willysmjeeps.com

Pacific combat living history program at the national museum of the pacific war in Fredericksburg, TX
Marvin F. Schroeder: 830-456-7226

I've attended two of these including the original one and can highly recommend it. Might want to leave the tiny young ones at home though....it does get kinda noisy between the Corsairs and the Hellcats with their radial engines and the naval shelling with their big guns. FYI....if you've never heard the sound of a WWII radial engine on a plane making a bombing or straffing run.....this is a fantastic opportunity to hear a sound that is rapidly fading into history.

Is this an event where MV's are welcome? Where can I obtain more info on the event?

Ken

EDITED: I went to search for info and came on post from those who attended in 2005. Seems like many folks were turned away because there wasn't room for those who wanted in. Over 10,000 attended.

Ken,

Call that contact number. That is what I was given.

I hope that helps you out.

I'll make a call tomorrow Ryan.

if you've never heard the sound of a WWII radial engine on a plane making a bombing or strafing run.....this is a fantastic opportunity to hear a sound that is rapidly fading into history.

Not for me. I work on them and fly in them quite regular. I miss the Rolls Merlins in the Mustang and Spits.

Here are a few links to the sound bites:

For the Rolls Merlin V12's:
http://www.alexisparkinn.com/photogalle ... 5B1%5D.wav

Here's a 4360 starting up in a super corsair:
http://www.alexisparkinn.com/photogalle ... _R4360.mp3

Here's another 4360:
http://www.alexisparkinn.com/photogalle ... _R4360.mp3

Here's a Hawker Tempest:
http://www.alexisparkinn.com/photogalle ... -flyby.wav

Here's a P40 with an Allison V12:
http://www.alexisparkinn.com/photogalle ... 0Tiger.wav

Here's another P51:
http://www.alexisparkinn.com/photogalle ... 5B1%5D.wav

Granted the big in-line engines are equally impressive in terms of "the sound of power"......but I was trying to be (and the show is) in keeping with the theme of the event...... The War in the Pacific......which means primarily carrier based aircraft.....which means predominately radial power plants. There were some Lightnings at a previous show.....I think....with their Allison engines.......but the shows I saw involved the taking of Japanese pillboxs in conjunction with close air support and I don't think P-38's typically flew in this role.

I guess the point I was trying to make was......there is just something awe inspiring about the sound of a big, powerful multicylindered engine..... regardless of whether its in a radial or in-line format......and if all you've ever heard are 4, 6, and 8 cylinder automotive engines......be prepared to be wow'd!!!