WBCCI Anniversary Units

[jcanavera]

At our last unit meeting a regional WBCCI officer announced that Airstream had agreed to build 50 anniversary trailers that would commerate the 50th anniversary of WBCCI.

Apparently Airstream is looking for ideas as to what to build and the regional officer was requesting that we provide feedback. Most of the suggestions were for a grandious tri axle monster with lots of gingerbread.

A couple of us there thought what better to build than a trailer that really goes retro to the original design and length of the caravan trailers. Maybe using exterior paneling techniques used on the older units.

Anyway here is your chance to put in your ideas. My feeling is this forum may generate some more interesting ideas that what will be coming from the rank and file.

So give it a shot. We know the International President lurks out here. Let's throw out some ideas!

Regards,

Jack

[aluminauts]

Even though we bought a 34', I think a great example of redoing a 1954 Flying Cloud would be one cooooool commemorative example that would likely sell better than CCD does.

[overlander64]

Greetings Jack!

It sounds like Airstream has a wonderful idea! As a Vintage enthusiast, my first-choice vote would be for something along the lines of the 25', tandem axle Caravanner that had the wide-open floorplan that lent itself to entertaining while on the road - - it also offered panoramic windows on all sides (my second-choice vote would be for the classic rear-bath Overlander 26' floorplan). Both the Caravanner and Overlander models had rather long histories with Airstream - - it appears that production of the models started sometime in the 1950s and continued through the late 1970s. Four features that I would love to see on such a coach would be a return to the "door-within-a-door" accompanied by at least one old-fashioned jalousie window next to the door (these are both features of my Overlander that I genuinely miss on my Minuet), a stand-alone drop-leaf dining table with front lounge (convertible sofa), and a traditional large, comfortable rear bath. In keeping with the Caravanning/Rallying aspect, the windows should be of the large, operable variety similar to those found in the more Vintage coaches.

It will be interesting to see what Airstream does with this idea - - hopefully, they will have one on-display at the WBCCI International Rally in Springfield.

Kevin

[Minnie's Mate]

Sounds like a really good idea. I like the retro idea, but maybe incorporate modern conveniences and floor plans. Not sure what could be done along those lines since there has been so little changes since the late '60's.

Personally, I thought it would be such a great idea to retrace some of the international (i.e. European, Asian, and African) caravan routes from 50 years ago, but 21st century politics get in the way...not to mention the instability that is happening in many of those countries. But I would love to go on some of them if I had the time and the money. But retirement is at least another 20 years away. Maybe things will be different for a 75th aniversary caravan.

[Over59]

A model that captures the essence of an Airstream and reminds of it's past. The 54 flying cloud is pure airstream. Also a return to using ship names or types like schooner. Also very lightly built. How about they just rehab some old timers.....

or... AS of the future. Carbon fiber frame with titanium shell.

[InsideOut]

it's gotta be a remake/hybrid of the '53 or '54 Flying Cloud!

Exterior

• 13 segment front
• 22' long
• whale tail rear
• polished skin (no clearcoat)
• lots of windows
• round 'wedding cake' tail lights

Interior

• twins (optional bunks) in the back
• mid bath
• dinette up front
• exposed interior segments (not plastic)
• zolatone interior walls
• linoleum floors
• simple clean line wood cabinets

It would be a winner!

Shari

[Moonshot]

I agree. The Flying Cloud would be a sure bet! Nothing larger than 25' anyway...

[Over59]

I think I'ld buy one of those myself if they kept it under 5000lbs. They wouldn't be able to make them fast enough.

[Janet H]

How about anodized aluminum on the inside - maybe a soft gold color.

Retro-look appliances.

Bring back tambour doors - they look cool and save loads of space.

[Minnie's Mate]

Yeah, bring back the tambour doors. I really miss them.

I know they were a pain sometimes to operate and didn't come about until the 60's, but they were unique to Airstream products and they did keep the overhead lockers, drawers and cabinet doors items secure behind them. Nothing could spill out into the floor while going down the road.

[Pick]

How about one that looks like Ol' Grand Dad?

[Porky Pig]

5 axles ... and put some icing on that gingerbread!

Seriously, I think the others have it just about right. Something like a reproduction model of the Flying Cloud would be a big hit.

Using the nautical metaphor could be interesting ... unless they name it the Exxon Valdez.

[jcanavera]

Originally Posted by Porky Pig

5 axles ... and put some icing on that gingerbread!

Seriously, I think the others have it just about right. Something like a reproduction model of the Flying Cloud would be a big hit.

Using the nautical metaphor could be interesting ... unless they name it the Exxon Valdez.

Apparently the new Blue Beret (WBCCI magazine) has some more detail. I'll post this once I get home tonight from work.

Jack

[markdoane]

I'm agree with everything except the whaletail. I like the whaletail, but it was kind of an excursion into a deadend design element. I would rather see the more common 13 segment.

I'll wait for the 2009 Tradewind Anniversary Edition!

[Minnie's Mate]

Originally Posted by markdoane

I'm agree with everything except the whaletail. I like the whaletail, but it was kind of an excursion into a deadend design element. I would rather see the more common 13 segment.

I'm new to vintage Airstreams. I don't know for sure what the Flying Cloud was or what the whale tail was. I am guessing the Flying Cloud was one of the smaller units that either pre-dated the Bambi or was a medium sized unit between the Bambi and the larger 25'+units. I am also guessing the whale tail was a back that tapered both vertically to the bumper and horizontally to the middle. Is either correct?

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by Minnie's Mate

I don't know for sure what the Flying Cloud was or what the whale tail was.

Check out the links to the old Flying Clouds in post #6 above...

Shari

[uwe]

Being that the flying Clouds and Safaris were quite similar in size and layout, perhaps an "Anniversary Edition" Vintage style Safari would be a great way to bridge the gap from old to new. Safaris are still available, and a 22 foot remake of a 1963 Safari would just simply rock!
"Safari" has got to be the longest running name they have, no?

[MikeL]

I have a great idea I bet airstream hasn't concidered. Why not build 50 consecutive units of any size that have NOTHING WRONG WITH THEM!!!!!!!----Pieman

[Janets Husband]

25 foot, 13 segment shell, dual axle, front and rear wrap windows.
Rear queen, side shower and toilet, Dinette, L shaped couch up front.
Interior anodized aluminum. (light gold), Tambor Doors on the cabinets.
Dual bateries, 50 gal fresh tank, 70 gal combo waste tank. Solar on top.
Full entertainment system.
The Anniversary model does not have to be retro just a celebration of the best.
A fully loaded a quality product.

[aluminauts]

The blue beret just came with an invitation for input on what would be the "perfect trailer" for the Golden Anniversary Trailer that the factory is planning for this year.
Suggestion are to be sent by email to CReed@wbcci.org with "Golden Anniversary Trailer" in the subject line
or flat mail to
Golden Anniversary Trailer
C/O WBCCI, P.O. Box 612
Jackson Center, OH 45334

If you really want to see Flying Cloud or other old style redone, get your suggestion in.