Introduction
The WWII era was like nothing that has happened before or since. As horrible as it was, one side effect was a burst of technological advancements and that is clearly demonstrated in the area of aircraft. In less than a decade, aviation advanced from the last of the biplanes to the first jets.
Aviation fans are usually fascinated by the many "warbirds" of this era, and we're fortunate to have many groups and individuals who restore and even fly many of these warbirds. One of the premier restoration groups is the Collings Foundation. Founded in 1979, they have grown over the years to preserve and exhibit a vast collection of aircraft, as well as other military vehicles and classic cars.
I'm fortunate to have the Collings Foundation headquarters almost in my back yard and have even reported on some of the events held there, such as the Race Of The Century, an annual event that pits horses, cars and airplanes against each other in a variety of races.
Wings Of Freedom Tour
Unless you live near their base in Stow, Massachusetts (created as FS2004 scenery by John B. Loney, Jr.) you are most likely to have heard of the Collings Foundation due to their "Wings Of Freedom Tour". If you live in the U.S. you are likely to be close to one of their tour stops where they usually bring their B-17G Flying Fortress "Nine O Nine", their B-24J Liberator "Witchcraft", their B-25 Mitchell "Tondelayo" and their TF-51D Mustang "Toulouse Nuts". The touring aircraft may vary somewhat due to maintenance and other issues, but the bombers make up the core group.
So, what's great about the tour is that not only do you get to see these historic aircraft up close, both inside and out should you choose, but there is actually the opportunity to fly in them. And that's what this story is about.
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