Posted on 10/29/2014 2:18:36 PM PDT by SZonian
Hang around aircraft restorers and youll inevitably hear tales of priceless historical relics hidden in barns, buried in shrink wrap, or otherwise stuck in time awaiting discovery.
These stories are almost always wild exaggerations or outright fiction. But if youve ever heard of the cache of iconic warbirds at Wilson Connell Connie Edwards west Texas ranch, its absolutely real.
The irascible former movie pilot who made a fortune in the oil business has added to his vast inventory of mostly World War II-era fighters, seaplanes, and surplus parts for more than a half century. Now, hes decided to sell many of thembut only on his own nonnegotiable terms.
People can either pay my price or go to hell, I really dont care which, says Edwards, 80, who is perhaps best known for choreographing and flying many of the aerial scenes in Battle of Britain, a 1969 movie that starred Michael Caine and Sir Lawrence Olivier and featured more than a dozen Messerschmitt Bf 109s (technically Spanish-built HA-1112 Buchons), Heinkel He 111 (CASA 2.111) bombersand, of course, British Spitfires and Hurricanes. I know the value of what Ive got, and I dont haggle. Pay my price, or dont waste my time, Edwards says.
(Excerpt) Read more at aopa.org ...
I am still in awe of the quick rate of technology in all areas in a mere 40 years or so leading up to WWII. Nothing else compares, imo.
That was the reaction of The Israelis to the Avia-S-199 (Czech Bf109)
Bigger engine, heavier moving machinery, more torque effect, add narrow undercarriage=beast
Interesting pic, thanks.
RE your comment...
Much could be said for the Britsih and French following WW-I. That explains in part the lack of desire for the French and British political class to want to engage Nazi Germany until they were forced to.
Regards
alfa6 :>}
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