bdk wrote:
airnutz wrote:
Regardingthe J2M..I wonder if POF has ever fired her up, if not, I wish they'd invest the time to do so? I wonder what one of them sounds like???

I don't think so. Since that is the only one of those engines in existence that I am aware of, you'd want to be mighty careful with it. As it is a static display, it sounds like a lot of work for little return on your investment. The money might be better spent doing a more thorough static restoration, replacing the corroded wing spars, finding better replacement tires, etc.
It would be really neat to just hear that rare Kasei engine on the Raiden. It would not have to be rebuilt to airworthy standards, but just safe, idle-running standards. There is precedence for this with many rare or one-of-a-kind warbirds:
1) The POF's own Ki-84 Frank which was a sole survivor with an extremely rare engine. It flew for several years until sold to Japan.
2) The old RAF Cosford's Ki-100, which was a sole survivor with an extremely rare engine. Though static, the engine was run up on occasion.
3) The old RAF Cosford's Me 410, which was one of 2 survivor's of the model with extremely rare engines. Though static, the engine was run up on occasion.
4) The old RAF Cosford's Fw 190F-8/U1, which is the only survivor of it's type and being unique in that it is a two seat trainer version. Though static, the engine was run up on occasion.
5) The old Champlain Fighter Museum's Fw 190D-13/R11, which was one of only 2 "Dora" models at that time. Though static, the engine was run up on at least one occasion.
If the POFs' Jack's engine was in such bad shape that it needed an extensive overhaul just to run in idle, then I agree, the money could be better spent elsewhere. But would it really be that expensive to overhaul it to just "idle" standards?
BTW, many years ago, (late 80's or 90's), Ed Maloney was on record as saying that he would like to have the Jack restored and flying some day. I can imagine, though, given the rarity and escalating value of Japanese warbirds, that he has probably changed his mind in this current day and age.
