I'd be interested to how he transported all the bits from the scrapyard and how no-one except his immediate family knew that it was there ?
As tridigraph says this collection has been known by enthusiasts, family and friends since the 1970's. Mr. Soplata liked his privacy from enthusiasts, vandals and the tax man. Hardly a secret.
He recieved much interest and offers for his collection over the years, and only let a few go, including the F-82 and the F2G racing Corsair. He only let the Corsair go with the promise it would not be flown as he thought it too rare to be crashed. Sadly the museum later sold it and his worst fears were realized with the tragic crash years later. He would have been devestated had he lived to see that event.
He got all the aircraft to his farm by himself with occasional help from friends and his sons, using old station wagons, trucks and trailers. He had to make mulitple trips for large aircraft like the B-36. A very much shoestring operation. No fancy 18 wheelers/lorries here.
A true visionary and enthusiast who saved some great airframes. Well done Mr. Soplata.