WIX Archives
Thats not the issue!
Posted by Joe Scheil on Thu Sep 18, 2003 07:53:08 PM
In reply top Back off the Staggerwing comments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! posted by Rob Rohr on Thu Sep 18, 2003 07:32:37 PM
I love a good Corsiar restoration over a 51 but never thin
k the classic lines of a staggerwing can come close to a C
corsair.
It does not matter. The RR Heritage trophy is not judged on the lines of the type presented, nor the classiness of the type. The level of detail that went into the Corsair, in terms of research and presentation makes it an artifact of historical importance. Perhaps because I do not know the specifications of the judging process I am wrong. The Corsair was complete, the only one of its kind to be so with the right engine, an R-2800-8W, and everyhting hooked up and working. There were no replica guns in her wings, they were Browning 50's. Everything was there and it all worked, the only complaint being it was very "nice", and was better painted and finished than Goodeyear could have done. The two Staggerwings there were both G models, rare and desirable aircraft, but I do not know wether they were "restored" to original, or merely restored for an owner. Both have their place, but a "Heritage" trophy should place a premium on the former. This was the not an aircraft that could be compared with other Corsairs, as they are very different. This was an aircraft very much on the forefront of the warbird restoration scene, and was presented factory stock, without the massive bogus scoreboard of kills and missions. Judged on its own merit, it truly was beyond the class or that field, and I believe that the peoples choice award says it all. I sent everyone I could from the pits up there to take a look, but unless you know Corsairs, it really does not sink in. John Lane was present every day and took hundreds behind the ropes to show off his airplane, including me. Unless the Staggerwing was presented in its original N number with correct fabrics, stitching and accesories built into it in 46', then it was not in the same class.
End of Rant!