October 10-11, 2008- Trojans and Hoovers!

[evangilder]

In the last 2 days, I have driven over 400 miles, flown at least that many and have taken quite a few pictures. I was up at Paso Robles airport for the annual "Trojans and Hoovers" fly-in. It is a fly-in for T-28 operators and others to hang out, fly and learn about, or practice their formation flying. There were 8 T-28 Trojans this year and 3 L-39 Albatrosses. Unfortunately, the jets did not fly much, but the Trojans were flying a lot. Here is a sample of the shots I took over the last couple of days.

 

[FLYBOYJ]

You lucky dog, you!!!!

 

[evangilder]

As you can see, it was a little fun.

 

[Airframes]

Fantastic shots again Eric! There's something about the T28 I've always liked, not sure what, but it's got something.
BTW, not sure if it's of any interest to you, but I spotted a recent model kit of the Albatross, either 1/48th or 1/32nd scale. Can find out more if you're interested.
Terry.

 

[evangilder]

Thanks Terry. There is something about the T-28. It's big and brutish, with that clacking sound from the radial. One of the really fun things about flying around in them is showing up at an airport and seeing the people coming out to take a look.

Yesterday, we flew from Paso Robles to San Luis Obispo for lunch. We had a flight of 5 in an echelon formation. We did a landing break at mid-field, taxied in and lined up, lowered flaps simultaneously and then did a synchro-shutdown. It looked really cool. As we were taxiing, you could see people coming out of hangars to see us come by. Cell phone cameras were snapping away all over at us. I felt like a celebrity!

 

[Micdrow]

Great job there eric as always. I like the T-28 and L-39 in formation. You dont see that too often.

 

[Airframes]

You posing load of B******s! Bet it was great, and I'm not surprised people came out to look. One T28 would be a focal point, but a whole bunch, and in formation! Must have looked, and sounded, fantastic. Lucky sod!

 

[runningdog]

There is something about the T-28. It's big and brutish, with that clacking sound from the radial.

I think what I like about it is it looks as if it belongs in WW2. Straight out of some Pacific dogfight, or back from the Falaise gap..........

 

[evangilder]

Formations were really tight yesterday. I wish I knew someone on the ground who took some shots. It's often hard to gauge in the air because of how close everyone is. I did see our shadow on one of the Paso flypasts, a diamond formation and the shadow looked real symmetrical, with everyone in position. So I would imagine they looked good.

While it looks like a WWII vintage plane, it was designed after the F-86! I often thought that was odd, but for trainers, why not?

 

[Airframes]

Yes, as a trainer, can you imagine what it must have been like to climb into such a beast for the first time?
Don't know much about it's Vietnam use, only seen a couple of pictures, but it looked the part in cammo colours!

 

[evangilder]

I remember climbing into my first T-28, as just a photographer. The first step up is a big stretch. Then you have 2 more to get onto the wing, then another step up to swing your leg up over the bulkhead to get into the cockpit. Once in the cockpit, you realize that for a warbird, this is pretty roomy. I can even put my hat and jacket behind the seat. Then, all the clicking begins; chute straps, then seat belts. Reach down with your left hand after that and push down, then forward to lock the belts in position for takeoff.

Your mind really starts to get going when you hear that engine start! It's a big roar followed by some smoke wafting into the cockpit. Incredible.

Our first flight on Saturday was early. It was just above freezing outside, and the airplane I was going to was towards the end of the lineup. As I walked past the other planes, I couldn't help but think about the thousands of young men that walked down a line like this to get to his training aircraft.

 

[Airframes]

Great description Eric. I can virtually see the actions you describe, and know the feeling, walking past the line-up. If I ever get the chance to get to your part of the world, you'll have to get me in one of those birds. Although of course, now I've got this stupid arthritis thing, you'd have to hire a fork-lift truck to get me over the cockpit, then I could just sort of fall in!
Looking forward to your next series of superb pics.

 

[syscom3]

I first thought this post was about the USC football team and some university that's called the "hoovers" ....

Evans ..... damn your lucky! I've done aerobatics in a Citabria and loved it, so I know the exhilaration you felt!

BTW ... the countryside up there is gorgeous!

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

I am really jealous Eric! That is great stuff, and thanks for always sharing your pics!

 

[109ROAMING]

Nice shots!

 

[evangilder]

Thanks guys. I have to say that nothing beats the thrill of flying wingtip to wingtip, even through turbulence, lining up on a runway and then pulling a 2-4G break to land. We had several where we broke left and climbed at the same time. It's quite exhilarating.

After the crazy last few weeks at work, this is just what I needed to recharge my batteries.

 

[Gnomey]

Excellent stuff Eric, you lucky bastard!

 

[Airframes]

Maybe it's the angle, or lens compression, but runway 31 looks b****y short!!

 

[timshatz]

Maybe it's the angle, or lens compression, but runway 31 looks b****y short!!

Nah, think it's ok. Does look odd but it's the glass and the angle.

Cool shots Eric. Loved them. Thanks for posting.

 

[evangilder]

Maybe it's the angle, or lens compression, but runway 31 looks b****y short!!

It's short, but it sure is wide!

But seriously, it's not too bad, it's 4700 feet long and 100 feet wide.