B17 Fuddy Duddy sold & now lives on the Left Coast...
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2005 5:24 am
As reported elsewhere, the mxied blessings continue for Warbird fans in the Northeast USA:
...from www.warplane.org...
"Fuddy begins a new Chapter
Last summer the Trustees of the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center agonized over a business decision that no one wanted to make. It became painfully clear that our organization would no longer be able to own, display and operate our beloved B-17, Fuddy Duddy. With the passage of time, Fuddy had become increasingly expensive to own and operate. Further, the National Warplane Museum assumed substantial debt during the move to Elmira, severely limiting our potential. There was only one solution and the Board reluctantly authorized the sale of our iconic B-17. The challenge was to find a buyer with the integrity, commitment, caring and means to carry on a remarkable story with this very special airplane. We found that buyer in California. On Thursday, Martin Aviation welcomed Fuddy to her new home at John Wayne Airport in Southern California. Having accepted the torch, they plan to raise it to new heights, bringing the inspirational story of the our B-17 crews to a new generation of Americans. We are saddened by our loss, but thankful to have placed Fuddy in such loving and capable hands. We will eagerly follow her accomplishments in years to come. With this transaction, the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center is debt free and poised to begin a very exciting future. Please track our progress and join us on a voyage of discovery as we examine the stories of aviation and apply their lessons to the challenges that lie ahead."
New owner is General Lyons (USAF retirerd) also owner of B25 "Guardian of Freedom" and A26 "Feeding Frenzy".
...from www.warplane.org...
"Fuddy begins a new Chapter
Last summer the Trustees of the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center agonized over a business decision that no one wanted to make. It became painfully clear that our organization would no longer be able to own, display and operate our beloved B-17, Fuddy Duddy. With the passage of time, Fuddy had become increasingly expensive to own and operate. Further, the National Warplane Museum assumed substantial debt during the move to Elmira, severely limiting our potential. There was only one solution and the Board reluctantly authorized the sale of our iconic B-17. The challenge was to find a buyer with the integrity, commitment, caring and means to carry on a remarkable story with this very special airplane. We found that buyer in California. On Thursday, Martin Aviation welcomed Fuddy to her new home at John Wayne Airport in Southern California. Having accepted the torch, they plan to raise it to new heights, bringing the inspirational story of the our B-17 crews to a new generation of Americans. We are saddened by our loss, but thankful to have placed Fuddy in such loving and capable hands. We will eagerly follow her accomplishments in years to come. With this transaction, the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center is debt free and poised to begin a very exciting future. Please track our progress and join us on a voyage of discovery as we examine the stories of aviation and apply their lessons to the challenges that lie ahead."
New owner is General Lyons (USAF retirerd) also owner of B25 "Guardian of Freedom" and A26 "Feeding Frenzy".