Dave Homewood wrote:
What is so difficult about restoring this Mustang? I don't understand. There's a massive industry for restoring and keeping these things flying with loads of off the shelf components available to any Mustang restorer. So why does this one differ?
Personally I cannot see how anyone could think a Mustang would be more difficult to rebuild than a ground up restoration of a Mosquito - something no-one had ever done before, ever, not even he RAF or de Havillands, And there was no network of industry all set up to make parts for a Mosquito either, like there is with the common old P-51D. Not to mention the years spent finding drawings, and parts, and recreating the moulds, and basically relearning lost techniques.
Pump the brakes and read thoroughly before you post, Dave. I never said that a Mustang was more difficult to restore than a Mosquito... Quite the opposite. I was inquiring about the exact "bonus" Difficulty Points that the judges at Oshkosh assign to the Mosquito as a type. The form of my question suggests that I assume a Mosquito would get a HIGHER amount of difficulty points, and rightfully so. I was merely saying that if a Mustang and a Mosquito were both PERFECTLY restored, the Mosquito would automatically win at Oshkosh due to the higher number of "bonus" Difficulty Points assigned to the type.
I DO suggest that Sierra Sue is more accurately restored to wartime condition and appearance for that airframe, than the Mosquito was. That's one man's opinion from detailed photos I have seen.
With regards to Bob's Mustang, I neither explicitly nor impliedly suggested that his aircraft was painted in authentic scheme for that airframe. I accurately suggested that it IS an extremely authentic restoration in terms of workmanship, finishes, hardware... you name it. It seems like every year the bar is raised higher and higher with respect to authenticity and I couldn't be happier! Although, I do love a good polish job on a mustang!
"[C]ommon old P-51D[,]" huh?
Regardless of my opinions, this was a great year for Oshkosh and I tip my hat to all the award winners.