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1942 T6 Texan taking off...

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... shot yesterday at Pearson Air Park (Vancouver, Washington). Three of us were given the chance to go across the field and stand right at the runway. Obviously, a video can't do it justice. It was REALLY loud and the pressure (on one's chest) when it passed was amazing.
 
I shot another one as he did a fly-over. It was THRILLING... as it looked like he would hit us (descending) and maybe engaging machine guns for something. :smile: I've never been allowed to get that close to a war-bird taking off. I only wish that video did it justice.
 
When I did my *first* solo flight a couple years ago, I had to hold short for the takeoff of a B-17 (Collings foundation). Wow - talk about excitement. and the SOUND!
 
When I was younger, those were AT-6 Texans, Advanced Trainer.
As opposed to the BT-13 "Vibrator", or Basic Trainer (fixed gear).
Both cursed with the black hole of Inglewood.
Couldn't see anything from the instructor position unless you "wove" down the taxiway.
As with most WWII tail dragging singles, you'd often see ground forces sitting on the ends of the wings to guide the pilot down a tight taxiway to the revetment.
The WWII bit from relatives.......
 
If you like the Texan, try to get close to a TBM Avenger next. 14 cylinders, 2600 cubic inches, 1900 horsepower. It was not only putting the thump in your chest, it was shaking the whole ramp. And, if you like that, the B-25 has two of those engines with very short exhaust stacks. IMHO a twin engine B-25 is far louder than the four-engine B-17
 
Stood by the fence at the tree for one of Eddie Hill's top fuel launches; sounds about the same.
 
I have images of these things (or similar) flying in huge groups... back then, probably by 20 year olds.
 
Boink said:
I have images of these things (or similar) flying in huge groups... back then, probably by 20 year olds.
Click to expand...
I saw a large group of them do a fly-over a few years ago at the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh... it was awesome!
 
When I was a boy, they hosted air shows every summer at the Elmira Corning Regional Airport. I remember one year in particular when they did a bomber reunion There were 4 B17s, a B24 and a B25. They all got in formation with an escort of as many fighters as they had on hand which included several Mustangs, at least one Corsair, and a couple Spitfires. It was the most impressive thing I ever saw/heard. I absolutely love the sound of a B17. Any vintage aircraft engine gets my blood flowing, but a radial is something special.
Then when I stopped to think of the skies during WWII FILLED with bombers. That had to be something you'd never forget.
 
Banjo said:
Then when I stopped to think of the skies during WWII FILLED with bombers. That had to be something you'd never forget.
Click to expand...


Yeah, especially with bays open and shyte falling towards you. :highly_amused:
 
When I was working on the Avenger in Fawn Grove one time, it had been moved outside so the wings could be extended. At the end of the workday, the plane had to be pushed back into the hangar. That experience gave me a whole new level of respect for the Navy deckhands who had to move these planes on a pitching deck and sometimes under enemy fire, and not just one Avenger, but a squadron of them, as well as the fighters and bombers.
 
Here's another one as it came in and parked. I think I could have touched it if I wanted to (and certainly could later).
 
Thanks for the video. Good stuff!

I was at the Sussex Air Show here in NJ with my Aeronca abut 15 years ago and saw a TBM launch. It was probably the most impressive mechanical event I ever saw.

Later in the day, they asked me if I wanted to fly the pattern with all the other old-timers including some AT-6s, a P-51, the TBM and a B-25. I was afraid I'd either be blown out of the sky with all the propwash or I wouldn't be able to keep up. One of the other Aeroncas tried it and had to peel off after about 1/2 a lap.
 
SaxMan said:
If you like the Texan, try to get close to a TBM Avenger next. 14 cylinders, 2600 cubic inches, 1900 horsepower. It was not only putting the thump in your chest, it was shaking the whole ramp. And, if you like that, the B-25 has two of those engines with very short exhaust stacks. IMHO a twin engine B-25 is far louder than the four-engine B-17
Click to expand...

I agree, flew a 25 a few times and yes the short stacks are noise makers. In fact, not many pilots that flew them for any length of time got out of having hearing problems later. Combined with the prop tips being so close to the forward section, the noise in the cockpit on takeoff is deafening. PJ
 
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