Compliments of “Cap’n Randy”
Cap’n Randy Sohn is one of the most interesting people in aviation. He has been everywhere, flown everything and knows everybody in aviation. He retired as a captain with Northwestern, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The story is that Cap’n Randy is licensed to check out anyone in any airplane, whether he has ever flown that model before. I don’t understand that, so don’t ask me for details.
Recently I talked with one Hugh Wheelless, Jr. who grew up as the son of Hugh Senior, a legendary man who owned and ran a very large aerial application (cropduster for the unwashed) operation in Dothan, AL. At one time they operated a fleet of B-17s which they used, oddly enough, to spread Mirex poison to kill fire ants in the south.
Hugh, Jr. mentioned to me that one of those B-17s was the currently-famous “Aluminum Overcast.” I hadn’t known that and was greatly impressed. I sent a message to Cap’n Randy because I knew he had worked with Hugh Wheelless, Sr. at one time, and I wasn’t sure he knew about the Wheelless-Aluminum Overcast connection. I should have known better.Cap’n Randy sent back to me a detailed account of the entire history of the Aluminum Overcast, including everyone who ever owned the airplane before, during, and after the Wheelless ownership.You could have knocked me over with a feather. The things this man knows and on which he keeps records is absolutely astounding.If you would like to know how to get a copy of Cap’n Randy’s history of Aluminum Overcast, please leave your name and e-mail address in the comment section or write directly to me at ralph@ralphhood.com.
Total change of subject…
A coupla weeks ago this BLOG was about entrepreneurial types working like all getout to solve the fuel crisis. Today cometh online the information that Volkswagen is going to sell—this year—a few two-place cars that should get maybe 200 mpg. I kid you not.
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Hi, Yankee Bob–
Just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean it’s not all true!
Ralph Hood
Every one is out to get you. It’s part of uor master plan
Paul–
I am astounded. My e-mail address is working if you type it in, but not if you click on the link. Danged if I understand it. Computers and the guvmint think of a new way to confuse me every day. Please try to type it and send to me. Even if it doesn’t come through I will e-mail the history back to you. I promise.
Ralph Hood
Tried e-mailing Ralph Hood about gtting a copy of Aluminum Overcast and my e-mail rejected the address ralph@ralphhood.com. Can you forward my request to Ralph. Love his columns each moth.
Paul–
Thanks for writing. I have forwarded to your e-mail address Cap’n Randy’s history of the Aluminum Overcast.
Thanks again,
Ralph Hood