Connecticut Air & Space Center

Model Fest 11 is Here!

2011-09-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

Model Fest is here at the Knights of Columbus in Milford on October 9th! Hosted by the Stratford IPMS

CASC at Captain's Cove Seaport

2011-09-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

On September 11th, the Connecticut Air & Space Center was present at Captain's Cove in Bridgeport to honor the people who were lost on that fateful day, and to be with the local community showcasing our unique brand of honor and sacrifice. While we don't have any displays from the 9/11 tragedies, we all feel connected to that day. Aside from that it was business as usual here at the CASC, with informing the public about our aircraft, restorations, and aspirations. Senator Richard Blumenthal was on hand to share in the festivities. We also had a chance to converse with him and show him just what we've been up to. Maybe with his help could we see a public location opened sooner than we think.

CASCADE (July - August)

2011-08-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

NEAM visits CASC!

2011-08-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

The Connecticut Air & Space Center was visited by a large group of members from the New England Air Museum on Tuesday to view our facility and growing collection. While NEAM was founded in 1959, their collection is unrivaled in the entirety of New England. It was not only exciting but insightful to have 12 or so members from such a prestigious and acknowledged museum visit our humble workshop and small museum. Their interest should inspire us to push ahead and open permanently to the public in some form or fashion. Be it in our current location or an off site satellite location, we have enough artifacts (and with enough planning) the capability to design and build some amazing displays. The hour long tour consisted of numerous and thought provoking questions from the fellow tours, general amazement and interest, with periodic stops along the many large aircraft and displays. All in all it was a day showing other airplane people around our airplanes. We hope to continue coordinating and working with “our big brothers” up north that will be beneficial and helpful to both organizations.

CASC at Discovery Museum (Sunday - August 14)

2011-08-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Come out this Sunday to the Discovery Museum for the "First in Flight Festival". The CASC will be on hand with exhibits, artifacts, and (trailer providing) Andy's exact replica on Whitehead's No.21!

http://www.discoverymuseum.org/museum/museum/events.html

CASCADE (Airshow Edition)

2011-06-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Wings & Wheels 2011 Airshow

2011-05-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the Wings & Wheels Airshow, held at the Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford CT. While the weather didn't cooperate as well as she could have, the show still went on and locals were treated to the sights and sounds of many different type of aircraft. Photos by Robwkamm.

The CASC was out in full force with no less than 5 aircraft projects:

1. Whitehead No. 21 Replica

2. FG-1D Corsair (Mockup w. original parts)

3. S-52 Cab

4. S-60 Cab

5. H-23 Raven

We were able to spread the word about the museum and our efforts. While the Corsair project is moving into a new phase, we are currently working to enhance our accessibility to the public. Stay tuned for more updates and new releases.

Keep updated with the CASC on Facebook!

2011-05-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

With today's world of internet connectivity, Facebook is an essential tool with helping raise awareness to a cause such as the CASC. This blog will be continued to be updated, but the Facebook page will more than likely be updated more due to the simplicity of it. Either way the blog, FB page, and other websites will continue to inform the public on the CASC and its projects. http://www.facebook.com/ctairandspace

Sikorsky Corsair on the Move!

2011-05-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=40865&p=409931#p409931

Sikorsky Memorial Corsair on the Move Pictures provided by Morgan Kaolian (Aeropix@Prodigy.net). http://www.aeropix.net/

Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Corsair on the Move
Connecticut World War Two Fighter restoration project takes a major step forward.

STRATFORD, CT (May 7, 2011) – The Sikorsky Memorial Corsair is making a huge leap on its path to resurrection by taking a journey to Ezell Aviation Warbird Restorers in Breckinridge, Texas. As the result of the collaboration with Ezell Aviation and The Connecticut Air & Space Center, this journey will accomplish two goals. The first is to help another historic Corsair aircraft, a Brewster F3A, come back to its original glory, and to the air. The second is to knock up to 2 years of restoration work off of the Stratford FG1-D that would have been expensive, significant, lengthy and difficult to accomplish without this amazing and vital alliance.

Thanks to a chance meeting between the Sikorsky Memorial Corsair Restoration Director, Drew King and Massachusetts Corsair enthusiast Matt Hudak, a friendship and understanding was formed with Chad Ezell of Ezell Aviation Warbird Restorers. At the time Ezell took on the project of the Brewster Corsair restoration they were in need of an airframe to make a construction assembly jig. This equipment is custom built to a specific aircraft, and as it turned out, the Sikorsky Memorial Corsair was at a point of disassembly that could serve as this pattern.

The damage to the curved aluminum Wingspar of the Sikorsky Corsair, forming the famous Corsair silhouette, is extensive from the corrosion caused by 37 years on it’s post standing guard outside the entrance to Sikorsky Memorial Airport but has not compromised its ability to serve as a pattern. The other major sections of the aircraft, also in varying degrees of degradation, will also serve as patterns and models with which Ezell Aviation can advance their efforts to bring to life another significant piece of Corsair history by restoring the Brewster F3A back to the airworthy condition for all to see.

While in Texas, the collaboration will involve the Sikorsky FG1-D being used to build manufacturing frame jigs but will also involve being repaired by Ezell Aviation’s crew with the assistance of several members of the Connecticut Air & Space Center’s team of restoration specialists. This work represents a major advance in this project and eventual presentation back to the people of Connecticut as a historically accurate static representation of this very special aircraft. On Memorial Day, 29 May 2005, the Corsair was named the official aircraft of Connecticut in legislation sponsored by state senator George "Doc" Gunther and although no attempt will be made to make the Sikorsky Memorial Corsair airworthy, she will be displayed in a proper and honorable environment here in the State of Connecticut serving as a reminder, testament and homage to those who built, flew and died in these airplanes in the service of our country.

The Chance Vought-Sikorsky F4U Corsair was a carrier-capable fighter aircraft built in Stratford, CT. The Corsair saw service primarily in World War II and during the Korean War as a ground support and night fighter. The Japanese allegedly nicknamed the Corsair "Whistling Death", for the noise made by airflow through the wing root-mounted oil cooler air intakes and had great respect for its capabilities. Demand for the aircraft overwhelmed Vought's manufacturing capability, resulting in production by Goodyear and Brewster Aeronautical Corporation: Goodyear-built Corsairs were designated FG and Brewster-built aircraft were known as F3A. Of the Corsairs built and few remaining, the F3A is a rare find and the Connecticut Air & Space Center is honored to be a small part of Ezell’s efforts to rebuild her.

For more information, pictures and video, check out the restoration on:
http://www.SikorskyMemorialCorsair.org
http://www.ezellaviation.com

About the Connecticut Air & Space Center:
The Connecticut Air & Space Center was founded by George “Doc” Gunther in 1998 after the closing of the Stratford Army Engine Plant, in Stratford, Connecticut. Currently the Connecticut Air & Space Center occupies buildings 6 and 53 at the former Stratford Army Engine Plant complex. The Connecticut Air & Space Center is a non-profit 501c(3) charity. The mission of the CASC is to Honor, Preserve and Educate the story of aviation and technology throughout the State of Connecticut.

About Ezell Aviation:
Ezell Aviation is based in Breckenridge, Texas and has been in the aircraft restoration business for 20 years. They are experts in the Warbird Restoration industry with over 20 flying restorations to date in museums and private collections. The company’s specialty and main work flow has been since its origin, World War II and post-war aircraft. The majority of the company’s restorations have been to bring the aircraft back to flying condition.

Photos Here: http://s190.photobucket.com/albums/z141/Warbird-Kid/Sikorsky%20Corsair%20to%20Ezell/

Wings N Wheels Show 2011 (British Invasion)

2011-04-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

Well its finally broke. Jerry O'Neill (Airshow Organizer) has released the details for this year's Wings N Wheels Airshow held at historic Sikrosky Memorial Airport. Linked below is the post Jerry made on Warbird Information Exchange.

May 21 & 22 will see vintage vehicles and aircraft converge on Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, CT for "Wings N Wheels: British Invasion". We will be saluting the 50th Anniversary of the Jaguar XKE with multiple examples as well as other British cars and aircraft.

For us warbird guys, here's the scheduled line-up:
P-40 Jacky C, FG-1D Skyboss, C-54 BAHF, B-25 Panchito, Spitfire (Sunday 22nd only), C-47, C-45, Sopwith 1/2 Strutter, SNJ, Fokker Triplane, SPAD VII, T-28, PT-23, PT-17, Howard DGA, C-130, L-39, HH-60, H-34 Seahorse, UH-1D Huey. parts of the Stratford based FG-1D Restoration will also be on display. Sorry, pieces only as they have made some great progress since last year!

Orbiter Pilot Joe Edwards will perform acro in his T-28 and Billy Werth will perform his acro routine in his Pitts S2C.
Panchito will also be offering thier ride program all weekend long!

The VIP Photo Pass program is also gong on this year. The weekend pass (there's daily ones too!) includes Friday arrival day, Saturday and Sunday 5:00am Access to field. Behind the ropes ramp access during show, Night shoots on both Friday and Saturday nights with running aircraft and lighting provided, two vertical lifts for high angle photography. See details on website.
There is more pending and I will update you on them as they happen. They just got the website up.

http://wingsnwheelsct.org/
Original Post

S-60 in Mechanix Illustrated (Sept 1959)

2011-03-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

From Ebay this original article from the September 1959 issue of Mechanix Illustrated explains in detail the Sikorsky S-60 Prototype Helicopter and its "potential" uses. While the idea of a floating nightclub suspended by four S-60s was lofty at best, the article was still a great PR vehicle to promote Sikorsky and the rotocraft. Scanned and preserved in the CASC archives, here are the digital versions for all to share and enjoy here on the internet! Its especially motivating for the members of our museum that are conducting the actual restoration on this very helicopter to see these pages from over fifty years ago!

Find more information on the S-60 and the restoration currently being undertaken on her at the Connecticut Air & Space Center click HERE

CASCADE March-April

2011-03-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

Well its that time again. Time for a small update at the CASC with the newsletter, CASCADE.

Corsair Restoration Commercial

2011-03-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

Heres the 30 second Restoration Commercial! Enjoy!

EAA 1310 Presentation a Success!

2011-03-15T05:43:00.000-07:00

The Corsair Team in Attendance in front of the mighty VS-44A.

Hey everyone, I just wanted to take a second to send a hearty thank you to Chuck Drake and EAA Chapter 1310 for allowing us to come up and talk about the Corsair Restoration. In fact we reach out our hand in thanks to all the members of the EAA who talked with us afterwards and shared some great ideas. Chuck presented us with a $100 donation from the EAA Chapter 1310 in addition to what was tossed in the jug.

In addition to Corsair talk I would like to thank Bill Kulle for sharing his PT-17 Stearman with us as well as his family of J-3's. I am going to work with Bill to see if he can bring the Stearman down to the Airshow and hang out with the CASC display. The trip to New England Air Museum was a blast and I am glad we could share it together as a team.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support the event!

Drew King

Corsair Project Director

Ed and Drew graciously accepting the $100 donation from Chuck Drake and the 1310 Chapter

I would like to personally thank you and everyone from the Connecticut Air and Space Center for your most excellent presentation at our our meeting. Many of our members were very impressed with the progress your motivated volunteers have made restoring a symbol to all of those who worked and fought to preserve our freedom. It is safe to say the the spirit of that past aviation workforce is alive and well in Stratford.

There are many aspects in the aviation, However, We all have the same core passion. I hope in the future, the Connecticut Air and Space Museum and EAA chapter 1310 can help encourage and promote a alliances among other aviation organizations for the betterment of all aviation. During the EAA Connecticut and Rhode Island Chapter leaders meetings I would like to promote and involve your organization in any way possible.

Please advise me in any way I can be of assistance during your Airshow or any other need you may have.

Blue Skies and Thank you so very much!

Chuck Drake

President, EAA Chapter 1310

EAA Lifetime Member 487369

Bill Kulle's beautiful PT-17 Stearman that we spotted at the Simsbury Flyin

Corsair Restoration at EAA Chapter 1310

2011-02-28T06:57:00.000-08:00

The Corsair Restoration team will be on display March 12 at the EAA Chapter 1310 headquarters in East Windsor to talk about the project, current obstacles involving the restoration, and fundraising efforts being conducted. The whole team is very thankful for the 1310 Chapter for allowing us to come and inform some aviation minded individuals about this local piece of history being restored.

Example of some of the vintage Warbirds operated by the Chapter.

Link for the 1310's website is here: http://www.eaa1310.org/

CASCADE- Jan-Feb

2011-01-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

A little late on this edition but, the CASC machine rolls on, and this newletter is one of the ways to keep the members informed. This version had an additional insert, with even more current stories and info. We hope to intergrate a new program on the blog to archive and esaliy access all the previous Cascades.

Stay Tuned!

Building 6

2011-01-17T11:44:00.000-08:00

This wartime photo (taken in 1943) is the only known photograph that we have that shows the hangar the CASC currently resides in. Originally built at the outbreak of WWII, this two bay hangar was the Research & Development department for Chance Vought, which housed modified Corsairs for particular tests as well as newe...r experimental aircraft.

Today this building is owned by the US Army, (along with the rest of the factory) and is in a static derelict state. This section of the property, separated from the rest of the facility by Sniffins Lane, has been used primarily as a workshop by the CASC and is not setup as a modern publicly accessible museum. While its the goal of the CASC to completely refurbish this building and turn it into a world class educational aerospace museum, that dream is far in the future. What is needed are donations both private and commercial to help us reach that goal. Help the CASC today by volunteering or donating today.

Roaring Glory Corsair Videos

2011-01-07T08:34:00.000-08:00

Photo from Corsairs over Connecticut by. rbonneau (WIX)

Found on YouTube, these videos are the cut up sections that make up the entire Roaring Glory episode for the Vought F4U Corsair. You can see the Roaring Glory Videos at the link on our Facebook pages. Enjoy!

Toys for Tots Program A HUGE SUCESS!

2010-12-28T16:37:00.000-08:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Many of us here at the CASC, think this one is worth a million....

This Holiday Season, the CASC wishes you and yours a very Merry Holiday Season in 2010, and a bright and prosperous 2011! This year we were able to give back to the public by sponsoring various Toys for Tots drop off box locations. Pictured here are many of our volunteers that are involved in the projects at our beloved workshop / museum.

The Great Soccer War

2010-12-14T14:42:00.000-08:00

While many people may not know what the "Soccer War" or the "100 Hours War" was, it's remembered by many Warbird enthusiasts as the scene of the last Corsairs that saw combat. Of all the other fighter aircraft, it fought against what else but....... Corsairs.

Corsairs from El Salvador. We believe BuNo: 92460 is in the picture.

While Wikipedia isn't a clear and concrete source, its still a good starting point from which other info can be obtained. None-the-less Wikipedia describes the conflict as "...a four-day war fought by El Salvador and Honduras in 1969. It was caused by political conflicts between Hondurans and Salvadorans, namely issues concerning immigration from El Salvador to Honduras. These existing tensions between the two countries coincided with the inflamed rioting during the second North American qualifying round of the 1970 FIFA World Cup. On 14 July 1969, the Salvadoran army launched an attack against Honduras. The Organization of American States negotiated a cease-fire which took effect on 20 July, with the Salvadoran troops withdrawn in early August."

One of the Honduras F4U-5 Corsairs that engaged the FAS FG-D1s.

FAS Boneyard, littered with FG-D1s. The red arrow indicates what we believe was FAS 214, the Corsair brought back to Stratford and the aircraft currently being restored.

92460's Goodyear Dataplate. This plate is still in El Salvador.

Considering the facts that this particular fighter aircraft was originally designed and built in 1940, broke records in 1941, and saw action with the US services up until the Korean War, that alone is a record worth remembering and honoring. But the legacy didn't stop there. Third world countries received these aircraft after the US deemed them obsolete for there needs. Henceforth we come to the realization of these particular aircraft being used in this small conflict that only lasted for four days. While really minimal to the rest of the world's situation, the "Soccer" or "Football War" showed the people of Chance Vought and Goodyear that the products they produced some twenty years prior were still useful to someone somewhere. Not only this but the "Football War" was the last engagement in which piston powered fighters did battle against one another. Thats how solid, reliable, dependable, and important the Corsair was.

As the CASC continues our in-depth research and restoration of Buno: 92460, we are slowly uncovering her past; rivet by rivet. From her inception at the Goodyear factory in Akron. OH. To her service with the US military, to her time in El Salvador, and finally to the Sikorsky Memorial Airport, this aircrafts history will only grow with every step we take to restoring this irreplaceable fighter. If theres anyway you can help please send a check to:

Connecticut Air and Space Center
Box 1293 Stratford CT 06615-1293

Or by becoming a member and volunteering on the Corsair yourself email:

Corsairfas217@gmail.com

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_War

CASC & Toys for Tots Team Up!

2010-12-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

Friends, this time of year we all expect to get presents and celebrate with a big meal with our families. There are many families that can't provide especially in these hard economic times. This year the Connecticut Air and Space Center and Stanziale’s Restaurant at 595 Main Street in Stratford are proud to help Toys for Tots with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. We ask you to please donate a NEW, UNWRAPPED Toy for a Boy or Girl. Connecticut Air and Space Center Members may drop off gifts at the shop on Tues, Thur, Sat and everyone can drop off at Stanziale’s Restaurant during regular business hours Tues - Sun. It is our wish this season that as many children as possible can have a big smile on their face on Christmas morning. The final day is DEC 20th 2010 at 10am so make sure you stop by before then!

The Corsair Restoration Team, The Connecticut Air and Space Center and Stanziale's Restaurant wish all of our supporters over the past year a Happy Holiday Season and a Safe and Joyous New Year!

Toys for Tots, a 63-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7.4 million less fortunate children. Since 1947 over 195 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

Stanziale's Restaurant opened in Stratford on July 28, 2009, and was the dream child of the Stanziale and Toohey families. Their dream was to open a family restaurant which served food as high in freshness and quality as they served their own family and friends at home. Stanziale's offers regional Italian cuisine served in a warm, stylish atmosphere. A wine list designed to complement the menu is also available. They also feature dinner/entertainment shows on most weekends.
Whether it's a full-course family dinner or a quick pizza, Stanziale's is the place to go for FRESHNESS AND QUALITY

stanzialesrestaurant.com

ITS HERE! -30 Second CASC Commercial

2010-11-30T10:31:00.000-08:00

Hot off the editing boards, finally the CASC is beginning to create a marketing campaign that will hopefully result in more aid and assistance in helping the CASC progress. CHECK OUT the new 30 second commercial we've created! Enjoy!

You-tube link can be found here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ool810N6xw

If you or someone you know would like to run this commercial ad please email: Cdsoltis@gmail.com

CASCADE -October-December

2010-11-26T12:35:00.000-08:00

Listen Up!

Due to recent heightened activity in and around the shop, the most recent issue of CASCADE has been lengthened for the 3 months of October, November, & December. Expect to see a new CASCADE in the New Year. We hope everyone has a great holiday!

Corsair Presentation held at Oronoque Village

2010-11-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

From Left to Right: Dick Steele, Ed McGuniess, Chris Soltis, Drew King, & Fred Hyatt

On Tuesday the 9th of November the a presentation was given by some of the core members of the Corsair Restoration Project at the Oronoque Village retirement community located in Stratford CT. Both Fred Hyatt (VP of the CASC) and Dick Steele (Corsair/SB2C pilot & CASC member) live at the Oronoque Village and were the initial reason the Corsair Project spoke there. The presentation was a private one as it was only for the "Fun Seekers", a club of active senior citizens that plan trips to various events and locations. Sadly the rest of the Corsair project team were not allowed to view the presentation. It is expected that every other presentation done by the team hereafter will be a public event unless noted otherwise.

Drew opening up the presentation

The room of around 150 individuals seemed to be most interested in this part of our local history as nearly all of them had lived through this time period. At the end of the presentation a Q & A session was held. Not surprisingly the first question thrown up from the crowd was: "Will the plane fly?". This question was followed by the equally expectant: "Can we see the plane?". Both these answers should be simple one word answers but unfortunately they aren't due to local policies and problems that we've had to encounter.

The Corsair crew on hand after the presentation behind the exhibits booth

Nonetheless the presentation was a success for two main reasons. We informed the public that much more about our plans, ideas, progress, and future (many of whom never even knew what we were doing!) and the Corsair Project was given a $250 check to aid in the restoration. While a fairly small donation in the grand scheme of things, the team has not made light of the monetary amount. Every little bit counts, and every little bit will be used. The Corsair team anticipates this presentation to be only the first of many more public speaking events to take place in the near future. If you or someone you know would like to have the Corsair Restoration presentation come and speak at your event please email:
corsairfas217@gmail.com

F4U-1 Birdcage rises from Lake Michigan

2010-11-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

Photos by. David aka "Sabremech" on WIX

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (CBS) - A World War II plane is back on dry land, after sitting at the bottom of Lake Michigan for nearly 70 years.

The Birdcage Corsair plane was built in the 1940s, and crashed during aircraft carrier training for the war.

“It went into the water and to my knowledge there is not a single surviving example of this aircraft anywhere in the world,” said explained Retired Navy Captain Ed Ellis of the National Aviation Museum Foundation, which is part of the effort.
Around 10:30 a.m., the plane was pulled from the water at Larsen Marine at Waukegan Harbor.

Over the years, A&T Recovery has salvaged 31 World War II era planes from the lake, of which the Birdcage Corsair is the latest.

A&T Recovery’s Taras Lyssenko and Al Olsen studied maps of crashes and located about 100 planes, something the Navy couldn’t do itself.
“These aircraft were older aircraft, a lot of them, as this Corsair was. They had mechanical problems, they had fuel problems, they had pilot error, they had a little bit of everything that led to them going into the water,” Ellis said.
The recovery of this aircraft and others is the continuation of a program begun in the 1990s to recover and preserve Navy aircraft lost in World War II, Navy Capt. Robert Rasmussen, director of the National Naval Aviation Museum, said upon the recovery of another plane last year.

Over the years, the effort has recovered more than 30 vintage aircraft, Rasmussen said last year.
Many of the planes are on display at aviation museums or other public venues across the country, including O’Hare and Midway airports.
Agencies began recovering lost planes in the late 1980s, but the process was on hold for the last 12 years until Navy officials pushed for its resumption.

Original News Link

CVA Production Shorts 2nd Edition

2010-11-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

Again from the vault.... the rest of the CVA Production Shortcuts that we have in the archives. It appears this set of pages seems to have been scanned with a little more haste and a little less in precision. Either way this article is a fascinating portal into just how a Corsair was born on the assembly conveyer line in Stratford CT.

If you would like to see more of this kind of historical aviation education, please donate to the:

Connecticut Air and Space Center

Box 1293 Stratford CT 06615-1293

Or by becoming a member and volunteering on the Aircraft yourself!

Corsairfas217@gmail.com

Original Honduras Corsair Footage

2010-10-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

Interesting footage for a unique period in the Corsair's long and storied history! Check em out at Youtube!

(Beautiful Profile Image Created by. Clavework Graphics)

Video 1

Video 2

Corsair Restoration Progressing Along

2010-10-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hot off the presses from Drew King's Blog:

Mark Corvino & Bill Dingly. Two essential members on this project.

-We have finally removed the center-section and cockpit from the truck chassis. It was a group project with Mark Corvino and myself spearheading. Our guy Mark has been the goto man for all things concerning Jigging or carting and he has done an awesome job of it. The process was pretty simple despite our fear of not having it balanced properly. We really needed to get the plate, which weighed about 450#’s, off the bottom of the airframe so we could move forward with the cockpit separation from the main beam.

For more info and updates regarding our magnificent Corsair we have currently in possession click Here

IPMS Model Contest / Show a SUCESS!

2010-10-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday on 10.10.10 the CASC was present at the 25th annual Stratford IPMS model contest at the Knights of Columbus hall in Milford. CT. The museum gained some funds and hopefully enticed a few people to come in and get there hands dirty on some of our projects.

Example of one of the author's 1/144th dioramas that was entered into the contest.

The overall turnout of modelers and there models along with vendors has slowly dwindled in the past 15 years. This is more of due to the fact that the hobby of building plastic models has been put to the wayside by our mainstream culture. Video games, sports, concerts, and a plethora of other activities are in the forefront of kids minds today than spending there time and energy on a small model. In fact in the given time it takes to beat a video game, the same kid could be learning to build a model and learn what it takes to have patience and concentration. But I suppose video games demand the same amount of attention. Either way some CASC members are already devising plans to try and host some kid friendly workshops for building models. Stay tuned for more!

IPMS Stratford Model Contest (October 10)

2010-10-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

Come check out the best model builders southern Connecticut has to offer! Sunday October 10 at the Knights of Columbus hall in Milford! Official website for the IPMS chapter:

http://www.ipmsstratford.org/

The CASC will be on display with exhibits and other interesting material! Come check out some interesting models and newly finished parts of our Corsair!

(New) Old Pictures / July 10, 1969

2010-09-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

Sue French is an interesting character. She grew up in the east end of Bridgeport. One of her first jobs was assembling handguns at Rugers Firearms for 15 years. She now happily drives a school bus. Her father, John French was a pilot at the Sikorsky Airport both before and during the war. Back then it was know by many names. Avon Field, Mollson Field, and Bridgeport Airport. Her father also became a test pilot for Vought, test flying the newly built Corsairs from the factory. After the war John married, had two kids (one Sue) and continued to live in Bridgeport. Apparently on July 10, he went down to the airport to photograph some of those older aircraft he knew from the 40's. Sue was kind enough to give me these photos to share with you all.

And some shots of BuNo: #92460 The aircraft we're currently restoring today.

Note: These are just some quick scans of the originals.

CVA Production Shortcuts - Wings 1943

2010-09-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

Figured I show some more Vought related literature. These pages showcase the production of the wing spar on the Corsair. These are taken from the December 1943 issue of WINGS Magazine.

We at the museum are dedicated to researching and discovering just how Chance Vought went about producing the Corsair, how they modified, enhanced, & streamlined the production line, and how they specifically assembled certain sub-assemblies. This is all in part to educate ourselves with the overall layout of the Corsair; inside and out for the restoration of the Stratford example BuNo: #92460.

Help us restore this aircraft by making a charitable contribution here:

Connecticut Air and Space Center

Box 1293 Stratford CT 06615-1293

Or by becoming a member and volunteering on the Aircraft yourself!

If interested please Email: Corsairfas217@gmail.com

Simsbury Flyin 2010

2010-09-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Lets start off with the purpose of our visit: Mobile HQ for the CASC at the show.

And then there were the planes:

CASCADE -September

2010-09-20T09:41:00.000-07:00

New Newsletter for the CASC. Check it out...

Older Pictures of Our Aircraft

2010-09-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

In this post I decided to include some pictures I took of our museum's aircraft collection from over a year ago. Enjoy

FG-1D Corsair

(Much farther along than when this picture was taken)

Sikorsky S-52 Helicopter

(This is one of two currently being restored)

Bell MASH Helicopter

(Could be completed with minimal work)

O-2A Skymaster

(This aircraft actually saw combat in Vietnam)

T-37 Tweet

Christein Eagle II & Cessna 172

(Our two "Civi" birds)

Sikorsky H-19 & T-38 Talon

Sikorsky H-34 & T-38 Talon again

H-19 & Hiller Helicopter

P&W 777 Engine

Collings Foundation CT Tour a Success!

2010-09-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

We at the CASC would like to formally thank:

The Collings Foundation

Sikorsky Memorial Airport

Oxford Airport

Three Wing Flying Services

Key Air

And of course all of our generous volunteers!

B-24J running up at Sikorsky Airport.

Warning: extremely poor quality.

Without these people and these organizations, we would not have been able to get out to the public and raise some money for our restoration projects. Slowly but surely we are gaining notoriety and funds that will aid us in our future efforts. But were not done yet for the season. Make sure to save the date: September 19, Simsbury. CT. We'll be on hand for the Simsbury Flyin, a great event with lots of planes, cars, food, and good people. We'll see you there!

Awesome G.M.S. (Giant Model Sighting) - VS-44A

2010-09-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

While at Captain's Cove in Bridgeport I ended up venturing to the second floor where the bar is located. Well I ended up finding this:

Awesome Right? I thought so...

Apparently this magnificent model was made by a certain William Wargo from Redding. CT. Maybe one day the CASC will get the chance to display this and maybe more of Mr. Wargo's craftsmanship in model aircraft. Fun Fact: This model is scaled to 2in = 1ft and is 85 lbs.

Stratford Corsair Restoration Team Makes Major Progress

2010-09-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/WarbirdKid1940?feature=mhum

Check out the video and let us know what you think!

CASCADE -August

2010-09-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

Stratford Corsair Restoration Project at Sikorsky

2010-09-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

Heres a cutout that adversities the Corsair Project and the Connecticut Air & Space Center being present at the Sikorsky Memorial Airport: September 7, 8, & 9. Come see a Warbird currently in restoration. Also witness more than 3 fully restored flyable Warbirds from the Collings Foundation.

CASC & Collings Foundation at Sikorsky Airport

2010-08-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Come see the Connecticut Air & Space Center at Sikorsky Memorial Airport September 7-8-9 9am to 5pm and take a ride in a vintage WW2 Bomber! (you have to pay for the ride)

Whitehead in the News

2010-08-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Anniversary-of-disputed-1st-flight-takes-wing-in-615968.php

Check out the link above and read the article!

Upcoming CASC Public Events

2010-08-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

See flyer below as if that wasn't obvious:

CASC to be featured at Simsbury Flyin

2010-08-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

Panorama from the 2009 Flyin -Photo Photo by. WK

Date: September 19th

The Connecticut Air & Space Center will be at the 25th Annual Simbsury Flyin located in Simbsury CT. A scenic airfield that boasts more than 100 aircraft at the yearly gathering, Simsbury is one of the few but absolutely amazing local aviation events that take place within the state. And the CASC is not planing on missing it.

More info can be found here:

http://www.simsburyairport.com/flyin.php

3 vintage classics located in an antique hangar.

Taken at the 24th annual Flyin at Simsbury. Photo By. WK

Volunteer help will be greatly appreciated. Contact us: at Cdsoltis@gmail.com

Volunteer hours on Sept. 19th- 6:30pm to 3:00pm (approx time)

New Aircraft added to the Museum collection.

2010-07-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

Andy Koch is currently working on restoring his Whitehead No. 21 replica at the museum. A great addition to the collection!

Picture of Agustive with his original craft in Fairfield/ Bridgeport.

CASCADE -July 2010

2010-07-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

Small start to a Big Campigan

2010-06-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

COMVEC Show

2010-06-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

New Cascade June-2010

2010-06-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

This month its all about looking back at what we were apart of. Wings & Wheels Corsairs over Connecticut II. What a show. If any photographer who had one of there pictures used below and did not receive credit, please contact me and I will fix it.

Corsairs over Connecticut II a Sucess!

2010-06-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

The Connecticut Air & Space Center would like to formally thank:

-The Discovery Museum

-Three Wing Aviation

-Black Horse Garage

-The United States Armed Forces

-Sikorsky Aircraft

-United Technologies

-Volo Aviation

-The Sikorsky Memorial Airport

-all the vendors

-all the volunteers that stuck it out

-my awesome film crew for equally sticking it out,

and of course last but certainly not least,

EVERY CASC VOLUNTEER THAT DONATED THEIR TIME TO MAKING THIS SHOW SUCH A SUCCESS! THANKS AGAIN!

Our ace team setting up the CASC exhibit.

The author and his "navigator" at CoC 2010

The author's camera crew at the Windsock. I'm the one holding up the aloe lotion after a long hot sunny day.

As scheduled right now, the CASC will be back on the road this coming June 12 to be at COMVEC. This show has proven to be one of the leading military vehcile shows in the state and will be an excellent location for a\our museum to stay in the public's eye. Information about Comev can be located here. http://www.comvec.org/

Warbird Kid Out...

Corsairs over Connecticut is NEARLY HERE!

2010-05-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

Thats right folks, the show of the year is less than 2 weeks away! The museum's display booth will be set up on the outside corner of the Stratford Aviation school's building. We will have multiple exhibits, a flight simulator, merchandise, our Corsair (Currently in the tear down of phase of Restoration), and much much more! Make sure to stop by and check us out!

Heres a printer friendly 8.5"x11" if anyone is interested in putting some last minute flyers out there to promote the show! Available for your connivence are both color and B/W.

NEW Cascade (May)

2010-05-03T00:16:00.000-07:00

Couple little things thrown in there and the conclusion to Joe's story. Enjoy

New CASC Logo

2010-04-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

Currently in the prototype phase, it's this artist's hope that this design will be officially used for the museum. It encompasses three of the State's most memorable aircraft produced in an appealing seal.

Shown is the Gustave Whitehead No. 21, Chance Vought F4U-1 Corsair, and Sikorsky VS-300. This design will be located on 100 new brochures for the museum as a test production run. It will also hopefully be seen on T-shirts for sale during the Corsairs over Connecticut show at the end of May.

Until later Airplane Enthusiasts, Nerds, and Nuts:
Warbird Kid out....

Old Corsair Pictures

2010-04-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd put up some old pictures I've had locked away. Most the shots were taken at Sikorsky Memorial Airport, then called Mollison Field. Circa: 42' to 45'

CASCADE -April 2010

2010-04-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

The museum hasn't had a new "CASCADE" since 2008, so here's the new revamped version. Enjoy!

Museum in the News

2010-04-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

FG-1D "Skyboss" resting on the Geneseo Airfield during the annual airshow in 09

The Connecticut Post ran a story about our intrepid little group and the major obstacles we still have to face. It's great publicity that will hopefully boost the morale and membership of the CASC. To view the News Article click the highlighted words.

To anyone wanting to join the museum Click Here.

Warbird Kid out...

A Step back in Time. Vintage Newspaper

2010-04-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

From The Pittsburgh Press (August 4, 1943)

Click Here to view Vintage Newspaper

Follow the link and view page 6. A very large and indepth article about Chance Vought's expansion with Goodyear and Brewster contracted to produce the Corsair. This kind of original stuff I just eat up!

Thursday (April 1st, 2010) Progress is Always Happening

2010-04-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

With the first big break in the clouds for almost a week, Connecticut is finally in the 70 degree sun. It was a perfect day to be productive at the museum as well. A Thursday is typically the slowest day for us, but I was pleasantly surprised to see so many faces ready to work and talk.

-Stock Photo of Museum Backlot (Thursday was far more sunny and cheerful than shown here.)

The museum also had a few newspaper reporters from the Connecticut Post visit to document some of the new ideas and actions that will be taking place with the museum and our projects. Drew King, a new member with the museum, was right in the thick of it answering questions and highlighting what we hope to accomplish; especially with the Corsair.

Corsair Restoration Fund- Not too much was done today with the "The Spirit of Connecticut" due to the newspaper interview. But what is taking shape is a much needed organization of all the parts and pieces of this fighter. I myself ended up taking pictures of all the individual cowl flaps and associated pieces. I also documented them in a notepad for further reference. What I hope to do in the coming weeks is collect and organize all the written material we have for the Corsair and the parts we've taken off.

-Scanned Image of Corsair data plate in musuem archives

After talking with one of the long term members and WWII vet of the museum, Lou Esposito, we have come up with a plan to construct some heavy duty shelving units inside the Joe Lasardo Restoration Shop to shelve and categorise the parts taken off the Corsair.

Corsairs over Connecticut- After getting a call from the Stratford Aviation School, I now have a clear idea of what the CASC will be doing for the show. Originally I had planned for the museum's booth to be located inside the school's hangar for the show in May. People would walk into the hangar and see the partially disassembled Corsair, along with parts, pieces, unique displays, model aircraft, and other exhibits. My goal was to surround the Corsair with vintage items, furniture, parts, and reenactors dressed to match. Sadly the school won't be open for the whole weekend so the CASC will have to be on outside display for the weekend. With that I'm essentially moving to Plan B and figuring out all the logistics for us to be on outside display with the Corsair. Still I fear I'm going to have to lose my beloved reenactment display but you must move on and make due.

-Design by the author for eventual T-shirts

Reorganization of a Group- A long and in depth conversation took place "Hangar Talk" with many key members of the museum including Doc Gunther, Drew, Lou, Gene, Ben, myself, etc. Mostly we talked about what the goals were for the museum both near and far. We hope that by the Corsairs show in May, we will have planned out a Flea Market/Open House for the CASC that we will be able to tell people about 1 month in advance. Aside from this, we also hope to increase awareness of the museum in general and try to expand our membership from a few hundred to over a thousand.
While lofty, this goal must be attained for if the museum is ever to survive we need the help from anyone and everyone willing to do what they can to support the cause. Please do what you can to help our museum flourish into something for the state of Connecticut.

For now,
Christopher aka Warbird Kid out....

Welcome to the Virtual Workshop of CASC

2010-03-31T20:54:00.000-07:00

From the Front:

The museum is a beehive of activity with new faces, ideas, and actions as of recent. We hope in the coming months to pursue new avenues to try and make the museum bigger and better.

Stay tuned here for all the latest and greatest involved with Connecticut's 2nd Air Museum!