New SR-71 Print Unveiled at the 2003 Blackbird Reunion!
"Outrun The Thunder" by John Shaw
At the Blackbird Reunion, held in Reno, Nevada, on 5-8 June 2003, former SR-71 Blackbird pilots and RSO’s autographed a new print just released by artist John Shaw. Titled, “Outrun The Thunder,” the print depicts Blackbird #972 at the end of the runway at Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan. The cockpit crew, maintenance crew chief, and his assistants are going over the aircraft’s “last chance inspection” just prior to takeoff on an operational reconnaissance mission. This is a “must have” print for the true SR-71 Blackbird fan!
John Shaw generously donated a limited number of prints to the Blackbird Association to sell and help raise money for the Blackbird Association. Each print has a minimum of 30 crewmember signatures, many of which are speed record holders set by the SR-71. John Shaw has signed each print as well. Included with each print is a brief background on the SR-71 Blackbird and the speed records held by aircraft #972. A short biography of all the signers, with some of their notable SR-71 achievements, is also included.
The print measures a total of 37 by 26 inches. The inside picture area, including all 40 signatures and a miniature Habu patch is 34.5 by 23.5 inches.
To order your print, send a check made out to the “Blackbird Association” for $225 dollars, which includes FEDEX mailing in the U.S. Send the check to:
Fred Carmody, P.O. Box 302, Penn Valley, CA 95946-0302
If you would like more details about the print or international mailing costs, you can email Rich Graham at HABU5@verizon.net Be sure to mention which web site you saw this advertisement, in order to get the above price.
Also Available in 2005:
The Shaw print shown above was signed by 106 Blackbird maintenance personnel at the 2005 Blackbird Reunion held in June. You can order either the Limited Edition Crew Signature or the Maintenance Signature Shaw Print by contacting:
Rich Graham at HABU5@verizon.net
Price: Maintenance print $100 to Blackbird Association member and $115 to non-members. The crew member print $200 to Blackbird Association members and $225 to non-members.
Editors Note:
I attended the Blackbird Reunion held in June 2003 and 2005. I have seen first hand the print by John Shaw depicted above and I think it is a masterpiece of art. The detail is incredible noting the reflections of the SR-71 on the wet runway in front of the aircraft. The artist has captured the Blackbird at a moment in time that truly represents every Blackbird flight...the "Last Chance", "The Hammerhead" or "The EOR" (End of Runway) check. What does make this print unique above and beyond all others is the Habu Crewmember signatures with each print having been signed by at least 30 Blackbird Pilots or RSO's. While the price at $225 may seem rather expensive, rest assured the value of this print will continue to appreciate with time due to the limited number of prints available; the crew signatures and the incredible work of art. If you decided to order your print from "The Blackbird Association", please mention you saw this web page from "The SR-71 Blackbirds" web site.
Note: The price for the Crew Signed Print has been reduced to $225 for 2006.
Leland Haynes, Webmaster, SR-71 Blackbirds
SR-71 Front Page Links Page Index Page Recollections 2001 Reunion "SR-71 Blackbirds" Web Site Navigator First Created: April 15, 1996 - Last Revised: January 23, 2006 Copyright © 1996 Leland R. Haynes Email: sr71webmaster@sr71.us
