My father was a professional pianist and I've always had an affinity with Oscar Levant.
I've read all his books.
As far as the question about trailers goes...
I'm doing more work now with newer Airstreams. Interiors similar to the 75th anniversary model but hand-built. From 19' to 25'. Of course, I can certainly do other types of interiors.
The prototype I built for Airstream is owned by Frank Bates of Bates RV in Florida. I'm sorry he snagged it because I really wanted it.
__________________
A politician is a man who will double cross that bridge when he comes to it.
Oscar Levant
David can you elaborate on what Airstream did differently from your prototype? I'm sure they 'scrimped out' on some of your details.
I really don't like the dull gray awning that our unit came with. I think a two tone strip would have been more suiting. I hope to someday replace ours if the cost isn't over the top. Any suggestions?
The trailer I received from Airstream had aluminum wheels on it. Baby moons were added in production. The grey awning I'm afraid was my notion. I didn't have many choices and they weren't going to spec a special fabric due to costs. I would have used a more classic stripe.
There are some cool colorways available.
In answer to a previous question, the difference between the production model and what comes out of my shop is that we spend more time in the fit and finish. Plus we use a higher grade of woods. Not to say that the interior of the production model is not good. But any time things are mass produced there is a difference. Since what comes out of my studio reflects on me I am pretty fussy. Being OCD pays off. hehe
I also hand pick plywood for grain patterns and also solids. We also spend a lot of time finding cool stuff to incorporate in the design. I try to make every trailer unique. It's all in the details. There are things that we make that are just too expensive [material & labor-wise] for Airstream to do in their units.
__________________
A politician is a man who will double cross that bridge when he comes to it.
Oscar Levant
Wow, David if I had some money I would be very interested since I really love your designs. Maybe when (and if) the econmoy turns around. In the meantime we so enjoy our #18 75th. It has been in 24 states and has been towed about 20,000 miles. If all goes according to plan, this year we will add three more state plus BC and Alberta Canada. Not too bad for a couple of 60+ folks in 19 feet of trailer!!!
24 states, 20,000 miles!? Wow you two are busy working out #18!
Our '40 Winker' has only been towed once into upstate NY where it is available for camping about 10 minutes from the campground we usually stay at. Poor thing gets to barely travel, although she does like to be parked right by the lake while in use.
Alas we do have plans in the upcoming years to take #68 to many places across North America. Looking forward to it!
A recently repossessed 75th (#44) ended up at a car auction in Georgetown PA. The winner apparently was Colonial Airstream... wonder if they had a buyer, or will #44 appear for sale on their website!
Looks like it its missing the propane tanks and batterues, and there was something odd with a wooden board on the back bumper.
It looks like it was in an accident... note the ripples on the front panel... and those mooncaps look kinda rusty... I think this unit's had a rough life....
Marc
What a bunch of numbskulls. They have the wheel chocking in the front, and have the front jack up very high....if it wasn't in an accident by now, it could be...... it sure doesn't look like a best practice to me the way they parked it....
__________________
Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 11/91
Don't think that is a ripple... just the way the light is hitting it. It looks like the chucks are wrong.. but I think if you look in reference to the background, it might just be the camera is tilted and the trailer is in fact on a bit of a slope so the chucks are on the right side in that case (explains the jack up high too).
Being close to that blue/gray car (which has seen better days) in the background doesn't help.
It is odd that the battery box and propane tank are missing... on the bright side, less tongue weight!
I just found Mr. Winick's website and I am blown away by the work. I had been thinking of buying new but this is a game changer. If I understood correctly, Airstream provided the empty units for the 75th edition and Mr. Winick completely built out the interior. Did I get that right? For the work on the newer Airstreams, is it possible to get the unit empty from the dealer to have him work on it? Does anyone know how much more these units cost compared to a comparable new unit?
In the good ol days Airstream would sell you an empty shell on wheels....not anymore from what I understand. Airstream actually built the trailers from the one David designed.
__________________
Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 11/91
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