Warbird Information Exchange

There are definitely some items there that are “too far gone” . The B-36 magnesium wings have all but turned to dust. Mr. Soplata never met an aviation item he didn’t like. Lots of non airworthy, too far gone stuff mixed in with the treasure.

They look naff: I'd prefer no graphics (I'll know what the aircraft looks like surely?) and a more appropriate font (less fussy and more period-appropriate) and a little bit in the way of history and identity of the aircraft that the metal came from.

Good idea but for me, not very well executed.

And that F-86L was well worth restoring!

Maybe the article should have said, "can't be economically restored." We know that any aircraft can be restored if you throw enough money at it. The problem is that these particular aircraft are not "mainstream" items like a P-51 or Corsair or B-17 or B-25. Other than our relatively small community of aviation history buffs and the dwindling number of veterans who remember them, how many of the general public would have any idea what these aircraft were used for and what they did for us, and, perhaps more importantly, how many would even care? These unfortunate aircraft, just like hundreds of others all around the world, seem to be destined to either be scrapped or allowed to slowly corrode away to nothing. It would be wonderful if loving homes could be found for these cool old airplanes, and all the others in similar situations, but who's going to pony up the cash to recover them, restore them, and maintain them? I hate to say it, but the reality is that we simply can't save them all. Don't get me wrong. As a lifelong aviation buff, I will always be grateful that men like Walter Soplata, Ed Maloney, David Tallichet, and many others, had the foresight to try to save as many airframes as they could. I live and breathe airplanes. I volunteer at a very busy aviation museum. If I had the money, I would find a way to save them all. But, there's the problem. I don't have it. You don't have it. Collectively, we all don't have it. If anyone comes up with a viable plan, I'm all ears.

If I've offended anyone with the above, all I can say is, "Sorry, but your reality check just bounced."

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Dean Hemphill, K5DH
Port Charlotte, Florida

I'm guessing the F-86L is just too corroded OR there's some issue (engine availability, IIRC?) that's kept all the D/K/L models grounded since they left service.

It's a shame to see the YB-36 cut up, although I suppose it was inevitable; I hope they at least can save the nose and build a cockpit display.

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

F-86D/K/L: yes it's the electromechanical engine control system (a problem in service already) that's kept them out of the air. Some wizz could solve that easily but it's not a sexy machine.........yet.