Warbird Information Exchange

http://www.conniesurvivors.com/1-connie_news.htm#NOV08

From Ralph Pettersen's website:

"I received an email from Bob Bogash informing me that he had received an email from Blair McAnally saying that the State of Montana is looking for a home for EC-121T 52-3417 (N4257L). The aircraft, owned by the state, has been used for training students at the Helena College of Technology since July 1981 and is no longer needed. Blair’s email says that the aircraft be scrapped if a new home is not found for it. Originally the school was hoping to trade it for a more modern aircraft but the situation has changed and the aircraft now must be disposed of. It was delivered directly from Davis Monthan AFB and all or most of the electronics gear is intact. If anyone knows of an organization that has the resources to take on this project please email me and I will pass the message on to Mr. McAnally."

Just sent them an e-mail.

Gary

So Gary...is your "pond" big enough?

That would be a fine addition to "Austin Acres".
Robbie

Do you have good idea brewing?

I think she has been kept in somewhat of a working order. Not sure about any corrosion issues. Would be a darn shame if she isn't saved.

What about the F-102, UH-1, and Jetstar in the picture with the Connie? Guess the school is keeping them?

They also use to have a F-89 Scorpion. Not sure if it's still around, but googlemaps satellite imagery of the airport still shows it there, behind the F-102.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=46.6 ... 3&t=h&z=19

Thanks for the link Sasnak.

Okay, I gotta ask if no one else is - what is this "Austin Acres"? Gary? Robbie?

-Derek

The F-89 is still there, it's parked over on the GA ramp to the east of the Connie. I saw it there a few months ago.

Austin Acres is Gary's place. See the link. He's got a nice collection.

http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/p ... 23&start=0

http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=85723#85723

http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=100592#100592

Well, I did send them an e-mail, but don't know what's going to become of it. I just cannot stand to see and aircraft like that get scrapped. Heck, I can't stand to hear of any aircraft getting scrapped, really. Most of y'all know who I work for, so you know I don't make much money. However, I'll certainly do whatever I can to help save this bird. Why? I dunno. It's a sickness, I reckon.

I'm just going to wait for their response and we'll go from there. Trust me, I'll be sure to let y'all know if anything comes of this, but don't hold your breaths.

Gary

Ok, dumb question here from a neophyte warbird enthusiast. If the plane hasn't been flown since 1981, would it be feasible to get it into ferry condition without a huge expense in money and labor? Or would it be easier and cheaper to pull it apart and ship it via truck? Also, since it was at a vocational school, was it torn apart at all?

I went to a community college A&P school back in the mid 80's and we had some interesting stuff we messed around with. We had a T-33, Twin Beech from the Coast Guard, Bell 47 (had been hovered by one of the instructors just a few years prior), and a Hiller helo. I have no idea what happened to those birds.

Depends on conditions and how well it was kept. Could be that it'd be pretty straightforward to bring it to ferry condition, could be it would take years. It's largely on a case-by=case basis

[quote="maxum96"]Ok, dumb question here from a neophyte warbird enthusiast. If the plane hasn't been flown since 1981, would it be feasible to get it into ferry condition without a huge expense in money and labor? Or would it be easier and cheaper to pull it apart and ship it via truck? Also, since it was at a vocational school, was it torn apart at all? }

Sure would be cool if things turned out like a certain B-29 that had sat in the dessert for years that was flown out by a bunch of guys from South Texas.


No kidding, I hope this airplane can be saved. I grew up & still live about 2 miles from from Atlanta/Hartsfield Intl Airport, & I can remember seeing & hearing the Connies take off. What a sight & sound.
Robbie