flying and especially airports is luke-warm at best. But its shows like this that must be sought out by airplane enthusiasts. A definite attraction for any wing nut!

Warbird Kid Out...

WWII Planes

Chris,

My parents worked at Chance Vought in the late 40's. My dad helped build the F7U Cutlass--an experimental jet plane with twin engines in the back & 2 rutters on each wing; my mom worked on the F4U Corsair. She could have been the poster child for the Rosie the Riveter WWII ads.

hello

Chris,
You have to figure out some way to take flying lessons. Maybe something at the New Haven Airport. That is small enough that you may meet a pilot that needs graphic design for a business card or flyer.
janet

Collings Foundation in Connecticut!

As Summer begins to recede and the leaves begin to show signs that Fall is around the corner it usually means something else.......The Collings Foundation is back in town and doing what they do best. Preserving history and giving the opportunity to some lucky passengers to fly aboard one of these vintage aircraft. Now in there 20th season, the CF has been non stop each year, flying all across the country. By far one of the most consistent of the few tour group out there, the CF is usually considered the measuring stick for warbird enthusiasts.

The group is flying with three aircraft this year. The long running B-17 and B-24 along with the very special TP-51 Mustang. Each aircraft is available for flight/rides and are something really amazing to behold. There website is http://www.collingsfoundation.org/menu.htm