Show your Plane(s)

Thanks. Yes, unfortunately my friend Scotty Wilson - who built the Bugatti Model 100P reproduction aircraft in the photo - was killed in the accident you mention. I was photographer for Scotty on the project, but because of a high-priority photo assignment with a long-time client, I was not at the old Clinton-Sherman AFB (in Burns Flat, OK) on the day of the accident. I did cover the first flight. For those who are interested, the original Bugatti 110P, which never flew, is on display at the Experimental Aircraft Association's museum in Oshkosh, WI.

 

And, tragically, neither is the B-17.

 

Again, you are correct... Was consciously avoiding the tragedy stories behind some of these photos... In both cases, I was assigned photography requirements for each prior to the accidents. I have provided a brief commentary on the Bugatti already, but in reference to the B-17 photo, it was taken about a year before the mid-air collision. I had a client who had supplied a piece of navigation equipment for the bomber and needed cockpit photos of the install. While I was there (at Dallas Executive Airport), I decided to photograph the rest of the aircraft's interior and exterior. A test flight took place at the same time, so I took pics of the aircraft with engines running. A couple of side notes if I may: (1) the airplane that collided with the B-17 was the only surviving Bell P-63F (only two were built); it had been flown almost constantly since it was rolled out of Bell's Wheatfield, NY, factory doors in 1945; and (2) I was one of two CAF chief photographers from 1971 through 1975 and I photographed the B-17 and P-63 on numerous occasions.

 

There is an aviation photography thread (or you could start a new one!) that would be a wonderful place for you to share some photos. I think we would all appreciate that!

 

Great pics! What in the world is that blue, counter-rotating, V-Tail thing? LOVE IT!!!

 

It is the Bugatti 100P. Developed during the late 1930s by Ettore Bugatti, it was to be used for record attempts and racing. The original aircraft never flew thanks to WWII and the Nazi occupation of France. The aircraft in my photo was a full-scale reproduction of the 100P (built and flown by Scotty Wilson), though powered by Suzuki Hayabusa engines rather than the original's Bugatti engines. If you read above, I tell a bit about the unfortunate demise of the reproduction. The original airplane, also noted above, is now owned by the EAA museum in Oshkosh, WI. It is on permanent display. I attach a photo of the original for your reference.

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There are a couple threads in this subforum discussing this airplane and its history. Here is one
Bugatti Airplane | FerrariChat

 

That B17 photo is terrific. Love the lighting and the cloudy sky background. The perspective is great. Something car photographers seem to have real trouble with.

 

Thanks for the kind words. As I mentioned at the beginning, I do car photography, as well, though mostly for Bob Smith Coachworks. Attached are a couple of sample images. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Absolutely adore that 500 Mondial. I saw it in person at Amelia in 2020. It is incredible in that 2 tone!

 

I agree. My friend Tom Peck owned it. I believe he has since sold it. He also has a magnificent 750 Mondial that at one time was owned by Portago.

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WOW! lucky fella and great photo!
many thanks for posting.

 

I was at his place a few weeks ago and it is still in his garage. He spoke of it like he still owned it. I was there with Bob S and a few others and Bob had just finished his 375.
Not only have I gotten to know Tom some but I was good friends with both prior owners of the Mondial.

 

375MM isn't quite finished... We're hoping to photograph it in a couple of weeks...

 

Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login View attachment 3687716 View attachment 3687717 View attachment 3687716 View attachment 3687717 I picked up this beauty in Wisconsin last Friday and flew it home with a CFII with 1500hrs in Legacys.

2016 Lancair Legacy 360 hp IO 550x Lycon Cont.

I wanted something faster and sportier than my RV10 (for sale)and more like my Harmon Rocket(sold)— I got what I asked for.

 

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You picked a winner with the Lancair. And yours looks to be nicely equipped to boot. Fast with a good safety record. A bit off the subject, you might be interested in knowing that during the late 1960s I became friends with Dr. Leo Windecker. Actually wrote a story about him and his airplanes for Aviation Quarterly. Leo, if you aren't aware, is the father of all-composite aircraft. His Windecker ACX-7 Eagle prototype was arguably the first all-composite manned, powered aircraft ever to fly. A second prototype was configured to test the production aircraft's equipment and features (including retractable landing gear), but it crashed before the FAA flight certification program could be completed. Six civil "production" a/c followed. A final aircraft, in the form of a low-observables (stealth) testbed, was built and tested at Eglin AFB, FL over the course of five years. Additional testing by the Army followed. Unfortunately, the YE-5 (see above) was destroyed during an unauthorized flight that originated following release of the aircraft to the Army Aviation Museum in Ft. Rucker, AL. Eagles never caught on in competition with the Bonanza and other similar high-performance singles. Only one of the production aircraft remains flightworthy.

 

Man, thats some colorful panel!

 

Bro that is some serious speed!

https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/N242L/history/20240523/1922Z/L45/L45/tracklog


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I like to watch what Mike Patty has done with this model, just crazy.

https://www.youtube.com/@MikePatey

Go to around 2 min mark



Go to around the 17 min mark for speed

 

Go to the 207 mark

 

Over in the UK doing some fun flying all around…
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Nice shot of the Extra 300. Bet it's cooler there than it is here in Texas... Thanks for sharing...

 

I started flying in 1982 and got my PPL that year and my IR in 83 with multi a few years later and a CE500 type along the way,I have owned 9 aircraft. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

How do you like the M600?

 

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