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Silverhobby · 05-10-2009, 08:02 PM

I just received this information about the Fleetwood Travelcade Club (formerly Avion Travelcade Club);

A decision was made by the Board of Directors to begin the dissolution process of the club to be completed by March of 2010 following the Winter Rendezvous at Yuba City, CA .

I know this is off topic, but it is a sad day

to see a "specific brand" club end. Long live the WBCCI.

Silverwanabe · 05-10-2009, 08:57 PM

A sad day indeed

**azflycaster** · 05-11-2009, 06:22 AM

I took a look at the club's website and saw the President's statement in the current newsletter. At the time of the newsletter membership had fallen to 461 members and about 2 dozen units.

I believe that major funding for the club came from Fleetwood and when they filed Chapter 11 two months ago, it was the kiss of death for the club.

Ken J · 05-11-2009, 08:31 AM

Hmm, I find it odd that a club with 461 members and 24 units would dissolve - seems to me they just need to re-group a bit..

Ken J.

Silverhobby · 05-11-2009, 09:50 AM

The state units may try to remain on their own as a camping group. I was a member for 26 years and I made lots of friends. The Rendezvous were still self supported. Fleetwood used to give a money grant, but of course you know Fleetwood's condition now.

Ken J · 05-11-2009, 10:04 AM

What did they use the Fleetwood money for? When we do events with the FCU each one has to stand on its own. I would imagine they used the money for mailings/newsletters and such - with the internet, seems like that small of a group could communicate easily - another FCU example, we do our newsletters via e-mail.

Again seems like they might be throwing the baby out with the bath water.

Oh well........

Ken J.

Silvertwinkie · 05-11-2009, 01:18 PM

Not shocking given the state of the econ and the RV industry. Airstream from a recent posting has ended employment of a significant number of folks.

In the end I know the WBCCI faithful don't want to hear this and as I type this I am putting on my asbestos suit, but WBCCI would be wise to pay attention to this kind of stuff as it could very easily happen to them. Particularly with all the Romper Room type stuff going on with the suspension of Mr. Thomspson for really telling it as it is, for the name change event and last but not least, the allowing of non-Airstream products into the group to satisfy a select few, who just happened to be in leadership roles.

I've heard some positive things through the grape vine about WBCCI, and it will be interesting to see if they follow through on any of it. If not, perhaps they will follow the way of FTC (Fleetwood Travel Club).

Still, I agree, always sad to see "Ol Yeller" take the bullet.

markdoane · 05-11-2009, 02:57 PM

Sounds like an opportunity for WBBCI to pick up a few orphan members, if they could figure a way to structure it. Make it an Intraclub group, add a page to the Blue Beret, and Bob's your uncle.

Silverhobby · 05-11-2009, 03:01 PM

I have been a member of both WBCCI and Avion (now Fleetwood) clubs for a number of years. Some long time members want you to think the decline of the club started when Fleetwood quit making the riveted aluminum trailer and went to fiberglass. That may have hurt things, but the club was on it's way out in 1990. Just my opinion.

Distantdrummer · 05-11-2009, 03:27 PM

I would think that the remaining Avioneers or whatever they call themselves would be in more need of a support group than Airstreamers. After all they do not have anything near as deep as this forum (and the few other Airstream sites) and of course no support from a mother ship. Not that many Airsteamer's really do have much "mom's milk" either.

There is always the Tin Can Tourist, and the Escapees and didn't there used to be a Silver Social Society or Some Such?
As above a "Silver Orphans Club" might have legs as a whole new endeavor for some innovator.

As for the White Box Fleetwoods, just not my interest or concern.

Silverhobby · 05-11-2009, 07:23 PM

Perhaps others would like to know about SAF, the Silver Avion Fellowship. This has been in existence since at least 2000. There is also a yahoo group, avioncampingandrestoration : Avion Camping and Restoration - Repair,

hanlon · 05-27-2009, 01:29 PM

Please. No disrespect. I've been looking for the right AS for me for 4 months. I saw a Avion on the road the other day and it looked ...good. Would anyone point me towards finding an Avion? I'm itching to hit the road bad and need to expand my search. Please, y'all, no offense.

PeeWee · 05-27-2009, 01:55 PM

I will tell you how Avion copied Airstream rivet by rivet.

Also who wanted to be in charge of the WBCCI in 1955, but had to settle to start up the Avion Club.

Silverhobby · 05-27-2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeeWee

Also who wanted to be in charge of the WBCCI in 1955, but had to settle to start up the Avion Club.

Who wanted to be in charge? The Avion Travelcade Club did not form until 1959 or 60. The first issue of the Travelcade News was printed in May 1959
Thanks for the info.....

PeeWee · 05-27-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverhobby

Who wanted to be in charge? The Avion Travelcade Club did not form until 1959 or 60. The first issue of the Travelcade News was printed in May 1959
Thanks for the info.....

In 1955 my Mother, took charge of the newly created WBCCI, however someone else on that Caravan was upset about her selection.

Kevin245 · 05-27-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanlon

Please. No disrespect. I've been looking for the right AS for me for 4 months. I saw a Avion on the road the other day and it looked ...good. Would anyone point me towards finding an Avion? I'm itching to hit the road bad and need to expand my search. Please, y'all, no offense.

No matter what the lineage is...Silver is uniquely beautiful and Avion makes a dang fine unit. We purchased ours from a forum member and enjoy it very much. We love our AS too. There are units out there, but not the quantities the likes of AS. There are two units list in the classified section.

Regards,

Kevin

BIGED52 · 08-25-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeeWee

I will tell you how Avion copied Airstream rivet by rivet.

Also who wanted to be in charge of the WBCCI in 1955, but had to settle to start up the Avion Club.

PeeWee, Still waiting for.... "the rest of the story" Ed