Any F-105s in restoration to fly?
Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:56 pm
Just curious if there are any folks out there working on a "Thud" to get airborne? if so, what is the status?
Herkeng
Herkeng
Wed Jul 09, 2008 4:43 pm
Not sure the Feds would approve nor could very many people afford to operate one. Neat thought though.
Wed Jul 09, 2008 4:51 pm
Collings Foundation has been pursuing one for several years but wrenches have gotten thrown in the gears at a few turns. Perhaps RickH would like to comment on his "phealings" about the situation? 
Wed Jul 09, 2008 4:52 pm
I believe the Collings Foundation is attempting to get an F-105 and make it operational. Don't know status, however. (It'll most likely be a two seater!)
Jerry
Jerry
Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:02 pm
I think the NMUSAF made sure of it that one ain't gonna fly no more! 
Thu Jul 10, 2008 2:22 am
P. Allen has a two seater AND more than enough money to get past any technical hurdles-
Thu Jul 10, 2008 5:07 am
The Inspector wrote:P. Allen has a two seater AND more than enough money to get past any technical hurdles-
Perhaps so, but how high a priority is it? I haven't heard a peep about any jets that Allen is getting restored at any time in the near future, with the exception of the 262. I'll bet it will be YEARS before Allen even thinks about bringing that one to the air. I've heard there's quite a long cue for the W.W. II types.
Thu Jul 10, 2008 12:53 pm
Thanks for the info guys, I am a volunteer here in houston for Collings and know what we are doing but was curious about what is up outside of the Collings arena.
I hope Paul Allen does get his bird going. I also heard there was was someone in california (I don't remember the name) who had a single seater and was trying to get her restored.
As for the NMUSAF, I wish they realize that not every warbird should be sitting on the ground. There must be flying birds to build up interest form our younger folks. There is nothing like hearing and feeling the rumble of a J-79 in a Phantom as it launchs. You cannot get the same awe struck feeling by looking at one sitting in a display at a museum. Just look at a 8 or 9 year olds face when a warbird does a flyby. I don't see that look on a kids face when he walks up to a museum bird. Can you imagine what a Vietnam Vet will feel when he sees a F-105, F-4 and Huey fly by him.
Maybe as the winds of change are happening at the Air Staff level, we may see a change by the leadership at NMUSAF. I can only hope.
Herkeng
I hope Paul Allen does get his bird going. I also heard there was was someone in california (I don't remember the name) who had a single seater and was trying to get her restored.
As for the NMUSAF, I wish they realize that not every warbird should be sitting on the ground. There must be flying birds to build up interest form our younger folks. There is nothing like hearing and feeling the rumble of a J-79 in a Phantom as it launchs. You cannot get the same awe struck feeling by looking at one sitting in a display at a museum. Just look at a 8 or 9 year olds face when a warbird does a flyby. I don't see that look on a kids face when he walks up to a museum bird. Can you imagine what a Vietnam Vet will feel when he sees a F-105, F-4 and Huey fly by him.
Maybe as the winds of change are happening at the Air Staff level, we may see a change by the leadership at NMUSAF. I can only hope.
Herkeng
Thu Jul 10, 2008 4:28 pm
The one you are thinking of in California is Yanks Air Museum at Chino.
Thu Jul 10, 2008 4:42 pm
kmiles wrote:The one you are thinking of in California is Yanks Air Museum at Chino.
Don't look for this one to fly anytime soon. They don't even fly the vast majority of their W.W. II stuff, much less the jets.