Polar to dispose of more aircraft

Air Classics, Feb 2000

The closing of the Polar Aviation Museum in Minnesota was bad enough news but we have recently been informed that the organization will be selling off over 20 rare aircraft from their large and eclectic collection. Of recent note, the Avro Shackleton patrol bomber was flown from the Anoka base to Midland, Texas. Polar had dropped out of their 50-50 ownership with a British company and the big four-engine craft has been put in storage pending a very uncertain fact.

One of the most significant aircraft in the collection is now for sale and this is the North American F-82E Twin Mustang. Considerable restoration work had been undertaken on this very rare machine including the wings being done by Sanders Aircraft and the Allisons overhauled by Bud Wheeler. There is still lots of work to be done to the aircraft and it will certainly take a very motivated buyer to purchase such a project. Courtesy Aircraft

Sales of Rockford, Illinois, has been commissioned to sell the aircraft which range from flyable planes in excellent condition to some restoration projects.

"We're delighted we've been chosen to facilitate the sales of these fine airplanes," stated company president Mark Clark. "Each plane represents a significant piece of history and some have contributed to the freedom we enjoy today. Aircraft include a Grumman Albatross, Fairchild C- 1 23K Provider, two-seat MiG 21, Hawker Fury project, Hawker Hunter project, and Bell P-63 Kingcobra project. For further information on the inventory and prices, contact Mark Clark or John Kraman at Courtesy Aircraft Sales, 5233 Falcon Road, Rockford, IL 61109. Tel. (800) 426-8783, fox (815) 229-1815; www. courtesyaircraft. com.

LLOYD HAMILTON

A distressing reminder of our mortality occurred on 26 December 1999, when we were notified that Lloyd Hamilton died of a massive heart attack at his Bermuda home. Lloyd was one of the early supporters of the Reno National Air Races and raced for many years with his two Sea Furys - Baby Gorilla and Furias. At age 59, his death came too early and he will certainly be remembered with fondness by the Warbird and Unlimited racing fraternity.

MID-ATLANTIC PLANS

On 2-4 June, the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum will host a WWII commemorative event, as the Reading Regional Airport becomes a wartime airfield beginning with a military convoy from the museum's airport headquarters to downtown Reading, Pennsylvania, on 2 June. Back at the airfield, guests can watch the early airshow arrivals. Gates open on Friday at 9 am and admissions include all entertainment while a three-day special discount pass is available, A wide variety of WWII aircraft and veterans