It is exciting to see Tsunami on track to return to the skies. I'd like to share one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had related to the plane. I was at Reno the last year Tsunami raced. I was at the pits early in qualifying and taking pictures like I always did. I saw John Sandberg there and commented on how much I liked the new paint scheme. I also had a copy of a photo I had taken of the plane at a previous Reno that I'd blown up to an 8x12 to give him. For a couple of years I'd make copies of the best photos from the previous year to give to the team the following year.
I mentioned I'd like to get a lot of photos of the plane in its new colors because at the time I was actively involved in R/C warbird racing and would love to have the photos for documentation sometime down the road. We ended up talking about R/C and things in general and for the rest of the event I was treated like one of the crew! The family and crew treated me in a way I can never forget.
It was amazing to meet such a friendly bunch of folks and to be let into the "inner circle" as it were. When I heard the news shortly after the race of the accident it was hearbreaking. I feel so luck to have had the brief encounter with such an amazing individual. To see the plane back together would be such an incredible tribute.
As for it being competitive I am sure that with the current state of the Merlins it would be the plane to beat. I hope we see her back on the course in some form.
Michele