Tejas Chapter
Bimmers and Bombers Tour

Saturday, May 21, 2016
Planned by John Hughan
Considering BMW's heritage of building aircraft engines, and this being Memorial Day month, take a step back in time with us on our visit to the Commemorative Air Force, Central Texas Wing.

9:00 am - Meet in the northwest area of the Cabela's parking lot in Buda, 15570 S IH 35 Frontage Rd. Facing the entrance to the store entering from the I-35 frontage road, head right and then enter the parking area on your left past the edge of the building. (Link to map)

Driver meeting at 9:15 am.

Depart at 9:30 am.

We will take back roads to our destination, arriving at approximately 10:15 am. CAF CenTex is a "living history" museum; the aircraft on display are still flown today. Their WWII hangar is one of the few in the US still actively maintained and used, and their "Ghost Squadron" fleet spans a range of classes, including trainers, bombers, and fighters. Some of their standouts are a privately owned Zero and a B5N2 Kate, both used in the film "Tora! Tora! Tora!", as well as their P-39 "Miss Connie", one of only two in the world still flying today. More recently, they have undertaken a restoration of a 1916 Republic flatbed truck. Its wheels were just rebuilt in wood by an Amish family and shod in tires made of solid rubber, and it is currently being stripped down to be de-rusted and have its entire frame repainted, after which its restored engine and steering wheel will be installed.

Our visit will include a tour lasting 75-90 minutes. Although admission is free, donations are encouraged because CAF CenTex is staffed entirely by volunteers who provide the wide range of skill sets necessary to keep both the planes and the hangar itself looking and operating their best, and all donations go toward keeping these historic aircraft in flying condition. Additionally, they will be generously allowing us to take a group photo of our cars arranged in front of their B-25 bomber "Yellow Rose"!
We will depart the CAF CenTex Wing at roughly 12:15 pm, bound for lunch at the nearby Tres Hermanas Restaurant & Cantina in San Marcos. Depending on weather, we will be seated either in their outdoor patio area or their upstairs private dining/lounge room. Lunch will consist of a marinated steak and grilled chicken fajita buffet (vegetarian and pesceterian options available upon request), including rice, beans, guacamole, pico, chips, salsa, and a soft drink. The cost for lunch is $18, all-inclusive.

Who attended

Name
Year Model People
Name
Year Model People
Mohammed Abusalih 2011 1M 1 Herb Looney 2015 435i 1
Randy & Sherry Ann Allen 2008 M6 2 Luke & Carol Lowery 2008 650i 2
Mike & Gloria Anderson 2006 Z4 2 David & Chungnam Lucia 2014 650i 2
Joaquin Aviles 2016 M235i 1 Carlos & Vikki Marino 2013 M3 2
Scott Bowman 2011 1M 1 Glenn & Sandy McConnell 2015 M4 2
Daniel & Sean Briggs 2002 325xi 2 Mac McConnell 1996 318ti 1
Josh Butts 2006 M Rdstr 1 Carl Nybro 2010 328i 2
Tim Cook 2006 M Rdstr 2 Phil Nybro 2007 330is 1
Marco & Mary Beth Cordon 2013 M3 2 Steve Pedersen 2002 M Rdstr 1
Tom & Gay Dawson 2010 Z4 2 Jason Pfiester 2003 530i 2
Angel Espinosa 2007 M Cpe 1 Jim & Gabi Reed 2014 SL550 2
Anthony Ettipio 1997 318ti 1 Raquel Robles 2013 X1 1
Jim Factor 2015 M3 1 Vincent Robles 2013 128i 1
Brandon & David Hardiman 2013 M5 2 Andy & Codi Rose 1989 325i 2
Valentin Hernandez 2013 M3 3 Hector Sanchez 2013 335i 3
John & Corey Hughan 2016 Cayman GT4 2 James & Alejandra Whalen 2011 335is 2
Mike Jackson 2013 M3 1 Roger Williams 2000 M Rdstr 1
Terry Jones 2016 M235i 2 Zach Williamson 1990 325i 1
Jeffrey & Debra Lantz 2013 135i 2 Carlos Zorrilla 2011 Z4 1
Sandra & Bill Lewis 2003 Z4 2 Total 39 63