We recently reported on the acquisition of an F-104 Starfighter by the Warhawk Air Museum which took delivery of this warbird last month, purchasing the plane from the Merle Maine Collection in nearby Ontario, Oregon. Upon his passing his extensive collection of aircraft, which he kept at the Ontario Airport, is being liquidated by his estate.
An extremely successful businessman and construction contractor, Merle built a world-class assemblage of classic warbirds which he enjoyed sharing with fellow aviation enthusiasts, his collection being the main attraction of the annual Ontario Air Faire held each fall. Maine also hosted events throughout the year, any excuse to share his love of aviation with the public.
While Maine never served in the military, he had a special passion for warbirds, and his love of flying and of aircraft began the day when he took his very first flying lesson, and after he bought his first plane just snowballed, with him acquiring plane after plane. There was no provision in his will for the continuance of the collection and there is no local entity with the wherewithal to take on the expense of purchasing and maintaining such a extensive collection, so one by one the planes are being donated or sold to museums and collections across the country, and likely before it’s over, around the world. Given that his death came after a long battle with cancer, it certainly didn’t come as a surprise to Merle, and perhaps the dispersement is exactly what he wanted, his role as caretaker of these historic craft at an end, they move on to the next who will ensure that they continue to exist for future generations.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Do you have a photo and ID numbers of an F-86H fuselage that was in his collection? I bought it recently and restoring it ,any ID information would be helpful.
Walt Powell
Mercer Pa. Veterans Warbird Museum
Walt, I am searching it for you 😉
Might be 52-2057, it still had the data plate when I saw it.
YOU ARE CORRECT.. I found data plate. Removable fuselage missing,such as radar door. Can anyone help me?
Do you have a photo of it,and was it complete,missing wings,tail,gear etc.? when I got it,wings,tail, gear,removable fairngs missing. What happened to them?
Thanks for your help.
Bill,do you have a photo of it? Did it have wings,tail,on gear,canopy? Thanks for you help.
Walt
52-2057 is now being exhibited and restored at the Mercer,Pa Warbird Museum.
William Villani do you know whether it had wings,tail,on gear when you saw it. Any photos of it? I really appreciate our help.