Montana EC-121T in Danger of Being Scrapped

[APG85]

Yeah, you're right. Dismantle it and call in the Hercs (or C-5's)!

[Edward Sheetmetalhands]

Kevin,

Thanks for your additional input and well-wishes.

I am not close enough to the project to say why the cut joint was moved from where it was normally done. I do know they were looking at original blueprints and thought that it would be better to move them inboard slightly. This may have been an effort to "narrow" the assembly for easier transport, though. Especially when they were trucking the 90 or so feet of fuselage as one piece. They did not just cut randomly. It was done for a reason. I wish I knew more.

I agree, the cut could have been straighter, but those were volunteer firefighters using their equipment to help out. The equipment and personnel loan was invaluable from all of the different groups to make saving it possible.

Yes, the Wichita splices have been developed by aerospace engineers in regards to the unique situation. The fix is different from the other B-47 static display. Wichita engineers co-designed the B-29, B-47, B-52, Air Force One, as well as a good portion of the civil and general aviation fleet that exists today. They are very adept at computer modeling and putting all of the strength back in.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I have a passion for defending any museum efforts.

It is nice, though the wing installation problems are unique to the B-47.

Best Wishes to all and the EC-121T
Edward

[Holedigger]

I seem to recall on the OKC bird that there was a time crunch as well as the inevitable money issues. It was kind of like the movie "Airport" you move it NOW or we move it with the snowplows! Better it be moved and saved, damaged though it may be, rather than face the scrappers! I doubt there was ever ANY consideration that it would be anything but a static display. That will be a big enough job.

[engguy]

Yeah six figures, maybe $300,000 or more especially if you want them to put it back together. Again if they could get that B29 in the frozen north in flying condition, this one should be a walk in the park. Because you don't have to ship and fly the supplies and tools thousands of miles to do it. And isn't money spent on parts awhole lot better than just giving it away for the trucking? The only expediture is the gas to do it. And so far the price is comming down. It could probably be flown out for 1/3 or less the cost of trucking it. And as long as it makes it with out dropping outa the sky, you don't have a bunch of parts sitting around to loose.

[Fouga23]

If you do a Google Maps search of the Helena, Montana airport, you'll see that even to get the airplane over to an area where it could taxi, you'd have to disassemble it, as they've already got it boxed in with buildings.

Don't know if you guys read Gary's post, but it seems if it leaves, it will be on a truck.

[retroaviation]

Still working on it, but it's not looking like I'm getting anywhere on my end. However, the last time I spoke with the folks in charge of the airplane, they said that there were now "several museums interested in this airplane," so that is good news. If nothing else, WIX was able to at least get the word spread to help save this ol' bird. I know there are at least a couple of "lurkers" on this site that have expressed interest in the airplane, so maybe it's going to have a good outcome after all.

Gary

[Fouga23]

Well, some nice options there! Would love to see the CAF fly it together with FIFI!

[Jerry O'Neill]

I Hope it's saved as a whole aircraft.
I'm not sure what they mean when they say Hanscom, AFB (Otis AFB)?
They are in totally different locations!
Jerry

[retroaviation]

I'm sorry to say that the CAF's, and my personal options are not going to come through. Let's hope that one of the other museums are able to save it though.

Gary

[wendovertom]

Attention Paul Allen - there is a EC-121 in aisle 2 that needs to be saved and flown - attention Mr Allen . . . .

Tom P.

[APG85]

Doesn't Paul Allen have a B-17 in storage?

[wendovertom]

sigh - its just a general hope - there are tons of projects that SHOULD be saved and there is just not a ton of $$ to do it all. I mean even Kermit has limits to what and how much can be done. I applaud the work many of you folks here have done to keep many of these planes from the recycler.

On a different high note, Wendover Airfield Musuem did just get a $450K grant to help restore the B-29 hangar built specially for the 509th CG!! We are pretty excited about this - it will help preserve a very unique piece of the Manhatten Project - and someday Heaven help us and the water don't rise, we can get a B-29 to put in there!

Tom P.

[Second Air Force]

That is excellent news, Tom! Will you folks be able to save the rest of the WWII structures as well as the big hangar?

Scott

[APG85]

sigh - its just a general hope - there are tons of projects that SHOULD be saved and there is just not a ton of $$ to do it all. I mean even Kermit has limits to what and how much can be done. I applaud the work many of you folks here have done to keep many of these planes from the recycler.

On a different high note, Wendover Airfield Musuem did just get a $450K grant to help restore the B-29 hangar built specially for the 509th CG!! We are pretty excited about this - it will help preserve a very unique piece of the Manhatten Project - and someday Heaven help us and the water don't rise, we can get a B-29 to put in there!

Tom P.

Pictures please

[noizeedave]

I came up upon 3 sea containers full of used and un-used connie parts. Let me know who needs what.

Hope someone Saves her. Not my type of Gal, but a Gal non-the-less. Id be interested in helping save that PBY.

Let me know what I can do!