Florida aircraft auction

Flight Journal, Jun 1998 by Kaplan, Ron

In partnership with Kruse Intl. of Auburn, Indiana, the Fantasy of Flight Museum-Kermit Weeks' spectacular aviation attraction in Polk City, Florida-premiered its Fantasy of Flight Aircraft Auction on January 17, 1998.

Niles Walton, aircraft director for Kruse, listed 138 aircraft for bidding and reported 12 confirmed sales and several pending by day's end. Aircraft not on hand for close inspection (mostly because of adverse weather) were auctioned by video.

Among the interesting civilian types were several WACO biplanes, a '46 Luscombe and a DC-3 on floats; warbirds up for bid included a 1935 Ryan STA, 1943 Nord Me 108, BT-13, two Boeing Stearmans and Feeding Frenzy, a

A 1957 Antonov An-2 and a North American T-as were among the 138 aircraft up for bid. A new addition to Fantasy of Flight is the Great Balloon Experience-a 250,000-cubic-foot tethered helium balloon (shown in the background) capable of lifting 25 passengers over 400 feet above the attraction. fully restored A-26 Invader (which sold by phone bid for a surprisingly modest S200,000).

Additional attractions were a visiting display of aviation art and special guests Paul Tibbets, pilot of the Enola Gay, and his bombardier, Tom Ferebee, who signed books and photos in the lobby.

Both co-hosts declared this premiere event a success; the Kruse staff now turn to preparations for their fifth annual aircraft auction, to be held in Auburn on May 23. Another auction will take place at the Fantasy of Flight in early 1999.

For more information, contact Kruse Intl. at (800) 968-4444, or Fantasy of Flight at (941) 9843500. -Ron Kaplan