I'm thinking about Writing a book.

If you need a proofreader hit me up.

I def think the drop tank would be a good book and you’d have my buy for sure. It would be a good opportunity to talk about the 47 in detail as well so there is def ways to make a good book out of the topic

I'm more interested in the "WW2 Drop Tank fiasco" for two reasons: 1) there are already many books about the Wright Brothers and, as far as I know, none specifically about the WWII drop tank fiasco (or drop tanks in general, other than tech manuals which aren't what I call "good reading"); and 2) I supported the "Drop Tank Shop" as a "Process Engineer" when I worked at a NAVAIR Depot in the '90s. ;)

Yes please, add to and correct the aero history

I really think the drop tank book is needed. Your argument is airtight and well supported with evidence. But people won't take it seriously unless it is in print with an index and all the citations in one place. I agree that this is an important issue, up there with the Mk 13. And I don't see anyone else addressing it. It is a big hole in the historiography. Your work needs to be published.

I'm a long time channel follower, first time at patreon.

Droptank is probably a more gripping topic; general .... soldiers suffer. It's a little too tight to rush to this year's Oshkosh.

The Wrights are such ancient history.

I’m new to the group as of today. Is there any general Q and A posting place, group chat or whatever where I can ask for info that might be out there, without trying to take up Greg’s time? I am guessing this comment section is not it. My father was a pilot in the 364th Fighter Group flying P38J’s and then P51D’s out of the Honington, England airbase in 1944, and I am trying to find information to make a plot to compare their WEP speeds vs altitude in that timeframe, then add in same for P47D for good measure. My father wrote a 45 page text only “short” story about his WW2 war experiences back in 1995, and I successfully mostly ignored it until lately when grandkids found out about it and their parents started reading it to them, and they wanted visuals and supplementary info. So, lucky me gets to add the picture section. The book History of the 364th Fighter Group published in limited run in 1990 gave some good people and plane pictures, but not much technical info.

To be honest, I don't need kickstarter or patreon to send you money to front a book. I'd send it to your venmo with no expectation.

The air battle of Germany when the Luftwaffe was still a force to be feared....maybe a book to put to bed some WW2 myths which continue to be re-cycled endlessly.

I will pre buy

Whatever you decide, it will be great!

I'd love both. Given a choice, I would pick the drop tank first.

I'll reserve having an opinion on this move until I've seen the debate :)

I would buy and read books on either subjects written by you. My gut says the Wright Brothers subject could ellict yawns from some (not I) because there has been so much written about that era. However, the drop tank subject is very under explored and deserves a serious treatment that you are well positioned to provide. Some will cry "revisionist history" but so be it. It is history that needs revising. I wish you good luck on your decision and the actual research and writing.

In a heartbeat I would buy a book about aircraft performance and maneuverability based on your eight-part P-47 series, as long as you include the one comparing the P-80 and Me-262, so we know how to work jets and thrust required and not just power required. The drop tank issue would easily be one chapter. Darrell Hartsig

I'd support both but vote for the drop tank topic. I believe this is an under explored subject. Much like some of the Midway myths that Parshall and Tully exploded in "Shattered Sword," I'd love to see you do the same on the drop tank and U.S. escort fighters in the ETO.

I would certainly read it and support a kickstarter. Although I suspect 6 months to write it may be a bit optimistic. Once you start researching you’ll find a lot of rabbit holes.

Hello Greg, if you can write a compelling argument, and I bet you can, about the Drop Tank fiasco in WW2. Maybe tie it in with the arguments you made in P-47 series unless that has already been done. Cheers

I suggest you set up a paid substack, write a series of essays there, and then collate these into a book.

I agree with other posts that the drop tank fiasco is probably the topic that needs the most attention. Whichever you choose if I can do anything to help I am close to Wright-Patterson AFB, the Air Force museum and the Wrights' hometown, so don't hesitate to contact me if I can help and perhaps save you a trip.

If I'd have to pick just one, it'd be the drop tank fiasco. I think your research on the matter could offer a real ground-breaking contribution to US military aviation historiography, as long as the book is also well-sourced with plenty of footnotes, especially on the more controversial stuff. I'd buy that book.

The only problem that I can see with a book about the Wright Brothers is that there are a thousand of them already and while I'm sure that yours would be very factual and engaging it might get lost in the shuffle and not get the attention that it would deserve. A book about the drop tank debacle or another lesser known but important topic might get wider attention.

The drop tank book needs to be written and you are probably the most qualified person on the subject. I’ll reserve a printing!

I would be interested, but I am leery of Kickstarter because the only time I have contributed the company didn't honor their commitment! I trust you though.

Your wright brothers video was what first got my attention to your channel and although I find all your videos very interesting I think the Wright brothers are a more unique subject of expertise for you.

I would support both but I'd prefer the one on the Wright brothers and early Aviation

I would support both books Greg! Although the drop tank fiasco was also new to me when I found your channel… I also think that subject needs more coverage!

I would support and purchase both books. I particularly enjoy your commentary on the Wright Brothers and would eagerly support having such a book in my hands first. But pursue the work that makes you most happy - I'm sure we here will be here for it.

I'd definitely support both books.

Drop tanks and its not even close, that entire chapter needs to be rewritten. The P51 constantly being referenced as having longer range than P47, with nobody mentioning the P47 using tanks in the Pacific, is much more important story. Agree its upthere with the torpedo debacle.

I'd be happy to support your work.

A book by Greg? Instant buy and read!

Like the idea. Maybe a book on the period that includes the drop tank and the torpedo stories.

I understood the Germans conducted pre-war tests to extend aircraft range that included drop tanks and in-flight refueling. Yet when the Battle of Britain erupted and the Bf-110 turned out to be an unsuccessful escort fighter, the Bf-109 - never designed for long range - was suddenly pressed into the escort role for which it wasn't really suited. So where were those drop tanks? I heard one story that they tried making them out of cheap pressed fibre material to save wasting precious aluminium but the Jagdwaffe pilots refused to use them because they leaked and were considered a fire hazard. They eventually appeared for Barbarossa - too late for the BoB. I wonder what happened here? More RLM mismanagement? I would consider either book Greg.

I would welcome either, but the drop tank topic is not well known and therefore gets my vote.

Please greg be open and honest. I respect them but some of their actions were determintal to moving aviation forward at times. I know they deserve credit for alot but they liked to widen their actual patents into the extremes and seemed to be willing to use lawfare to force people to pay them even when it was not fair. Even if you thought you could win the fight what value would be left and everytime someone paid them on their assertions it built presedent.

Greg, I think the Wrights have been covered by a lot of authors but the drop tank fiasco has almost zero coverage so I think the drop tank topic would do spectacularly well. I also think that a drop tank book would dovetail neatly with Richard Dunn's Exploding Fuel Tanks book. However, what ever you decide to do, I know you will cover it with your usual attention to detail. I would contribute to a go fund me for whatever you decide on. (BTW Are you planning to buy Jon Parshall's 1942 book due out in May?)

YES🥳🥳🥳 My wallet is ready to help fund when you're ready!

I was just thinking this morning that a good book on the Wright Brothers or early aviation is something I need. I hadn't started researching if there are already such books available. Even if there are, I would by your book as I am sure you would be more thorough, cover all the important topics, and all the things you do in your videos.

I’ll buy at least two. I’m sure you know Ian McCollum of Forgotten Firearms has had some success funding books through Kickstarter. The McCullough book is good as biography, but I think a more technically oriented book on early aviation would be great.

I doubt that the drop tank fiasco would make an entire book. You might do better to write a book on advances in aircraft range WWI through 1945. Or maybe 1030's to 1945. The drop tank fiasco would be a major part of that book.

I would definitely be interested. You may be able to fund it with pre sales.

No time like the present if you're going to start. I'd ask if you think you're going to retire from the day job if you're thinking about a book. Or are you just focusing your energy while waiting on the return to the day job?

Sounds great, I would support that