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Airman bust, "Throttle Jockey", by Oregon artist Joe Adams; a lost wax bronze casting, this bust is 6 5/8" high and is casting number 1. Priced at $805.00. Every art collection should have the beauty of three-dimensional art; this heroic pilot has etched his career in the permanence of bronze - a lasting piece which can be handed down for generations. This is the last example of "Throttle Jockey" remaining for sale and no more will be cast.
Ordering information is available at the bottom of this page.
BURBANK: UNION AIR TERMINAL IN 1934 by Michael Boss
The painting "Burbank: Union Air Terminal in 1934" by Michael Boss is shown above heading this page. This delightful painting of Union Air Terminal is 22" x 36" and is oil on stretched linen canvas. Spanish-Colonial Revival/Art Deco airport terminal located near Los Angeles, California was the first multi-million dollar airport in America. Aircraft shown include Roscoe Turner's Lockheed Air Express, a visiting American Airlines Curtiss Condor, Allan Hancock's Waco UIC and a Goodyear Blimp. This painting is available for CALL FOR NEW LOW PRICE. A limited-edition print is also available, size of image 13 1/2" x 22 1/2", in an edition of 950, priced at $75.00.
WACO UIC by Keith Ferris, ASAA
"Waco UIC" by Keith Ferris, ASAA, Oil on Masonite, 20" x 25", A founder of the American Society of Aviation Artists, Keith Ferris is undoubtedly the best known U.S. aviation artist, with works spanning the globe, many paintings in the USAF Art Collection, exhibitions at NASM and most major aviation museums, commercial assignments, calendars, major gallery shows, many private collections and more, along with his famous"Thunderbird" B-17 mural and jet history mural at the NASM. This delightful scene of a Waco over Ohio's winter countryside is affordably priced at only $3000, a bargain for a work by this most significant artist. This delightful piece has been returned to Keith Ferris and is available from the artist. Feel free to contact CollectAir for further information.
AGAINST THE ELEMENTS by Ernest Moseling
"Against the Elements" by Ernest Moseling, Oil on canvas board, 22" x 30". This painting depicts the first non-stop airplane crossing of the Atlantic on June 14-15, 1919. Captain John Alcock and Lt. Arthur Whitten Brown flew the Vickers Vimy bomber from St. Johns, Newfoundland to Clifden, County Galway, Ireland in a total flying time of 16 hours, 27 minutes. This painting appeared in the book, "Aviation Art." British artist Ernest Moseling says of this work, "In this painting, I have tried to portray the battle between this flimsy and tempermental flying machine against the might of the elements." A magnificent work for only $1550.00 SORRY SOLD. I had the opportunity a few years ago to visit the original Vimy in the British Science Museum in South Kensington - an inspiring sight - the very first airplane to cross the Atlantic non-stop. John Alcock died in an airplane crash soon after this flight and Teddy Brown lived a very sad life leaving aviation behind following this harrowing experience.
WEDELL-WILLIAMS MODEL 44 by Michael Boss
This Mike Boss original painting focuses on the famous "Golden Age" Wedell-Williams racing aircraft of the 1930s, the most successful of the 30s racing machinery. The Model 44 was described by Jimmy Wedell as being "Hotter than a pistol and twice as fast." NR-278V, NR-61Y and NR-536V were raced under various color schemes, different powerplant installations and with various pilots, winning two Thompson Trophy races, three Bendix Trophy races, and three Shell Speed Dash events between 1931 and 1935 plus many finishes in second and third places. Model 44 #92 appeared as "Miss New Orleans" in 1932 and won the Bendix Trophy with Jimmy Haizlip as pilot. #92 was later raced succ essfully by Mae Haizlip, Jimmy's wife. Roscoe Turner won the 1934 Thompson Trophy with NR-61Y. Mike has portrayed #92 during a test flight by Jimmy Wedell as it flies over the swamps near the home field of Wedell-Williams Air Service at Patterson, Louisiana.
This painting is done in acrylic on stretched canvas and measures 20" x 28". The painting is framed in a grey, rough finish frame to complement the Louisiana swamp setting. This painting is available for only $750.00.
T-6 DRIVER by Bill Tomsa
"T-6 Driver" by Bill Tomsa is an Acrylic painting on stretched canvas, 16" x 20", and is priced at only $625. A modern North American T-6, Number 39, is captured during taxiing at an air race, the short-lived Phoenix 500. It's amazing what a painting can evoke - this scene of the pilot, his office and enough of the aircraft to let you know that it's a T-6, depicts in your mind's eye the entire race picture - the buzz of a dozen T-6s droning down the chute to start and the swarm of churning radials cramming the first pylon for position. I'm excited! Let's go to Reno! Bill is an artist member of the ASAA.
PEASHOOTER AT METRO by Michael Boss
A delightful miniature painting, acrylic on stretched canvas, "Peashooter at Metro"; a Boeing P-26A stops in at Los Angeles Metropolitan Airport on a training flight (now Van Nuys Airport, VNY). This painting of #37 measures 8" x 12" and is unframed. Economically priced at only $SORRY SOLD$, you can own this original gem by Michael Boss for less than the price of many prints. The P-26 was the last open cockpit pursuit aircraft ordered by the Air Corps and was the first American all-metal monoplane fighter. The P-26 had been withdrawn from active duty prior to Pearl Harbor; fourteen P-26s were at Wheeler Field on December 7, 1941 as trainers and squadron hacks - most were destroyed during the attack. The Philippine Air Service had nine P-26s at Zablan and Batangas Fields (auxiliary fields used by the Air Corps); these P-26s accounted for several Japanese bomber kills in the December 1941 attack. By far the most attractive looking of the open cockpit fighters, the P-26 still attracts attention. Celebrate the 1930s Air Corps with this affordable painting of the diminuitive P-26 with its wingspan of only 27' 11 5/8". A solid wood model of the P-26A in 1:32 scale is shown on the "Articles" page link.
OUT OF THE SUN by Gunnar Anderson
"Out of the Sun" by Gunnar Anderson is a mixed media painting on stretched canvas, 24" x 30". The British Bristol Fighter F.2B is shown in World War I action versus a German Fokker D VII. Reinhold Platz's excellent wartime design, the D VII, was put into immediate production and saw action by mid-April 1918. The Fokker D VII proved to be more than a match for the F.2B. Own this exciting slice of WWI action for only $1800.00 Must Contact Artist.
CURTISS P-40E WARHAWK by Jeanne Colbus
A miniature portrait of a currently flying warbird, the Curtiss P-40E, painted in the markings of a Flying Tigers P-40B. Jeanne Colbus has painted this scene in a vintage sepia-tone style using acrylics. Measuring 6" x 12", this "old photo" can be yours for $125.00 sorry sold framed.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN FIGHTERS by C.J. Ashford
BATTLE OF BRITAIN FIGHTERS by British artist, C.J. Ashford. These delightful watercolor illustrations were purchased in England by an American enthusiast. Each is single matted and framed in a simple oak molding. "Hurricane Mk.I", LE*D, is 10" x 13.5" and is watercolor on board. Priced at an economical $295.00. "Spitfire Mk.I", DW*K, is from Number 610 Sqdn., County of Chester, during the Battle of Britain. This airplane, N3029, was later lost on a ferry flight on Jan. 8, 1943. Also 10" x 13.5", framed and priced at only $295, lower than the price of a framed print! You can own the matched pair of paintings for $550.00.
THE BOEING F4B-4 by Ray Schmitt - 1972
"The Boeing F4B-4" by Ray Schmitt. Acrylic on board, 16" x 20". This painting was the fourth in a series by an Oakland, California artist, the late Ray Schmitt. The paintings were done in 1972 on commission to the Bank of America in San Francisco. The paintings were reproduced in prints which were utilized for promotional purposes. Ray Schmitt was a member of the American Aviation Historical Society and a World War II P-38 pilot. Ray did the paintings with the technical advice of the well known aviation historian and aviation plans draftsman and illustrator Willis Nye. These paintings were mentioned in the AAHS Newsletter #21 in 1972. The painting is in the original frame by Jacks Custom Picture Framing, Los Angeles, No. 16286. Also have a painting of the Grumman F3F-1 available in this series. These paintings hung in the San Francisco offices of BofA for many years. Own this piece of history for $500.00, less than the price of many secondary market aviation prints.
HURRICANE MK I and SPITFIRE MK I by Jim Mitchell
British aviation artist Jim Mitchell created this dynamic scene, Hurricane Mk I and Spitfire Mk I, in oil on canvas, 20" x 28" in size. The painting depicts a Spitfire Mk I of 610 Squadron, based at Gravesend, England and a Hurricane Mk I of 87 Squadron, based at Deben and Church Fenton during the fateful summer of 1940 at the height of the Battle of Britain. Jim Mitchell's work has gained worldwide recognition with customers in 21 countries. His paintings have been used extensively in books and on dust jackets. As well as being a brilliant artist, the fact that Jim is the nephew of the late R.J. Mitchell, designer of the Spitfire and previous Supermarine aircraft, adds great interest to the collectability of his paintings. A model of the Spitfire prototype along with a discussion of R.J. Mitchell can be found on the Diverse Images Page. This painting may be purchased for $2125.00.
CURTISS Y1A-8 SHRIKE by Michael Boss
An acrylic on board painting by Michael Boss. This 8-inch by 15-inch scene shows the colorful Shrike of the 90th Attack Squadron of the 3rd Attack Group, U.S.A.A.C. in the early 1930s. The original XA-8 Shrike first flew in 1931. Thirteen Shrikes were ordered for service test, most powered by the 600 h.p. Curtiss Conqueror V-1570-31 Prestone cooled engine. This Y1A-8 was delivered to Fort Crockett, Texas and flown with the 3rd AG from 1932 to 1934. A radial engine installation proved superior to the liquid cooled and the follow-on contract was for a Wright R-1820-21 Cyclone powered A-12 Shrike and 46 were subsequently built for the Army Air Corps. A group of A-12s was in the Hawaiian Islands on December 7, 1941.
This painting reflects the interesting era of the first all-metal, low-wing attack monoplane - the Curtiss Shrike. This painting is not framed so you can frame to suit your requirements. Price is only $375.00.
XP-38 LIGHTNING by Larry Lapadura
Larry Lapadura's painting, "XP-38 Lightning", is a commemorative painting celebrating the Lockheed P-38 Lightning's first flight on January 27, 1939 from March Field, piloted by Army Air Corps Wright Field test pilot, Lt. Ben Kelsey. Acrylic on canvas, 24" x 36", and framed. This one-off prototype was flown only by Kelsey during its brief fourteen day flying existence. The XP-38, AC37-457, crashed on February 11, 1939 at the end of a transcontinental speed dash record attempt from California's March Field to Mitchel Field, Long Island. Upon his unannounced arrival, Lt. Kelsey had to crash land in the Cold Stream Golf Course after his engines probably iced up in the idle setting when he was stuck behind three or four slow flying PB-2A training planes in the pattern. His low airspeed was probably caused by the traffic but perhaps other concerns such as a low speed requirement for flap extension or inadequate brakes contributed. Nevertheless, the engines failed to accelerate on final approach and he had insufficient altitude to glide to the field.
Kelsey had this to say about the radical design of the P-38: "I don't think any of you will ever appreciate the trail breaking the P-38 accomplished; it was unique in history in many ways. It did more things at the time that set the stage for later on. For one instance, we were somewhat concerned about a 45 pound wing loading because we were buying ones that rarely topped 30 pounds. Looking up aircraft that had been flown at high wing loadings, the only one we had that had any experience was the Sikorsky boat that had all of Long Island Sound to take-off in, making record flights. It had gone up to 45 pound per square foot. Here we were talking about a tactical aircraft that we would want to get over 50 foot obstacles both ways in about 2200 feet with wing loadings fully that high. The elegance of this design was apparent and we were willing to look at it." The 45 pound wing loading was made possible largely through the use of the Fowler flap, first used in production on the Lockheed Model L-14 transport, the "Super Electra," in 1937. Lockheed received a service test production order for thirteen YP-38s within about 60 days of the crash (April 27, 1939).
Oddly, there wasn't extensive magazine coverage of the XP-38 crash although news services carried February 11th dispatches about the crash; the AP headlined their article, "'Mystery' Plane Crashes At End of Test Speed Hop: Fails to Break Hughes Mark." The AP account was way off the mark insofar as describing the cause of the crash. "Time" magazine carried an article written in their abbreviated style but with reasonable accuracy. Here's a reprint of that short column. From the "TRANSPORT" column of the February 20, 1939 "Time" magazine, page 28.) "Sleek, Fast and Luckless. She was sleek as freshly peeled willow. As overalled mechanics trundled her out for the warm-up at March Field one day last week she gleamed slimly among the bulb-nosed fighters, the potbellied bombers on the Army Air Corps Southern California airdrome. Major General Henry H. Arnold, greying Chief of the Air Corps, surveyed with particular approval her twin engines, Prestone-cooled V-12 Allisons of 1,000 horsepower each, faired trimly into the metal wing. Well he knew that broadbeamed radial air-cooled motors, such as the big U. S. engine builders have brought to perfection, could not be used on such a ship without protruding in speed-killing humps on the wing's leading edges, that only the Allison (TIME, Jan. 30) could do the job cut out for the new fighter. When the engines had been warmed up, Lieutenant Ben S. Kelsey, one of the Army's ace test pilots, buckled his parachute leg-straps, climbed into her independent midships compartment (she is twin-tailed) and took off. Half an hour later he landed, and delighted Henry Arnold issued a statement to the press about XP-38, the Air Corps's break from pursuit tradition. The ship, said he, "opens up new horizons of performance probably unattainable by nations banking solely on the single engine arrangement." Kelsey had traveled more than 350 miles an hour in the test. He was satisfied the Lockheed was highly maneuverable, had more than 400 miles an hour in her. Day after the test, Ben Kelsey took the ship East, stopped 22 minutes at Amarillo for fuel, lost another 23 minutes at the gas pit in Dayton. When he whipped over Mitchel Field on Long Island, just as the sun was setting, he was seven hours, 45 minutes (elapsed time) out of March Field, 2,400 miles away, and only 17 minutes slower than Howard Hughes's record non-stop transcontinental flight in a racing plane in 1937. Swinging swiftly in a wide arc he squared away for a landing, let down his landing gear. Then came some more of the sort of bad luck that has dogged new Army ships of late. As Pilot Kelsey suddenly realized that he was falling short, he opened his throttles to drag into the field. Without so much as a cough his left engine died. Plowing her wheels through a tree, the XP-38, with right engine throttled, slammed into the sand bunker of a golf course, came to a stop with her right wing torn off, her props hopelessly snaggled, her fuselage twisted (see cut). A passing motorist helped dazed Ben Kelsey from the wreck. He had been only slightly cut. Probably damaged beyond repair was XP-38. But in the Lockheed factory, at Burbank, Calif., were all the drawings, dies and jigs needed to make many more like her. Pilots said the twin-engined pursuit ship had joined the Air Corps." (Caption for photo of wrecked XP-38, "XP-38 Wrecked on Long Island. The twin-engined pursuit ship joined the Air Corps nevertheless.")
Exactly two years following the XP-38's first flight, the January 27, 1941 issue of LIFE magazine carried a Lockheed ad which featured a painting of the P-38 and Hudson done by the late Ren Wicks. The P-38 depicted is the XP-38, not the production version YP-38 of the day. I asked Ren why he painted the XP in 1941 and he said that the drawings and information that were given to him by Lockheed were for the XP - a slip up by the art director for the advertising. The detail of the XP-38 from the 1941 ad is shown below.
The use of XP-38 images in later advertising is a reoccurring theme. The full-page, Curtiss Electric Propeller ad, shown below, is from the Aero Digest of July 1941. The P-38 shown at top appears to be a YP-38 commonly pictured during that era. However, the P-38 in the lower left corner is actually the one-off XP-38 (shown in more detail below also); can you pick out the five or six prominent features that mark this one-of-a-kind prototype? Send me your answers via "Feedback".
You can celebrate this famous airplane's birth with Larry's elegant painting. The painting is currently being exhibited by the artist; for information on how to contact Larry Lapadura, please use the Feedback Form.
CollectAir also has an elegant painting of the XP-38 by Stan Stokes priced at $5500. This scene, presented below, depicts Lt. Ben Kelsey in a XP-38 test flight at March Field in early February, 1939, just prior to his cross country record attempt. This 30" x 40" commissioned painting was completed in the fall of 1981.
WESTERN AIR EXPRESS by Michael Boss
A Michael Boss original painting, alkyd on masonite, measuring a generous 22 1/4" x 28 1/4". This painting, Western Air Express, is a recreation of the poster-style art used for advertising in the 1930s. Depicted is the Fokker F-32 built at the Fokker Aircraft Corporation of America facility in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. Western began in 1926 at Vail Field (see "Montebello 1926" on Art Prints page) and later moved to Alhambra. The Los Angeles to San Francisco (actually Oakland Airport) route was called the "Model Airway" and was funded in 1928 by the Guggenheim Fund for the Promotion of Aeronautics; Pop Hanshue of Western believed that passenger service could be a Western priority and purchased tri-motor Fokker F-10s for the route. Later Pop purchased the four-engine Fokker F-32, elegantly upholstered in alligator skin with walnut panels on the walls; underpowered, the government prohibited more than 22 seats in the 32 seat airplane. The inagural of the F-32, on April 1, 1930, featured the Fanchon & Marco Chorus Girls who danced on the massive, one-piece wooden wing of the transport, NC333N. The tandem, push/pull Pratt & Whitney Hornet Bs powered the F-32 and it was the first four-engine passenger plane to be put into service in the U.S. Several F-32s were used on the route. Transport yourself back to 1930 and enjoy this colorful scene of "luxurious" travel in the modern F-32. This delightful painting is priced at only $350.00.
FAIREY SWORDFISH & H.M.S. ARK ROYAL by Ernest Nisbet
Painting of a Fairey Swordfish Mk I as it flies by the H.M.S. Ark Royal in 1938. This work by British artist Ernest Nisbet is done in gouache on board and measures 13" x 19"; framed and glazed with museum grade UV filtering plexiglas. The Swordfish is from No. 814 Squadron of the Fleet Air Arm. Mr. Nisbet is well known for his artwork on postage stamps. This painting is available for only $795.00. Be sure and see the magnificant Swordfish Mk I model on the Diverse Images English Pewter Models page; this model would be a superb partner to this painting.
Bronze, lost wax casting, entitled "Pappy Boyington", life-size. Sculpted by California artist Jan Portugal in 1988-89; bust number one was donated to the Black Sheep Squadron, VMA-214, Yuma MCAS, for their ready-room in June 1989, by "Hap" Halloran. The story of this commissioning and the reason behind it will be told here in the near future.
This magnificent bust belongs in a major museum. Price, $5,000.00.
GLENDALE: GRAND CENTRAL AIR TERMINAL IN 1933 by Michael Boss
A Michael Boss original painting, "Glendale: Grand Central Air Terminal in 1933", an oil on stretched linen, 28" x 46", priced at $CALL FOR NEW LOW PRICE. The Grand Central Air Terminal is shown in a typical 1933 scene. Grand Central existed until the airport was finally closed in 1959. The field served as an air base during WWII and was completley camouflaged by experts from Disney.
The spectacular Spanish-Colonial Revival/Art Deco airport provided services to major aircraft manufacturers and celebrities of the day. The Shirley Temple movie, "Bright Eyes", was filmed here. The aircraft shown include a Lockheed Orion of Varney Speed Lanes and a Ford Tri-motor. A limited edition print of this scene is available for $75.00. Historian John Underwood's 1984 book, Madcaps, Millionaires and Mose, presents an entertaining look at the history of Glendale Airport in text and pictures.
MUSTANG ESCORT by Barry Bichler
Mustang Escort by Barry Bichler, Oil on stretched canvas , 30" x 40", priced at
$4,995. Major Clarence Anderson's P-51D-10, "Old Crow," of the 357th FG of the 8th AF is the focus of Barry's painting of the air war over Europe. A Me109 is downed by major Anderson as he escorts B-17s on a mission to German industrial centers. The greatest endorsement of this painting was by a retired Air Force General who remarked upon seeing this scene, "That's how it looked." He flew P-51 combat missions in the ETO. Barry Bichler has been commissioned by many individuals and corporations to paint personal and corporate aircraft. He has also painted aircraft for commercial and defense related clients and has done calendars and book illustrations. Major Clarence Anderson. Second only to the 56th FG in the number of air-to-air victories scored in the ETO, the 357th FG produced many fine combat pilots who racked up impressive scores. Major Anderson was one of the highest scoring aces of the 357th. The P-51D portrayed as "Old Crow" was serial number 44-14450, originally painted in a camouflage scheme, it was later stripped to bare metal and sported a red rudder. The name "Old Crow" appeared on the left side of the cowling. In his two combat tours in three different P-51s, Anderson flew 116 missions covering 480 hours of combat flying during which he destroyed 17 1/2 enemy aircraft and damaged several others. Major "Chuck" Yeager flew the P-51D, "Glamorous Glen III" with the 363rd Squadron of the 357th FG.
KNIGHTS IN SHINING ARMOUR by John Dimond
Knights in Shining Armour by John Dimond is an oil painting on stretched canvas, measuring 20" x 30". The beauty of a slightly oil stained, but fresh, Boeing B-17G is evident in this exacting Flying Fortress portrait by British aviation artist, John Dimond. This aircraft is from the 8th AF's 381st BG. A rare color photo shows this same B-17G with four more of the group. The book, "The History of the U.S. Air Force" by David Anderton, displays the WWII picture on page 87 giving credence to the magnificent appearance of this wartime bomber. The bomber appears in the unpainted finish used in the later stages of WWII, 1944-45. This shining finish will slowly degrade to an overall "tarnished" appearance if, God willing, the airplane survives it's upcoming missions over Germany. Own this framed painting for only $975.00. A detail of the B-17G is shown below.
This bronze lost wax casting, Helmet, was sculpted by San Francisco Bay Area artist, Joel Harris. The bronze stands an impressive 18 1/2" in height. The stories this helmet must have to tell! Does it fit you? Try it on for A special price of $1995.00. Certain to entertain conversation in your home or office or a great gift or award for an aviator.
A large size, original pencil drawing of the 25th F.I.S. F-86F Sabre of Major John Glenn USMC as flown in the Korean War. This excellent 1987 work by Robert Parks is available for only $500.00. Original art at a print price - a much better buy than a print! See also the Diverse Images Pewter Model page for an exquisite English pewter modelof this jet fighter with the stunning markings of Major Glenn.
George McWilliams painted this TA-4J of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Patuxent Naval Air Station, when he worked there in the 1980s as an illustrator for the navy. George is responsible for many of the fine murals found on the air station. This excellent portrait of a test pilot school airplane measures 9" x 13" and is watercolor (yes, that detail is in watercolor) on board. Price for this fine painting, framed, is only $450.00 SORRY SOLD but have SBD Dauntless by George. Last I heard, George was successfully showing Chesapeake Bay skipjack scenes at an Annapolis gallery, Mystic Seaport and other art venues; George has moved to a West Virginia farm, far from the hectic urban scene.
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Original art has lasting value and will bring pleasure for many years to come. To ORDER, call (805) 560-1323, cell (408) 828-2810, fax (805) 560-9943 or e-mail 72245.747@compuserve.com. Check, money order or credit card accepted. Mailing address is CollectAir, 1324 De La Vina St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
Art may be ordered by contacting CollectAir through theFeedback Link at left, top margin, or calling (805) 560-1323 or cell (408) 828-2810 (preferred). Payment by cash, check or credit card. Mail to CollectAir, 1324 De La Vina St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101.