This page is devoted to input from readers. We're particularly interested in adding memories from anyone who had worked for, worked with, or had any interesting experiences with Tallmantz Aviation, or Frank Tallman, or Paul Mantz. We'll also bring in some of the memories or comments from the Tallmantz Guestbook. You'll have to excuse any editing that might be done but what can you say, or do, about editors?
By the way, if you have an lengthy story about Tallmantz, please let us know, particularly with photos, and we might be able to add a specific Memories page for that story.
My father's name is Richard Robison, known as Robbie (or some called him Dick). He worked from 1960-1968 in the little bamboo hut at the museum and various other jobs. I still have the sign from the museum and have original brochure, MANY photos, including autographed "to Paul" from various actors (Amelia, etc). Have excellent photo of FRANK PINE, NOT in grubbies. Also PONCHO BARNES MYSTERY SHIP being started. I remember going many summers to the museum running around in the BONEYARD, the 25 cent gate, sitting in the old Flying Tiger. I remember STEVE CARUSO quite well, liked him very much and still have a photo of a B29 that he took. I enjoyed flying in the old orange barnstorming plane. I remember the secret bookcase door to the office. I HAVE PAUL MANTZ'S WINGS. I have drawings of the original MOTA hanger layout plans. If any of the mechanics remember, as I child I was dared to pull the line on a parachute, so I did. Cost my father said he paid $10 to have it re-packed. I also went on several movie shoots. My sister, Paula learned to fly there with a female flight instructor. There weren't many of those. My father always said how much he enjoyed working there, and he worked on Catch 22 in Guaymas, Mexico.
I remember Boots, went to the fair with her and her daughter or niece one day. I remember Reed (money taker) and some fellow workers out in the parking lot would make their way to the men's room, as there was a hole in the wall to the adjoining ladies room... I know, funny now. (Editor's note...maybe not so much)
My father died Sept. 9, 2006 a very loved and grateful man. I will be at the Reno Air Races. Took photo books last year and shared with others who enjoyed very much. (go, DagoRed!! P51)
Here's a little bit more info on the Pine family that worked for Tallmantz Corp. F.Y.I. the "Smoking Pine tree" seen on the B25 Film plane refers to My Uncle Frank's love of cigars, (Pine tree-cigar) I will never forget his brother "buzzing" the memorial service at the Pacific View cemetary, he flew so low you could see the "smoking pin tree" from the ground. Not a dry eye there at that moment, including Uncle Walt, flying his brother B25 over his service* *Don't tell anyone, but the flight plan was unapproved....
I worked as a fueler in 1973-74 at Tallmantz. As a 19 year old, it was an experience that I will never forget. Thea Appleby was our secretary and my immediate boss was Dave Anderson who seemed old at 26! I loved the sights and sounds of oil smoke from round engines of the B-25s starting and blue exhaust flames when they took off at night and passed by at the west end of then O.C. Airport at night. One day Mr. Tallman was taking a Gypsy Moth off on a grass median next to runway 19R. He didn't catch in his pre-flight that the mechanics had cross connected the ailerons and on take-off roll dug a wingtip gently into the turf and ground looped, almost flipping. Much profanity was expressed by Mr. Tallman and no one spoke of the incident around him after that! He had lost a leg in a non-flight accident and I was instructed from day one if Mr. Tallman fell down, do not help him up! Sure enough, he was getting out of the Aztec one day and as he was coming down the wing he fell on the ground. I started towards him and he immediately said "No goddamitt, I will get up myself!" Sir, yes sir Mr. Tallman.
Tom Mooney was one of the nicest and most humble guys. He was a Marine Aviator who flew in WW II, Korea, and Viet Nam. One day I was sitting in my fuel truck in March 1974 and a Cessna 150 from Santana Aviation took off and lost an engine at 300 ft. AGL. They stalled and spun in 100 yards from the fuel truck I was sitting in. A mechanic, Tony, and I pulled what was left of the bodies out of this Cessna that had gone straight in. It shook me and I cancelled my X-country to Palomar that afternoon. Tom Mooney came up to me and said "kid, they teach you three things in ground school--airspeed, airspeed, and airspeed." I took that solo the next day. Tom was killed flying charter in Florida some time later for a different company. Pat Daley was the maint. manager. I nicked named him "Uncle Bugs" and it seemed to stick.
I just saw on the cover of Air and Space Mr. Mantz's #46 red P-51 that was one of the Museum planes, rebuilt and restored. Great to see a connection with these wonderful planes then and still flying. Again, the experience left a lasting impression that stays with me today.
For the TV movie/pilot film for the NBC's The Lawyers series (shown as a element of the Bold Ones along with cop and doctor dramas). The Whole World is Watching, there is a murder where a Seebee is rigged to crash. On film it taxi's into a building and explodes. It was featured in a period TV Guide article. Here's a not very helpful link on the IMDB. The film Cloudburst was originally released and shown as Wings of Fire. Like many of the early TV movies, it was released into syndication for broadcast by individual stations. Here it is on the IMDB.
Finally, in Tallman's book Flying the Old Planes there are shots of him doing flying for the old ABC comedy F Troop as a balloonist. And since hot air balloons were fairly rare at the time, he MAY have done the flying of a balloon for Green Acres". Also, the notations for J-2 chopper probably mean a Bell 47J-2 Ranger.
As a kid I was a huge fan for Tallman, especially after a Flying magazine article on his Duck work for Murphy's War. In 1978 I finally made it to Orange County Airport and I went into the Tallmantz area. The only thing I saw was a scheduling board listing some upcoming work for Black Sheep Squadron. I would have loved to meet him.
The father of a friend of mine worked on the Phoenix; does anyone remember a Jerry Morrison on the project? Also, re the Continental Airlines DC-7 N8210H, was this in the the museum to honor movie pilot Archie Twitchell who was killed in the crash of the original N8210H in 1957, or just a coincidence?
Editor's note: As a comment to Chris's inquiry about the DC-7, my information is that it was a straight donation to the musuem and did not commemorate anyone or anything.
I am a nephew of Frank & Don Pine who flew and worked with Tallmantz Corp. in the 1960s and early '70s. I have many fond memories of their time with Tallmantz Corp. It's sad to hear of the fate of the camera plane, but all things pass I guess. Thank yo for having this site up for us to enjoy. I miss my uncles, and think of them often. Frank loved working with Frank and Paul...I forgot that my Uncle Walter Pine also worked with Tallmantz Corp and survives his brothers Frank and Don. He lives in Texas with my Aunt Marylin.
Also, in the picture under the photos listed in the Flight of the Phoenix story, my Uncle Frank is listed as fourth from left; although poor in quality, I really don't think that is Frank Pine. My mother is Laun Pine, youngest daughter of the Pine family. She lives in Palm Desert, California.
Editor's note: There's no information about Don Pine working for Tallmantz that I have come up with. Also, we are still trying to identify anyone in the photo the Mike refers to.
I wouldn't swear to it but the second guy from the left could possibly be Carroll Wright. He was fairly small in stature and had gray hair. He retired while I worked there. He was one of Paul Mantz's men and I got the feeling he wasn't all that "on board" with Frank Tallman. But once again I can't swear that it is him.
Back to the Aero Vintage Home Page
Updated:
