by Grant » Mon Aug 02, 2004 2:38 am
For the benefit of any folk who don't read the Teardroptimes 'Board, too, I'll post the same comments here as I did there, re: this article.
I've read this piece several times before, in several other places - seems that Chuck is getting a lot of mileage from it, and Teardropping a bit more exposure. All very general information, and for the most part, reasonably accurate. I do, however, take strong issue with a few lines of the story, and I truely hope that none of you reading this have "bought into" the claim ...
"The 'true' Teardrops evolved after World War II using surplus aircraft aluminum ..."
Just a small issue here - the overall basic design and function of teardrop trailers had fully "evolved" long before WWII. The "surplus aircraft aluminum" merely added a bit more longevity with much less maintenance, and gave the trailers a more modern aire about them.
But, here's the line (continued) that I (and YOU should) have the real problem with:
"... from the wings of World War II bombers, making these perhaps the only travel trailers that had actually experienced combat."
Folks, there is simply NO EVIDENCE to support that statement - it is just a romantic myth that some misdirected people have chosen to expound in order to impress the generally unknowing public. YES - SURPLUS aircraft aluminum WAS used on nearly all of the immedaite-post-WWII aluminum-clad teardrops! BUT - no where have any of us (myself and several other historians) been able to find ANY proof that any kind of "industry" existed that went out into the boneyards of de-commissioned bombers to strip the aluminum from the wings (fusealage, or any other part of the plane) to re-sell to fledgling American mfgs. to help recoup war costs or to turn a profit (the only reasons ANYONE would even think of doing something like that).
Now, I WILL concede that PERHAPS a handful of thrifty people ventured out to scavenge said aluminum for their PERSONAL projcts. But, there's just no PROOF that SALVAGED aircraft aluminum was ever used on any commercially produced teardrop.
Maybe you already knew that ... maybe I'm just rattling off on my keyboard ... but I, personally, don't think teardrops or teardropping needs (or wants) that kind of romantic mythology to impress our coolness on the great "unwashed". Teardrops and Teardroppers have enough coolness and practicality to stand on their own merits, without the need for ficticious fabling, thank you very much!
Next time you hear such drivel, kindly and quietly correct their misinformation, and send them on their way, please.
'Til next time ...
CHEERS!
Grant
"Life Moves a Little Slower When You're on Teardrop Time" ... so kick back and focus on the Good Stuff!