Bell X-2.com: Sightings

New Iven Kincheloe Photo Added

Thanks to Mike Clemente, I just added a new Iven Kincheloe photo to the X-2 Photo Album.

Thanks, Mike!

I have another bunch of X-2 photos that I’m scanning and processing now…coming soon.

Toward The Unknown on Turner Classic Movies

I never thought I’d ever write this – Turner Classic Movies will be showing Toward The Unknown on November 12, 12:45 p.m. Central. To my knowledge, this is the first time ever.

So…if you’ve warn out your TTU DVD already, here’s another chance to watch.

Hint: If you get TCM HD, watch it there – the picture quality should be awesome. I’ve seen Bombers B-52 in widescreen HD and it looked like it was filmed yesterday. While both are 1956 WB films, Bombers has aged better color quality wise (no red tint).

X-2 Memorial, 55 Years Later

It’s so nice to hear that the X-2 and Capt. Mel Apt haven’t been forgotten. Fifty-five years after the crash, Tony Accurso and a group assembled at the X-2 crash site to honor the Capt. Apt. Here’s his recap (Thanks, Tony!):

On Tuesday, 27 Sep 11, several base personnel including myself, my daughter Evelyn, Tony Moore, Peter Merlin and the Base Archeologist returned to the location of the Bell X-2 Capsule to pay tribute to Capt. Mel Apt. This past Sunday, Oct 2, 2011, my daughter Evelyn and I along with our good friend Tony Moore of “The X-Hunters” returned to the Bell X-2 Crash Site to honor Capt. Mel Apt in our own way. We brought a photo of Capt. Apt, an original X-2 model and flags which were placed at the location of the X-2 tail site. The flags are going to be sent to the Apt family which have been contacted by Tony Moore. As a personal tribute, I flew my Radio Control F-22 Profile Parkjet over the site performing several low passes and a landing on the X-2 tail site. I couldn’t get a real F-22 fly over but this was a good substitute. It was a very special week!

Evelyn Accurso & Tony Moore

Capt. Apt 55th Anniversary Article

Just spotted this: Oct. 5 article from Edwards AFB…

Starbuster: 55 years ago Capt. Mel Apt conquered Mach 3, lost life on fated flight

New X-2 Artwork

Photographer and artist John Bedke forwarded me this recent X-2 piece of his. See the rest of John’s work at LaughingCatsStudio.com.

X-2 Crash Site Memorial in the Works

Fifty five years after his fatal crash, a memorial is in the works to honor Capt. Mel Apt and the Bell X-2. Located in the Kramer Hills area, just east of Edwards AFB, the crash site memorial will be installed this Fall or Winter.

Many thanks to Greg Frazier for spearheadding this effort and keeping me updated! As soon as more details (and photos) are available, I will post here on the blog.

More details can be found on the WreckChasing.com message board.

Air Research & Developent Command Issue

Cover from the October 1954 issue of Life of the Soldier and the Airman, a recruiting magazine/handout.

Edwards AFB in My Backyard

This is as exciting as it gets in Milwaukee: The carcass of a Shorts 330 in Edwards markings, tail number 40458 (aka N264AC). If you have any information on this plane, please drop me a note!

XLR-25 Rocket Engine Images Added to Album

Thanks to Mike R., I’ve just added a series of photos of a Curtiss-Wright XLR-25 rocket engine to the X-2 Photo Album.

The two-chambered engine is on display at The Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey in Teterboro.

Toward The Unknown On DVD!

Toward The Unknown is now available, remastered, from the Warner Brothers Archive Collection. It is a “print-on-demand” DVD, which is the ‘new’ standard it appears for classic film. That model is fine by me: it allows companies such as WB to offer rare, classic films without having to worry about mass distribution to all the stores. I’ve purchased from the Archive Collection before with no issues,

When you buy TTU, and I know you will, pick up a copy of The McConnell Story also and support the WB Archive!

Once I get my copy from WB, I’ll share some screen caps and more information!