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This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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Fri Nov 14, 2008 11:16 am

Connery wrote:Is this aircraft something that the CAF itself would be interested in saving?


Interested? Absolutely!!! Able to? Hard to say. :?

Gary

Fri Nov 14, 2008 11:29 am

While on the subject of Constellations, the Salina airplane would be a very nice "save" if possible. We happened to be documenting the remaining WWII buildings back around 1990 or so when we heard a 3350 fire up. I talked to one of the fellows working on it for a little bit and he told me of the plan to fly it to Texas.

I don't know who owns it today or what the plan is, but it was still parked on the north ramp three weeks ago and looks pretty good.

http://www.conniesurvivors.com/N1206.htm

Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:18 pm

I like it! Let's keep in communication about it. I'm going to schedule a flight to go see the airplane soon. Stay tuned.

Gary

Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:37 pm

Gary, if you end up working some sort fo a deal to ferry the aircraft I'm in for a weeks worth of food cooking, coffee running, wrench turning, forklift driving, parts running, parts washing, camping under the wing. Let me know.

Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:59 pm

Roger that, Ryan, but its waaaaaaay too early to make that kind of scheduling yet. I don't know how I'm gonna make this work, but I feel its important to at least try as hard as I can anyway.

Gary

Fri Nov 14, 2008 3:37 pm

I could pony up some money for you Gary! :D Anyone esle?

Fri Nov 14, 2008 3:56 pm

Just like with the Catalina deal, I very much appreciate the offers of help! However, I need just a little time before I have a good plan. I promise y'all that I'll keep you posted should there be further developments.

Gary

Fri Nov 14, 2008 4:05 pm

You can do it Gary! :D

Fri Nov 14, 2008 7:20 pm

What about the SAC Connie's engines? Could they be loaned out for the ferry project? Alternately, is there anything at Pima that has usable 3350 QECs?

Good luck, I hope you guys can save it, I have always hoped that this plane would eventually wind up in a good home.

Regards,

Art S.

Fri Nov 14, 2008 7:34 pm

It sure would be alot of fun.. It would go easier with a connie lead mechanic with experience on type to help out.. Could you get a stay of execution to get a little time to work things out?

Fri Nov 14, 2008 7:41 pm

John Travolta :D

Fri Nov 14, 2008 8:07 pm

spookyboss wrote:John Travolta :D


hahaha..he should sell his 707 and fly around in a EC-121! :wink: :lol:

Fri Nov 14, 2008 8:16 pm

Gary, I never worked on big pistons but what exactly locks up inside? Could it be just an accesory locked up keeping the engine from rotating?

Fri Nov 14, 2008 10:06 pm

I'm quite certain that Mr. Travolta's connie is the one in KLM markings in the Netherlands.

Sat Nov 15, 2008 8:38 am

Broken-Wrench wrote:Gary, I never worked on big pistons but what exactly locks up inside? Could it be just an accesory locked up keeping the engine from rotating?


Well, during my phone conversation with the guy in charge of this bird, he explained to me that the "kids at the A&P school used to run it up and ran two of the engines through a hydraulic lock." I do know that at least one engine is seized up. My guess is that they broke a rod and it's wedged itself firmly in place. Just a guess though.

I've received several promising messages from folks who wish to help save this bird. There is certainly nothing in stone yet, and everything could just fall apart, but we're at least trying to make something good happen here. Stay tuned.

Gary
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