Final Thoughts

Another view of the boneyard...

Even though I don't think cockpit builders are going to spend a lot (compared to some major airline who needs a part to fix an A.O.G. (aircraft on ground) plane or lose money every hour), Newell treated us like we were his best customers. I really appreciate the time that he, Richard and everyone at The Memphis Group took to show us the planes and talk to us about the best way to get the parts we needed. From what I saw of the company, they seemed like very professional folks who also like to have fun at what they do. I think this hobby of ours (as young as it is) is not taken very seriously by professionals in the aircraft industry. If people like The Memphis Group are willing to listen to us about the things we are looking for and realize that they can make some money off of parts they might have thrown away (think B.E.R. - Beyond Economic Repair), a relationship can be built that would be profitable for everyone concerned.

Oh- while I was climbing around in the planes, I took the opportunity to take some detail photographs of the cockpit areas of the classic 747 and the Airbus A-300. I will post a link here when I have the pages up and going...

If any cockpit builders are interested in parts for their projects, Newell Williams has requested that serious enquiries only be relayed through Steve Smith .

I would like to thank Steve Smith for his invitation to go on this trip; Newell Williams, Richard Cordel and The Memphis Group for allowing us access to their facilities.