Warbird Information Exchange

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

Awesome shots Pat! Thanks for sharing.

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Share your story: Rutgers Oral History Archive http://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/

Pat, thanks for sharing.

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A&P/I.A., A.A.S./Aviation Maintenance technology
Warbird salvage/recovery
One day I'll get that P-40!

Nice job Pat! Wonder why the wheels were removed?

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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)

After the plane was lowered down it had to be moved sideways so they took off the wheels and used wheeled dollies to get it where they wanted it.

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

I was just reminded that I did not mention the photographer's name. My wife Linda is the expert picture taker.

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

Thanks for posting all those Pat.

Cool!

I'm sure another reason for removing the wheels, is that they wouldn't want to risk them bursting, after 70 years of supporting nothing.

Andy

Well, they aren't the original wheels. They're American replacements..I've heard that they were either from an AT-6 or possibly a Beech 18. I wish they could have some mockup wheel pants made for it. The plane kinda looks naked without them.

Thanks for posting the pics. I've shot countless pics of the plane hanging from the ceiling..It's great to see her from another angle. What's the plan for the engine? During my last visit in the fall of 2013, it was on display separately in a completely different part of the museum. I presume it was removed from the aircraft to reduce weight.

SN

It almost looks like they are prepping the engine for re-installation back into the plane. Why else would they be working on it at the same time?

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"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

Wow, that thing is more hammered than I remembered!

The engine along with the Merlin for the Spitfire have been until just recently in long term storage at the museum. The museum is currently building a new exhibit for these 2 power plants. The engines are just to heavy to be placed back in the aircraft while they are displayed in a hanging position.

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

Would be nice if they could fab a new set wheels and pants for it. I bet Nelson could do it..

Sorry..the only airplanes I work on are about 72 times smaller.

SN

Please correct me if I'm mistaken, but didn't the Stuka's on the Eastern Front fly sans wheel pants to keep slush/snow/ice from building up and keeping the plane from nosing over?

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Offer me solutions, offer me alternatives, and I decline......

Indeed they did