As the owner of a '49 Curtis Wright, of the design created by Wally, this is
an interesting proposal. I may have just found a Bowlus also.
-----Original Message-----
From: Sarah Calhoun [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2001 2:50 PM
To: Multiple recipients of VACList
Subject: [VAC] Re: A Modest Proposal
Tuna: I love your idea and I hate it that that Bowlus and the
Curtiss-Wright offered recently apparently (probably) got away from us.
Also the set of historical papers. For that matter I'd love to see us buy
Shady Dell and use it as the site for these restoration projects, as well as
possibly to generate money for the work (assuming it's a going concern,
which it seems like it at least could be). I think it would be easier to
have a place where the work is done rather than having them passed around
from member to member. I can see some problems with the execution of the
idea but I don't think they're insurmountable, they'd just take some
figuring out and probably some legal paperwork. The two most difficult
issues I see are, how do you figure the contribution of one person putting
in money and another person putting in time (i.e., what hourly rate do you
use for which kinds of work?); and who is available to be the "on-site"
supervisor for the work? Finally, the point of restoring them would have to
be for them to be used, and with all of us so busy with our own money-pits
and traveling with them, under what conditions and by who would they get
used? Starting a nonprofit corporation for the purpose is relatively
straightforward, but getting the actual work done, I fear that might be
another story. Also, all that voting is pretty cumbersome, and in the
meantime prizes may slip away from us, and then what about the
recriminations? Anyway put me down as someone who would love to see it
happen, and see where it goes from there.
--Sarah
Robert C Townsend wrote:
I'd like to share an idea that occurred to me while remembering Bill
Scott:That the VAC membership consider establishing a small fund in Bill's
name for the 'rescue' and restoration of rare and unusual vintage
Airstreams, in the following manner: 1) 'Candidate' Airstreams (I would
argue that Bowlus-Teller trailers and Curtiss-Wright trailers built during
Wally Byam's tenure be considered) be located and brought to the attention
of the general VAC membership2) 'Candidates' are evaluated as to rarity,
purchase price, and restorability3) A provisional budget/restoration plan
drawn up4) The VAC membership vote to approve/deny the project5) The
purchase of the Airstream, and transport to the first phase restoration site
Now for the fun part - the restoration would be carried out under the
direction of the entire membership, with the subject land yacht to be moved
among various members according to their proximity, willingness,
availability, and ability to carry out such repairs as are needed. Parts,
materials, supplies, and labor to be provided by the membership. Upon
completion, the restored Airstream would be brought to the next WBCCI Rally
to be 'unveiled' and displayed with complete documentation of the
restoration process. Following this, it would be sold/auctioned, and the
proceeds returned to the Bill Scott Vintage Airstream Rescue and Restoration
Project. What do y'all think? TunaWBCCI #8862/VACReno, NV
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