Heres the 30 second Restoration Commercial! Enjoy!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
EAA 1310 Presentation a Success!
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
Monday, February 28, 2011
Corsair Restoration at EAA Chapter 1310
Example of some of the vintage Warbirds operated by the Chapter.
Link for the 1310's website is here: http://www.eaa1310.org/
Friday, January 21, 2011
CASCADE- Jan-Feb
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!
Stay Tuned!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Building 6
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.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Roaring Glory Corsair Videos
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!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Toys for Tots Program A HUGE SUCESS!
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.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The Great Soccer War
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:
Monday, December 6, 2010
CASC & Toys for Tots Team Up!
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
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
ITS HERE! -30 Second CASC Commercial
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:
If you or someone you know would like to run this commercial ad please email: Cdsoltis@gmail.com
Friday, November 26, 2010
CASCADE -October-December
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!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Corsair Presentation held at Oronoque Village
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 presentationThe 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
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
F4U-1 Birdcage rises from Lake Michigan
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.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
CVA Production Shorts 2nd Edition
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!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Original Honduras Corsair Footage
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)
(Beautiful Profile Image Created by. Clavework Graphics)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Corsair Restoration Progressing Along
Hot off the presses from Drew King's Blog:
For more info and updates regarding our magnificent Corsair we have currently in possession click Here
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.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
IPMS Model Contest / Show a SUCESS!
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.
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!
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