CAF Warbird Tube – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we dive into the story of Brian Pierson, a self-taught aviation enthusiast who has spent thousands of hours hand-building a full-scale flight deck for a Convair B-36H Peacemaker — right in his West Virginia garage. From a makeshift cockpit to rivet-by-rivet fabrication, Brian’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and obsession with aviation history. 

This isn’t a restoration — it’s a scratch-built tribute to a Cold War legend, with Brian using photos, museum reference material, and sheer grit to bring the biggest piston-engine bomber ever designed back to life (at least on the ground).

To watch this video go to https://youtu.be/7oGXLWgCGFY.

• Aired on: February 11, 2026
• Guest: Brian Pierson
• Host: Steve Buss
• Producer: Leah Block
• Produced by: Commemorative Air Force

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight.
You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com. 

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences.
Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.

Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

In 1946, aviation stood at a crossroads, as the world shifted from global conflict to peacetime skies. Join CAF host Steve Buss as he explores how war-built aircraft, pilots, and technology helped shape the postwar aviation boom—transforming tools of combat into symbols of progress, innovation, and hope.  He examines how the legacy of World War II continued to shape aviation’s role in a newly peaceful world. You can watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/uq8iEkRCRKQ.

Links referenced: 

• CAF Warbird Tube Episode on Nose Art: https://youtube.com/live/JAEysnVBAXg 
• CAF Warbird Tube Episode on the Berlin Airlift: https://youtu.be/uapuKO1FmEw 
• Aired on: February 4, 2026 
• Guest/Host: Steve Buss 
• Producer/Editor: Leah Block 
• Produced by: Commemorative Air Force

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight.
You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com. 

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences.
Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.

Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we’re joined by the Mid Atlantic Air Museum to explore their remarkable restoration of the Northrop P-61 Black Widow—a WWII-era night fighter designed specifically for after-dark missions. This twin-engine aircraft was equipped with onboard radar, four 20mm cannons, and four .50 caliber machine guns, making it one of the most formidable interceptors of its time. 

We’ll dive into the aircraft’s development, combat role, and the meticulous restoration work being done to return it to flight. Don’t miss this chance to learn more about the P-61’s legacy and the dedicated team working to preserve it for future generations. Watch this episode at https://youtu.be/lZZAilMy21o.

• Aired on: August 27, 2025
• Guest: Mid-Atlantic Air Museum / Russ Strine
• Host: Steve Buss
• Producer: Blaine Seaboalt
• Produced by: Commemorative Air Force

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight.
You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com. 

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences.
Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.

Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

Join us at EAA AirVenture 2025 as we catch up with the Lewis Air Legends crew of the legendary C-121 Constellation, Bataan. Step inside this award-winning warbird, recognized multiple times by Warbirds of America for its meticulous restoration and stunning appearance. Hear firsthand from the passionate team behind Bataan as they share stories, restoration insights, and why preserving this iconic piece of aviation history matters.

Want to watch this video? Go to https://youtu.be/fQ7H4gGrPZI

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight.
You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com. 

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences.
Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.

Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

Join us on CAF Warbird Tube for a fascinating conversation with Scott Culver, author of Nine Yanks and a Jerk, the gripping true story of a B-24 Liberator crew during World War II. Discover the history behind this remarkable bomber, hear Scott’s insights, and learn more at sonofagunnerb24.com. 

Want to watch the video? Go to https://youtu.be/FT0PmW8OPfM

• Aired on: August 13, 2025 
• Guest: Scott Culver 
• Host: Steve Buss 
• Produced By: Blaine Seaboalt 
• Producer: Commemorative Air Force

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight.
You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com. 

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences.
Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.

Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

Join us for a special episode of CAF Warbird Tube as we dive into the extraordinary life and legacy of Major Richard Bong, America's top fighter ace with 40 official victories, not just of WWII but all aerial conflicts. Our guest, acclaimed author and historian Bruce Gamble, brings his deep expertise to the conversation, sharing rare insights and compelling stories about Bong’s service in the Pacific Theater, his legendary P-38 missions, and the man behind the medals. Learn more about our guest, Bruce Gamble, on his website at www.brucegamble.com.

Want to watch the video? Catch it at https://youtu.be/AD0W-Gfafo0

• Aired on: August 6, 2025 
• Guest: Bruce Gamble 
• Host: Steve Buss 
• Producer: Blaine Seaboalt 
• Produced by: Commemorative Air Force

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight.
You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com. 

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences.
Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.

Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

Join us for a special episode of CAF Warbird Tube as we honor the 80th anniversary of the FG-1D Corsair "530," a proud member of Airbase Georgia’s historic fleet. Discover the story of this iconic warbird, from its acquisition to its current assignment at Airbase Georgia and current work with the Navy Legacy Program. We'll explore the Corsair's design, its combat legacy, and the dedicated work that keeps "530" flying today. Celebrate the craftsmanship and history behind this formidable aircraft as we mark eight decades of flight and heritage! Watch the episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/i0JsmGBXKWc.

• Aired on: July 16, 2025 
• Guests: Brad Pilgrim, Philip Beegle III, Mark Todd 
• Host: Steve Buss 
• Producer: Blaine Seaboalt 
• Produced by: Commemorative Air Force

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight.
You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com. 

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences.
Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.

Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

Join us for an inside look at the ongoing restoration of the iconic B-17E Desert Rat, one of the rarest surviving early-model Flying Fortresses. In this episode, we’ll share exciting updates from the restoration team, including the latest milestones, challenges, and what’s next for bringing this historic aircraft back to life. Learn how dedicated volunteers are preserving a key piece of World War II aviation history as the Desert Rat takes shape once more. You can watch this show on YouTube at https://youtu.be/2vSSLpyG0Gg. 

• Aired on: July 3, 2025 
• Guest: Bill Stanczak 
• Host: Steve Buss 
• Producer: Blaine Seaboalt 
• Produced by: Commemorative Air Force 

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight.
You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com. 

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences.
Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.

Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

Often referred to as the "Forgotten Battle," the Aleutian Islands Campaign witnessed some of the harshest conditions of World War II. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we welcome historian, author, and Alaska historic trip leader Karen Abel to explore the aircraft that braved the treacherous Aleutian skies. From P-38 Lightnings to B-24 Liberators, we’ll discuss the role of these warbirds in one of the most challenging theaters of the war. Follow more at http://www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com/. 

• Aired on: May 28, 2025 
• Guest: Karen Abel 
• Host: Steve Buss 
• Producer: Blaine Seaboalt
•  Produced by: Commemorative Air Force

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight.
You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com. 

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences.
Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.

Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

Join us for a thrilling dive into aviation history as we explore the world’s first operational jet fighter—the Messerschmitt Me 262. Our guest, Keegan Chetwynd, Director of the Military Aviation Museum, will share the story of how the Museum's replica was constructed, what effort was needed to get it back in the air, and how the Museum plans to continue to operate the aircraft into the future. Also discussed will be the flying characteristics of the replica, and the design and development history of this revolutionary jet during World War II, this episode is a must-see for any warbird enthusiast. 

• Aired on: April 30, 2025 
• Guest: Keegan Chetwynd 
• Host: Steve Buss 
• Producer: Blaine Seaboalt 
• Produced by: Commemorative Air Force

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight.
You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com. 

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences.
Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.

Thanks for helping us keep history flying.