Ambulance from 'Ariel' found in aircraft graveyard!

POSTED BY: BrownCoat1
UPDATED: Saturday, April 22, 2006 08:19
VIEWED: 29485
PAGE 1 of 1

BROWNCOAT1

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 5:35 PM (P)

Check this out:

http://www.livejournal.com/users/akin/198125.html

Scroll down to the pics. That is the ambulance the crew took from the junkyard and painted up. Looks like it ended up in an aircraft junkyard in the desert in California.

How shiny would it be if some Browncoat rescued this piece of Firefly history and it could be saved instead of left to rust.

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

PSYCHICRIVER

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 5:42 PM (P)

Wow, how cool is that! Lets steal it!

PsychicRiver

"Two by two, hands of blue."
"We'll take care of each other. I'll knit!"

Summer Glau to me - "You are so photogenic."

Me -

ZOL

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 5:59 PM (P)

That is a strange find - I wonder if there is any loose filming props inside?

It`s actually the cockpit form a russian `Hind` gunship/helicopter, I always thought they had a much cooler retro look than the US Apache

Darin (Zol.)

THATWEIRDGIRL

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 6:05 PM (P)

Ack!

I gotta convince someone to buy it. Lesse, my uncle buys powerwagons and rebuilds them. He's well know in the vehicle graveyard market. He does something at air shows too. Maybe I can get him to take a drive and make an offer. That would be so cool.

It'll never happen.

www.thatweirdgirl.com
---
"...turn right at the corner then skip two blocks...no, SKIP, the hopping-like thing kids do...Why? Why not?"

CYBERSNARK

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 6:21 PM (P)

I just got the same kinda thrill Mal must've got in the last flashback of "Out of Gas."

It may not be Serenity, but that whitewashed hulk looks like she's just resting a bit.

Not quite ready to belong in a junkyard yet. We oughtta rescue her.

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

BROWNCOAT1

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 6:22 PM (P)

I would really hate to see it sit out there in the desert and rust. Maybe I am just being sentimental, but someone who could appreciate it, and knows what it is, should check into rescuing it. If I lived in Cali I would definitely check into it. My wife might give me grief about it sitting in the garage or back yard, but it would be worth it.

Imagine what a cool coversation piece it would be for Firefly shindigs or viewings. For that matter it would be a really shiny play item for the kids, so long as it is properly made safe of course.

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

ICCLEDAMES

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 6:25 PM (P)

Fly it out of there!

What do you mean it doesn't really fly? Firefly's not real?! Oh for the love of god!

Strike Darth Vader pose (a.k.a. Revenge of the Sith): NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

ZOL

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 6:28 PM (P)

I think maybe get Joss involved or cast members - "Save Our Ride", maybe the cast don`t even know about it?

I wonder how much work would be involved in putting it `back together` as in the TV show, looks not too bad from the angle in the photos, although it may be missing something on the otherside etc..

Darin (Zol.)

THATWEIRDGIRL

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 6:29 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by BrownCoat1:
For that matter it would be a really shiny play item for the kids, so long as it is properly made safe of course.

Safe schmafe. Kids need more tetanus shots. They don’t cut themselves on old rusty metal nearly as often as we did when we were kids.

www.thatweirdgirl.com
---
"...turn right at the corner then skip two blocks...no, SKIP, the hopping-like thing kids do...Why? Why not?"

BROWNCOAT1

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 7:03 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by thatweirdgirl:
Safe schmafe. Kids need more tetanus shots. They don’t cut themselves on old rusty metal nearly as often as we did when we were kids.

LOL!

Too true!

(Scratches head still trying to work logistics of going to California to save piece of a cancelled show)

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

STARRBABY

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 7:11 PM (P)

Okay, there is no way in hell I can go out there and do anything considering I'm restricted to the city limits until the twins get here.
However, if anyone DOES decide to "rescue" it, you should make a plea for cash from fans. I'll definately contribute.

My husband mentioned www.fundable.org
I've never heard of it, but he says it's neat.

XANDERHARRIS

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 7:12 PM (P)

what would the crew of Serenity do?

hmmm.....i smell a heist.

I love it when a plan comes together

CALLMESERENITY

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 7:24 PM (P)

I agree, let's steal it! What we need is a plan.

Somebody get naked!

Okay, kidding.

Maybe what we need to do first is figure out if it's possible to get it out and who has the authority over it. Anyone got any ideas of where to start? How about-what's the name of the place where it's at?

"Somebody has to do something, and it's just incredibly pathetic that it has to be us." ~Jerry Garcia

DUCESTECUM

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 8:05 PM (P)

Please pardon me if someone has already mentioned this (I didn't read the whole thread, got too excited) but why can't we Browncoats find out how much and if too much, pitch in and buy it? Heck, I'll put it in my yard and Browncoats from the East and West can come visit. Equidistant cause I'm in Nashville, whaddayuh think?

"And I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an over-abundance of schooling." Mal, Train Job

THATWEIRDGIRL

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 8:32 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by DucesTecum:
Equidistant cause I'm in Nashville, whaddayuh think?

Whoah. Hold on there. If we're talking equidistant, Nashville ain't it. I think I'm a bit more middle of the road. I say we house it in Tulsa. What do you think?

www.thatweirdgirl.com
---
"...turn right at the corner then skip two blocks...no, SKIP, the hopping-like thing kids do...Why? Why not?"

ICCLEDAMES

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 10:45 PM (P)

Is nobody listening!

We can fly it out I tell ya!

We should sponsor it (somehow) or pay (somehow) to have it turned into a real ambulance. Imagine calling 999 or 911 (or whatever the number is where you are) and getting that turn up!

Heck I'd call the ambulance more often!!

DUCESTECUM

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 10:53 PM (P)

>>>>Whoah. Hold on there. If we're talking equidistant, Nashville ain't it. I think I'm a bit more middle of the road. I say we house it in Tulsa. What do you think? <<<<

Hey! I was here first and I'm more equidistant... cuz I am! What about North and South? Who's in the middle hmmmm?

"And I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an over-abundance of schooling." Mal, Train Job

DUCESTECUM

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 10:56 PM (P)

>>>>Heck I'd call the ambulance more often!! <<<<

Are you sharing?

ICCLEDAMES

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 10:57 PM (P)

Well I'd offer to chip-in but if we're doing this equidistant thing, well that'd put it somewhere in the Atlantic (with me being on the east coast of England) and I don't think thats much good to anyone.

And as for sharing, well I daresay there's room for a couple. We can always boot the driver out and go for a spin in it...

Obviously the police wouldn't be able to catch it and it would not look at all conspicuous driving down the street

STILLSHINY

Thursday, July 14, 2005 12:03 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by thatweirdgirl:
Quote:
Originally posted by DucesTecum:
Equidistant cause I'm in Nashville, whaddayuh think?

Whoah. Hold on there. If we're talking equidistant, Nashville ain't it. I think I'm a bit more middle of the road. I say we house it in Tulsa. What do you think?

www.thatweirdgirl.com
---
"...turn right at the corner then skip two blocks...no, SKIP, the hopping-like thing kids do...Why? Why not?"

Tulsa, I absolutely agree. Of course I may be a wee bit biased. I think Universal could pick it up and use it in a future Serenity / Firefly display. Though I truly think Tulsa would be all manner of better.

Check out my shop! Firefly & LOST products.
http://www.zazzle.com/contributors/products/gallery/browse_results.asp
?cid=238187680745956238

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the road less traveled by and they CANCELLED MY FRIKKIN' SHOW. I totally shoulda took the road that had all those people on it. Damn." --Joss

ANGELHARP42

Thursday, July 14, 2005 12:31 AM (P)

No, no, Nashville sounds pretty good to me... that's where I am! Better still, how's about we park it in one of my hayfields? I've got about 70 acres, c'mon!

MUTT999

Thursday, July 14, 2005 1:03 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Cybersnark:
I just got the same kinda thrill Mal must've got in the last flashback of "Out of Gas."

It may not be Serenity, but that whitewashed hulk looks like she's just resting a bit.

Not quite ready to belong in a junkyard yet. We oughtta rescue her.

Well said. It is kinda sad just seeing it sitting there.

"That's the buffet table....."

AKIN

Thursday, July 14, 2005 1:44 AM (P)

There wasn't any name on the fence anywhere that I could find... I'm going back up there friday for more pictures, I'll be checking again...

GABRIEL

Thursday, July 14, 2005 1:45 AM (P)

Somebody's gotta rescue it.

I just found the junkyard on Google Earth; pictures are fuzzy and I don't think they're recent enough to include the Ariel Aerial Ambulance.

Coordinates are: 35 hours, 2 minutes, 20.15 seconds N, 118 degrees, 7 minutes, 49.89 seconds W.

___
RIVER: They weren't cows inside. They were waiting to be, but they forgot. Now they see the sky and they remember what they are.
MAL: Is it bad that what she said made perfect sense to me?

GKTHURSDAY

Thursday, July 14, 2005 1:49 AM (P)

Did anyone notice that it is missing the tail?

GK

War is not 'the best way of settling differences; it is the only way of preventing their being settled for you."
G. K. Chesterton
ILN, 7/24/15

SIMONSAYS

Thursday, July 14, 2005 2:22 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by BrownCoat1:
Check this out:

http://www.livejournal.com/users/akin/198125.html

Scroll down to the pics. That is the ambulance the crew took from the junkyard and painted up. Looks like it ended up in an aircraft junkyard in the desert in California.

How shiny would it be if some Browncoat rescued this piece of Firefly history and it could be saved instead of left to rust.

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

I bet it is out in the Mojave Desert. There are several HUGE aircraft storage facilities out there. It is really wierd to see them from the highway. Things don't seem to rust in the Mojave Desert (must be the dry HOT climate). Alot of movie props can be found out there.

Remember what LOUIS VUITTON said: "It's in the bag!"

HORSEPLAYER

Thursday, July 14, 2005 2:46 AM (P)

Dear Akin

As an idiot with more money than time, I would be very interested in buying it and bringing it back to my home in Las Vegas(not too far).

I would of course, invite interested Firefly fans over from time to time to see it if anyone is interested.

If you could keep me posted on what you find out, I would very much appreciate it.

Thank you

Peter

WHITEFALL

Thursday, July 14, 2005 2:51 AM (P)

That is so cool.

Frankly, I think universal has the best chance of getting it out of there, as they are the only corporate entity who has reason to be interested in it.

However, barring that, we really need to find out who owns that junkyard. It'd be nice if it was free for the taking like in Ariel itself

"Some people juggle geese!" -Ancient Chinese proverb.

MONTESA

Thursday, July 14, 2005 3:28 AM (P)

Okay, so I just saw this as I was perusing for the evening and OMG I live like an hour away from that field. We drive by it every time we travel to San Diego (which hasn't been enough lately) so I might try to convince my husband to make a trip this weekend. I will let you guys know if I can get any information on it.

Montesa

BARCLAY

Thursday, July 14, 2005 3:32 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Whitefall:
That is so cool.

Frankly, I think universal has the best chance of getting it out of there, as they are the only corporate entity who has reason to be interested in it.

However, barring that, we really need to find out who owns that junkyard. It'd be nice if it was free for the taking like in Ariel itself

"Some people juggle geese!" -Ancient Chinese proverb.

Isn't there this thing called Universal Studios? A theme park where they build rides for movies that get sequels? This would certainly be a nice touch to Serenity's cargo bay...

"You are on the Global Frequency."

AKIN

Thursday, July 14, 2005 3:58 AM (P)

I think this is it here... http://tinyurl.com/782vc

I looked it up a few days ago, but I wasn't going to post the link until I verified the location... I thought it was farther out than that, but I will confirm it on friday...

DUCESTECUM

Thursday, July 14, 2005 12:52 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by angelharp42:
No, no, Nashville sounds pretty good to me... that's where I am! Better still, how's about we park it in one of my hayfields? I've got about 70 acres, c'mon!

This is so SHINY! You are the second Nashville Browncoat I've "met" through this thread. I've wondered where all the Nashville Browncoats have been hiding. What part of Nashville are you in? I'm in Dickson. I work with a Browncoat and we're planning on seeing Serenity together. Would you be interested in joining us?

What's even shinier is that Browncoat named Peter who says he has lots of money and is willing to purchase the Ariel Ambulance. Let's hope it happens!

"And I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an over-abundance of schooling." Mal, Train Job

BROWNCOAT1

Thursday, July 14, 2005 1:00 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Akin:
There wasn't any name on the fence anywhere that I could find... I'm going back up there friday for more pictures, I'll be checking again...

Welcome to the board Akin! Glad to have you w/ us.

Thanks for finding the Ariel Ambulance. Let us know what you find out about the yard. Maybe if you are able you can get some kind of phone # or something. I would gladly make some calls & do some fact finding.

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

BROWNCOAT1

Thursday, July 14, 2005 1:03 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by GKThursday:
Did anyone notice that it is missing the tail?

I did notice that, yes. I also noticed by blowing up the pics that the glass & wings have been removed and it appears to be gutted.

Doesn't matter though. Surely if we rescue it we can fashion the missing parts for it.

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

BROWNCOAT1

Thursday, July 14, 2005 1:05 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by horseplayer:
Dear Akin

As an idiot with more money than time, I would be very interested in buying it and bringing it back to my home in Las Vegas(not too far).

I would of course, invite interested Firefly fans over from time to time to see it if anyone is interested.

If you could keep me posted on what you find out, I would very much appreciate it.

Thank you

Peter

A very generous offer Peter, and I am sure I can safely say I speak for the fanbase when I say that we would all appreciate your offer to rescue this gem.

Keep Flyin'!

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

CYBERSNARK

Thursday, July 14, 2005 2:09 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Barclay:
Isn't there this thing called Universal Studios? A theme park where they build rides for movies that get sequels? This would certainly be a nice touch to Serenity's cargo bay...

Actually, that's a really good idea.

Universal Studios Florida has the Time Train from BttF III outside the Back to the Future ride. Why can't some future Serenity ride not have the ambulance (and maybe the new hover-mule) sitting outside for photo-ops before we reach the "hangar" for our own Serenity trip?

In fact, make it a detail: the "ride" is Mal's latest scheme, but they've had to remove the mule to make room (you passed it on your way in), and there's an ambulance standing by in case of things going not smooth.

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

JADEHAND

Thursday, July 14, 2005 2:21 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by horseplayer:
Dear Akin

As an idiot with more money than time, I would be very interested in buying it and bringing it back to my home in Las Vegas(not too far).

I would of course, invite interested Firefly fans over from time to time to see it if anyone is interested.

If you could keep me posted on what you find out, I would very much appreciate it.

Thank you

Peter

I think if Universal isn't interested for a theme park thing, then fixing her up and taking her to conventions would be a great idea. I'd pay a bit to have my picture taken in that. $5 -$10 prints * millions of fans = you might make that money back.
Wish I had more money than time.

Visit WWW.Marillion.Com for a better way to live
Visit www.TheInside.org and see Tim Minear's show Weds. 9:00pm EST.....ah FUX nevermind.

RICKYJAMES

Thursday, July 14, 2005 4:06 PM (P)

After some searching on the Internet, I think this Firefly prop is owned by Doug Scroggins. Check out:

http://www.scrogginsaviation.com/

BROWNCOAT1

Thursday, July 14, 2005 4:42 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by rickyjames:
After some searching on the Internet, I think this Firefly prop is owned by Doug Scroggins. Check out:

http://www.scrogginsaviation.com/

Are you certain that it is their yard? There location is listed as the Mojave Airport & their contact info lists a Las Vegas address.

Akin was this yard near the Mojave airport?

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

RICKYJAMES

Thursday, July 14, 2005 5:24 PM (P)

Akin said in a follow-up post to his original story that he turned onto Hwy 58 at Mojave and the boneyard was on the north side of the highway right after he left Mojave. Check Mapquest.com; it shows the Mojave airport at the intersections of Hwy 58 and Hwy 14.

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?latlongtype=internal&addtohistory
=&latitude=Du9U3Tj1k%2fE%3d&longitude=OCEGNV%2bxGE5NBjo%2bDz%2fOLg%3d%3d&name=Mojave%20Airport&country=US&address=1434%20Flight%20Line&city=Mojave&state=CA&zipcode=93501&phone=661%2d824%2d2433&spurl=0&searchtype=search&q=Airports&cat=Airports&qc=Airports

Five miles out of Mojave, Hwy 58 in that area is the north boundary of Edwards Air Force Base. If Doug Scroggins isn't the custodian of that junkyard, he's virtually sure to know who is. There can't be THAT many people who do movie prep work for aircraft sets and props around Mojave...

JADEHAND

Thursday, July 14, 2005 5:28 PM (P)

I don't know much about that area, being east coast and all. However Akin posted this above:

I think this is it here... http://tinyurl.com/782vc

If you pull back there is a landing strip NW of the site. I can't say if it's a USAF base or just an Airport.

Edit: Scrolled over with the arrows and it's an Airport not a USAF base. (commercial airliners).

Visit WWW.Marillion.Com for a better way to live
Visit www.TheInside.org and see Tim Minear's show Weds. 9:00pm EST.....ah FUX nevermind.

RICKYJAMES

Thursday, July 14, 2005 5:37 PM (P)

That landing strip the the NW in your picture is indeed the Mojave municipal airport. Google Earth shows the coordinates of the boneyard as 35 deg 02 min 21 sec latitude and 118 deg 07 min 49 sec longitude. It also shows that the boneyard is connected to the Mojave Airport via a number of dirt roads, further reinforcing the probable connection with Scroggins, who operates out of Mojave Airport. If you use the Google Earth software, you can actually zoom in even closer than the photo in your link and see the individual airframes!!!

Google Earth is fantastic, try it out:

http://earth.google.com/

RICKYJAMES

Thursday, July 14, 2005 6:30 PM (P)

Below is an email I sent to doug@scrogginsaviation.com ; I'll keep you posted if I get a reply...

Hi -

Do you know anything about a Soviet helicopter airframe (MI-24 Hind?)
that was painted white with fake medical insignia for an episode of
the sci-fi TV show Firefly a few years back? This prop has been
sighted in a boneyard near the Mojave Airport and a group of fans are
trying to find the owner. Some digging on the internet suggests your
company may have provided it. Know anything about this, or who we
might contact next? If you are the owner, what's a ballpark price if
you want to sell it?

Thanks,

Ricky J. Roberson

CALLMESERENITY

Thursday, July 14, 2005 6:44 PM (P)

RickyJames, you are a mind reader! I was reading along thinking "Why don't I email this guy and ASK him if he has the ambulance?" and you went and did it.

Oh, can't wait to hear the response.

I didn't mention it before, but if there's going to be a "Save the Ambulance" fund, I will definitely pitch in.

"Somebody has to do something, and it's just incredibly pathetic that it has to be us." ~Jerry Garcia

RAVENWHYTEWING

Thursday, July 14, 2005 7:28 PM (P)

You got my checks, that's for sure. I'd make it a roadtrip with at least four friends to just go out and have a photo-op next to it.

Our scars remind us/That the past is real

I'm awake/But my world is half asleep.

RICKYJAMES

Thursday, July 14, 2005 7:50 PM (P)

Interesting article on Doug Scroggins:

http://starbulletin.com/2005/06/14/features/story1.html

The article says he provided the airplane used on the TV show "Lost" and that he's got a storage yard in Mojave...

AKIN

Thursday, July 14, 2005 9:35 PM (P)

AKIN

Thursday, July 14, 2005 9:37 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by rickyjames:
Below is an email I sent to doug@scrogginsaviation.com ; I'll keep you posted if I get a reply...

Hi -

Do you know anything about a Soviet helicopter airframe (MI-24 Hind?)
that was painted white with fake medical insignia for an episode of
the sci-fi TV show Firefly a few years back? This prop has been
sighted in a boneyard near the Mojave Airport and a group of fans are
trying to find the owner. Some digging on the internet suggests your
company may have provided it. Know anything about this, or who we
might contact next? If you are the owner, what's a ballpark price if
you want to sell it?

Thanks,

Ricky J. Roberson

It actually is not a Hind, it’s made of fiberglass over plywood… I was inside it a couple of hours ago… more pics will be up on my LJ soon at http://www.livejournal.com/users/akin/.

I also made contact with some folks at the Mojave Airport, they didn’t know off hand who owns it, but they’ll get back to me when they find the guy’s name…

AKIN

Thursday, July 14, 2005 9:38 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by BrownCoat1:
Quote:
Originally posted by rickyjames:
After some searching on the Internet, I think this Firefly prop is owned by Doug Scroggins. Check out:

http://www.scrogginsaviation.com/

Are you certain that it is their yard? There location is listed as the Mojave Airport & their contact info lists a Las Vegas address.

Akin was this yard near the Mojave airport?

__________________________________________

Yup, within sight of it...

ANGELHARP42

Friday, July 15, 2005 12:07 AM (P)

Quote:
This is so SHINY! You are the second Nashville Browncoat I've "met" through this thread. I've wondered where all the Nashville Browncoats have been hiding. What part of Nashville are you in? I'm in Dickson. I work with a Browncoat and we're planning on seeing Serenity together. Would you be interested in joining us?

Dickson!? I live in Fairview!!! I go to Dickson to go to Wal-Mart! Multiple shininess! Is it going to play at the Roxy opening night? If so, that's where I plan to be!

RUXTON

Friday, July 15, 2005 1:34 AM (P)

Does anyone know if Joss is aware of this thing out there in the desert?
Is it mentioned on any other forum where he can read about it?
Would that be worth pursuing? Thoughts, please.

Of course, Joss has already used it for a one-off situation, so he'd
probably not be interested in its salvage. But I suspect he'd be pleased
(as would the other cast members) to know of the
efforts to save it.

RICKYJAMES

Friday, July 15, 2005 1:50 PM (P)

NEW PHOTOS OF AMBULANCE!!!

http://www.livejournal.com/users/akin/200275.html#cutid1

Akin went back to the boneyard. His blog / journal is one wacky fun place, I strongly encourage you to check some of his back posts on other non-Firefly topics. I literally had tears running down my cheeks laughing at this one:

http://www.livejournal.com/users/akin/198752.html#cutid1

CALLMESERENITY

Friday, July 15, 2005 2:18 PM (P)

ACK! How incredibly shiny is that? Oh, I hope it can be rescued and put back together and cleaned up and put somewhere where I can eventually come visit it!

"Somebody has to do something, and it's just incredibly pathetic that it has to be us." ~Jerry Garcia

GRANITE

Friday, July 15, 2005 4:36 PM (P)

Sent an email to a county supervisor with jurisdiction over Mojave, CA (an unincoporated city. Here's what I wrote:

Quote:
Near the Mojave Airport, near Farlin St., is a airplane scrapyard. In this scrapyard is a prop from the TV show ”Firefly” (a scifi show). It was a large fuselage used to create a futuristic ambulance in one of the episodes. A lot of fans are interested in preserving it, but nobody knows who owns the scrapyard (including many businesses who are nearby the scrapyard. I was wondering if you could help.

Here's the fan website for more info -
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=2&t=11293

Thanks for any help you could give. I would love to get this piece in a tv museum.

DUCESTECUM

Friday, July 15, 2005 4:38 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by angelharp42:
Quote:
This is so SHINY! You are the second Nashville Browncoat I've "met" through this thread. I've wondered where all the Nashville Browncoats have been hiding. What part of Nashville are you in? I'm in Dickson. I work with a Browncoat and we're planning on seeing Serenity together. Would you be interested in joining us?

Dickson!? I live in Fairview!!! I go to Dickson to go to Wal-Mart! Multiple shininess! Is it going to play at the Roxy opening night? If so, that's where I plan to be!

Too Awesome!!! I have been bemoaning the fact that other areas have shindigs but so far I haven't heard of any around here. If we keep locating other Browncoats from this area we can have our own. I was just talking with a coworker, fellow potential browncoat about attending the movie premier and she wants to go. She's from White Bluff. The Roxy would be great for both of us but I have a very close Browncoat buddy who lives in Nashville and that would be a long way to go for him. Anyway, we still have two months to work out the logistics and it is too SHINY knowing that a fellow Browncoat is so close by! BTW, I'm only 4.4 miles from Walmart! I sincerely look forward to meeting you.

"And I'm thinking you weren't burdened with an over-abundance of schooling." Mal, Train Job

BROWNCOAT1

Friday, July 15, 2005 5:05 PM (P)

Excellent work Akin!!!

So the wings & tail section are there! How shiny is that! So some paint, some engines, some TLC and she is as good as new.

Love the pic done up like Wash when he first finds her in the junkyard. Very appropriate since it looks like we will be saving her from the scrap heap again.

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

DUCESTECUM

Monday, July 18, 2005 12:00 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by angelharp42:
Quote:
This is so SHINY! You are the second Nashville Browncoat I've "met" through this thread. I've wondered where all the Nashville Browncoats have been hiding. What part of Nashville are you in? I'm in Dickson. I work with a Browncoat and we're planning on seeing Serenity together. Would you be interested in joining us?

Dickson!? I live in Fairview!!! I go to Dickson to go to Wal-Mart! Multiple shininess! Is it going to play at the Roxy opening night? If so, that's where I plan to be!

Angelharp, where are you? I'm trying to get folks together for the BDM. You can reach me at Whedonfan1540@Yahoo.com. Looking forward to hearing from you!

GRANITE

Monday, July 25, 2005 8:52 PM (P)

*bump*

wondering if anyone found out anymore info about the ambulence

ELLYDRAGON

Wednesday, July 27, 2005 9:22 PM (P)

Bump twice!

And, as an aside? I love you guys. I just think it is so cool to see a group of people working together to try and put something together for a creative project that they love, even though they weren't the writers or actors on it. And because it's the coolest show ever.

It'd certainly be a great thing to use to start a Firefly/Serenity museum. As someone whose parents stopped at anything that said 'Museum' outside it, the privately owned small museum may be a lost art form, but not entirely extinct.

BROWNCOAT1

Thursday, July 28, 2005 2:48 PM (P)

Granite & RickyJames: any word back on the respective emails you both sent inquiring on the ambulance?

Akin? Had any luck on your end?

I really don't want to see this thread buried & the ambulance forgotten about.

Curse my luck for living in Virginia. If I lived closer I could drive out & make inquiries.

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

LETOV

Thursday, July 28, 2005 5:53 PM (P)

I listened to this week's "The Signal" ( www.serenityfirefly.com) podcast and they mentioned Akin's find. Now there will be more than ever waiting for news on this great find. I'm only sad that they didn't mention it to Adam Baldwin in their interview.

- Leto_V

"Well, my days of not taking you
seriously are certainly coming to
a middle." - Mal

UNCHARTEDOUTLAW

Thursday, July 28, 2005 7:00 PM (P)

Good gorram! We gotta get that thing! That's awesome. :D I'd totally be down for forming a conglomerate of fans to purchase and restore it. We cannot let that thing go to waste!

-Taylor

The Uncharted Outlaw!

Read My Words:
http://norcalriviera.blogspot.com

San Jose Area Browncoats:
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/SiliconGulchBrowncoats

AKIN

Thursday, July 28, 2005 7:09 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by LetoV:
I listened to this week's "The Signal" ( www.serenityfirefly.com) podcast and they mentioned Akin's find. Now there will be more than ever waiting for news on this great find. I'm only sad that they didn't mention it to Adam Baldwin in their interview.

- Leto_V

"Well, my days of not taking you
seriously are certainly coming to
a middle." - Mal

Bit of an update... http://www.livejournal.com/users/akin/205927.html

BROWNCOAT1

Thursday, July 28, 2005 8:03 PM (P)

"Well, guess it's time for an update about the Firefly Ambulance...

Went up there again yesterday... was on the way to Bakersfield to check at the Kern County Assessor's Office to try to find out who owns the property, since nothing we had done had worked yet. Adam Whiting has been doing unbelievable internet sleuthing!

The good news is that while I was up there, securing a sign to the gate asking for the owner to please call me... the owner pulled up! Turns out that Adam had it right all along... it was the same outfit that he had located, it's just that there website is all messed up and none of the links or contact info was working. It is not Scroggins Avaition!

The bad news... he isn't too excited about selling. he is going to talk with his dad (who still technically owns it all, although he's getting on in years) about whether or not they would sell it. He would happily trade it for some kind of surplus aviation stuff or something, but I doubt that the fan community has a whole lot available.

He plans on creating an museum of sorts with some of his many aircraft (he has two more lots with a lot more that I was unaware of), and he wants to include the ambulance in it. I'm not sure why he wants to keep it, since it's not a real aircraft and he knows it, but at least if he makes his museum people would be able to visit it. He will not let people in to see it now (hope he never finds my LJ! heh...)"

Hmmm......

The owner is not interested in selling??? That is not good. It is not even a real aircraft so I am curious as to why he wants to hold onto it. Could be he senses an interest and is setting the stage to drive the cost to sell high.

Perhaps a fund drive is in order to gather funds to see if we can purchase it. I know I for one am lacking in antique aviation equipment just lying around to trade him, but I would gladly donate money to save the ship.

Thoughts?

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

AKIN

Thursday, July 28, 2005 8:08 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by BrownCoat1:

Hmmm......

The owner is not interested in selling??? That is not good. It is not even a real aircraft so I am curious as to why he wants to hold onto it. Could be he senses an interest and is setting the stage to drive the cost to sell high.

Perhaps a fund drive is in order to gather funds to see if we can purchase it. I know I for one am lacking in antique aviation equipment just lying around to trade him, but I would gladly donate money to save the ship.

Thoughts?

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

There was someone on another board who claimed he had "more money than time" and wanted to help out... did anyone else see that one? I can't remember where it was...

UNCHARTEDOUTLAW

Friday, July 29, 2005 12:55 AM (P)

Scroggins sounds like many people I know in the VW community. As soon as there's interest in something, it's either not for sale or costs something extravagant!

Damn you Scroggins! You're now a villian in a fic I'll write someday!

-Taylor

The Uncharted Outlaw!

Read My Words:
http://norcalriviera.blogspot.com

San Jose Area Browncoats:
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/SiliconGulchBrowncoats

AKIN

Friday, July 29, 2005 1:16 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by UnchartedOutlaw:
Scroggins sounds like many people I know in the VW community. As soon as there's interest in something, it's either not for sale or costs something extravagant!

Damn you Scroggins! You're now a villian in a fic I'll write someday!

-Taylor

Well, remember, it is NOT Scroggins Aviation... it is another firm altogether...

UNCHARTEDOUTLAW

Friday, July 29, 2005 2:46 AM (P)

Well, dangit...there's gonna be a villian. ;) Just get me his name whenever, okay? Heard the finding report on Signal #4 today, too. Mighty shiny. Even my FF friends at work were impressed with the find!

-Taylor

The Uncharted Outlaw!

Read My Words:
http://norcalriviera.blogspot.com

San Jose Area Browncoats:
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/SiliconGulchBrowncoats

AGLACA

Friday, July 29, 2005 5:03 AM (P)

My father has some Air Force connections to the junk yard in NV, I'll see what I can do but don't hope for much.

I was at that junk yard once when I was a lot younger, has military aviation of every kind from the past 40 years or so. I know there will be something in there he will want, the trick is to see how hard it would be for me to get it.

Aglaca

You can't take the sky from me.

AKIN

Friday, July 29, 2005 5:50 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Aglaca:
My father has some Air Force connections to the junk yard in NV, I'll see what I can do but don't hope for much.

I was at that junk yard once when I was a lot younger, has military aviation of every kind from the past 40 years or so. I know there will be something in there he will want, the trick is to see how hard it would be for me to get it.

Aglaca

You can't take the sky from me.

Wow... if you can find any kind of airframes, or in particular any kind of unique pieces, he would most likely deal...

Then, of course, we'd have to figure out what to do with it...

AGLACA

Friday, July 29, 2005 9:52 PM (P)

Negitive on that.

If he decided to make it non-profit I might have a chance, but mostly they keep everything there for storage and parts. Everything there is still on the military books. The only time my father knows of anything coming out of there (other than in parts) is for Government museums and sometimes shows the military puts on (like Air Shows and the SAC Museum).

I'm too tired to spell check this post, just wanted everyone to know that my idea was a no-go. Need to think of something else.

Aglaca

You can't take the sky from me.

BROWNCOAT1

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 7:12 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Akin:
There was someone on another board who claimed he had "more money than time" and wanted to help out... did anyone else see that one? I can't remember where it was...

That would be Horseplayer who posted above on Wed, 7/13 @ 21:46:

Quote:
Dear Akin

As an idiot with more money than time, I would be very interested in buying it and bringing it back to my home in Las Vegas(not too far).

I would of course, invite interested Firefly fans over from time to time to see it if anyone is interested.

If you could keep me posted on what you find out, I would very much appreciate it.

Thank you

Peter

You might want to private message him through this site to see how serious he is & if he is willing to talk to the owner.

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

AKIN

Thursday, August 18, 2005 5:49 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by BrownCoat1:

You might want to private message him through this site to see how serious he is & if he is willing to talk to the owner.

Just did... I also put up a couple of updates, if you guys haven't seen them...

http://www.livejournal.com/users/akin/210813.html
http://www.livejournal.com/users/akin/211071.html

AWHITING

Sunday, September 11, 2005 10:59 PM (P)

I just created a yahoo group and paypal account for the Ariel ambulance rescue operation:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ArielAmbulance/

I've been in contact with Akin for a couple of months now. I tracked down the company that owned the scrap yard, but ran out of luck there--none of the contact information on their website works anymore. Akin was on a trip up to Bakersfield to find some names on public record (based on some ID numbers I had found), when he got lucky and ran into one of the elusive owners. Now I'm stepping up to help organize the rescue efforts. Please join me.

Adam
www.adamwhiting.com/Firefly

BROWNCOAT1

Monday, September 12, 2005 7:04 PM (P)

*bump*

If you are interested in helping to rescue the ambulance from the episode "Ariel", please check out the link:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ArielAmbulance/

We can use help in finding a location to place the ambulance once we have it, and we need donations to purchase it from the current owners.

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

http://www.richmondbrowncoats.org

AKIN

Monday, February 13, 2006 5:23 PM (P)

Just FYI folks, things are happening... it looks like we may actually wind up with the ambulance, and a call is going out for volunteers to help with the recovery and restoration...

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ArielAmbulance/

BROWNCOAT1

Monday, February 13, 2006 7:40 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Akin:
Just FYI folks, things are happening... it looks like we may actually wind up with the ambulance, and a call is going out for volunteers to help with the recovery and restoration...

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ArielAmbulance/

Great news Akin!

I can't physically help w/ recovery or restoration as I am in Virginia, but I will be happy to make a donation.

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Fans:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/richmondbrowncoats/

http://www.richmondbrowncoats.org

MIRAXTERRIK

Friday, April 21, 2006 5:43 AM (P)

Hey all the Ariel Ambulance is safe. Thanks to an anonymous donor the Goal has been reached.

MIKEC

Friday, April 21, 2006 8:04 AM (P)

thats great news! anyone know if the engine parts where found?

RACH

Friday, April 21, 2006 10:35 AM (P)

That's exceptionally cool. I'm very jealous I only got on in March! Where's it going to live?

x

One day.
One mission.
One army of Browncoats.

On June 23rd, we aim to misbehave.

www.serenityjune23rd.com
www.straightfromthehorsesmouth.co.uk/firefly

AGATSU

Friday, April 21, 2006 11:06 AM (P)

Ah crap, missed all the fun... again.
And again, I am overwhelmed by your dedication, guys. You're my heroes.
Contact the Serenity Now/Equality Now - people about this, maybe they wanna use it for their biggest screening or something. That thing parked next to the theatre should attract attention. Photo opportunities (more money for charity) included.
Think there's time to restore it until then? Probably not, since it's not even bought yet, but it would be ultra-shiny and definitely get media attention.

One day.
One mission.
One army of Browncoats.

On June 23rd, we aim to misbehave.
http://serenityjune23rd.com/

BSCPANTHERFAN

Friday, April 21, 2006 1:07 PM (P)

You and I both, AGATSU.

Just found this thread and thought that it was great that people are taking care of props from the Big Damn Show. After all, we will need them again !

So who is he?
He's my husband.
Well who in the damn galaxy ain't!

AZTECHROME

Friday, April 21, 2006 2:32 PM (P)

Durn.

I missed it too.
If I'd had the resources, I would have picked up that collector's item too.

This is a great achievement by itself.

It'll probably stay in good condition in Las Vegas.
Hope someone gets to play with it, just a little bit.

"Where is the difference between work and love? Show me..." (JLG Passion)

AERIN

Saturday, April 22, 2006 3:11 AM (P)

Wow! I completely missed out on this. It makes for an awesome story, though. After a few entries I realized the thread started in '05 and I gave up hope that the Browncoats were able to pull it off. I thought the thread just got bumped. Imagine my surprise at the end. What a great story! An emotional rollercoaster full of twists and turns. I would love to hear where the medic chopper finally ends up. I think this would make a really great news story (maybe start with the local news where ever the craft is going to end up).

We've done the impossible and that makes us mighty!

PHOENIXROSE

Saturday, April 22, 2006 8:19 AM (P)

Wow, I missed it too! Glad the big damn prop is safe, though, that's fantastic news!
Where is it going to live? Do we know? This is such an exciting find!

*************************************************
One day.
One mission.
One legion of Browncoats.

On June 23rd, we aim to misbehave.