If you had ONE warbird to own, Why?
Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:31 am
No choosing warbirds that don't exist. But if you could own and maintain a particular warbird today, what would you choose and why? Keep in mind that you are NOT Paul Allen or the like and that you have a modest amount of resources to properly maintain and care for your warbird type. Remember that you have several warbird critics here who would string you up if you weren't serious about your choice and particular way of operating and maintaining your choice.
For me, I could see me owning maybe a T6 or T-28. I couldn't properly maintain a P-51 or similar types. Far too expensive and far too intricate.
Be smart and careful trying to answer this post.
This can be a simple question for you or an intricate question, I would prefer an intricate answer.
Here's some ideas:
Where would you or could you store it? How would you maintain it? What approach would you take to insure it? Would you give rides for money? Would you share expenses with other co-owners? Would you be pilot in command? or have someone fly it for you? If someone outright gave you a warbird, would you be able to handle having it given to you? Would you sell it? ....
For me, I could see me owning maybe a T6 or T-28. I couldn't properly maintain a P-51 or similar types. Far too expensive and far too intricate.
Be smart and careful trying to answer this post.
This can be a simple question for you or an intricate question, I would prefer an intricate answer.
Here's some ideas:
Where would you or could you store it? How would you maintain it? What approach would you take to insure it? Would you give rides for money? Would you share expenses with other co-owners? Would you be pilot in command? or have someone fly it for you? If someone outright gave you a warbird, would you be able to handle having it given to you? Would you sell it? ....
Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:47 am
I would own a T-33. For one, I'm already typed in it. Other reasons for my choice are:
Their acquisition price is along the same lines as a T-6 or other mid-level warbird.
From my experience so far on the one I'm flying now, maintenance is relatively minimal compared to some other warbirds. Mechanically, it's a pretty simple airplane.
I really enjoy being able to take people with me, which gets a LOT less complicated when there's a whole other cockpit for them to sit in.
They've got a great history.
They're a good, honest flying bird. The worst part of driving one is taxiing it...damned castoring nosewheel.
Even though it's a jet, it still "marks it's territory" every time it shuts down...much to the chagrin of the tree-huggers, and much to my delight.
Their acquisition price is along the same lines as a T-6 or other mid-level warbird.
From my experience so far on the one I'm flying now, maintenance is relatively minimal compared to some other warbirds. Mechanically, it's a pretty simple airplane.
I really enjoy being able to take people with me, which gets a LOT less complicated when there's a whole other cockpit for them to sit in.
They've got a great history.
They're a good, honest flying bird. The worst part of driving one is taxiing it...damned castoring nosewheel.
Even though it's a jet, it still "marks it's territory" every time it shuts down...much to the chagrin of the tree-huggers, and much to my delight.
Sun Jan 25, 2009 4:21 am
For me, it would be something very uncommon and extremely rare. I would probably pick either a Ki-84 Frank, Ki-100, Do-335, TBD, or a P-61. Any of those would make me happy.
Come to think of it, I would probably pick the Do-335. It's so rare and exotic, that people would probably have a cow seeing such a large pusher puller. By the way, that plane is HUGE! When I saw the one at the Udvar-Hazy center, it looked as big as an F-15. The bottom of the wing is over my head!
Come to think of it, I would probably pick the Do-335. It's so rare and exotic, that people would probably have a cow seeing such a large pusher puller. By the way, that plane is HUGE! When I saw the one at the Udvar-Hazy center, it looked as big as an F-15. The bottom of the wing is over my head!
Sun Jan 25, 2009 6:05 am
Simple for me (but way out of my financial reach).
A Grumman Goose.
Water flying is the most fun you can have with your cloths on.
You can operate it outside of the airport environment.
Can share the fun (and gas) with several friends.
The only thing better then a P&W R-985 is two of them.
Warbird, Civilian, and Golden Age history.
Legal for commercial operations.
Taildragger.
It's an upside down Beech 18 that floats and it was built in an anvil factory.
My favorite airplane, and yes, and I would fly and maintain it myself until they ripped my cold dead fingers from it so they could pass it on to the next lucky pilot.
A Grumman Goose.
Water flying is the most fun you can have with your cloths on.
You can operate it outside of the airport environment.
Can share the fun (and gas) with several friends.
The only thing better then a P&W R-985 is two of them.
Warbird, Civilian, and Golden Age history.
Legal for commercial operations.
Taildragger.
It's an upside down Beech 18 that floats and it was built in an anvil factory.
My favorite airplane, and yes, and I would fly and maintain it myself until they ripped my cold dead fingers from it so they could pass it on to the next lucky pilot.
Sun Jan 25, 2009 6:25 am
For me: a Spit Mk XIV ou Mk IX.
Sun Jan 25, 2009 6:59 am
P-40B. 
Sun Jan 25, 2009 7:04 am
i've always been rather partial to a Mitsubishi f1m2 pete a very nice looking float plane.
or a ki 46-11 dinah a very pretty way to make your way to airshows
paul
or a ki 46-11 dinah a very pretty way to make your way to airshows
paul
Re: If you had ONE warbird to own, Why?
Sun Jan 25, 2009 7:18 am
"If you don't read the question you get 0 points!", my teacher used to say.
Soooo - none surviving or one example in a national collection (not for sale) doesn't quite fit, does it?
Hellcat wrote:...Keep in mind that you are NOT Paul Allen or the like and that you have a modest amount of resources to properly maintain and care for your warbird type....
Soooo - none surviving or one example in a national collection (not for sale) doesn't quite fit, does it?
Sun Jan 25, 2009 7:31 am
I've always hankered after a Navion, for lots of reasons:
a. relatively large population still existing - parts & expertise available.
b. relatively modest pilot skills - won't kill you as quite as quickly as many high performance warbirds.
c. enough range & performance for "trips"
d. enough room & payload for friends & luggage - a great way to travel to airshows
e. you get to climb up on the wing, slide open the canopy and "enter" it in true warbird style
f. I have never met a grumpy Navion pilot/owner
John
a. relatively large population still existing - parts & expertise available.
b. relatively modest pilot skills - won't kill you as quite as quickly as many high performance warbirds.
c. enough range & performance for "trips"
d. enough room & payload for friends & luggage - a great way to travel to airshows
e. you get to climb up on the wing, slide open the canopy and "enter" it in true warbird style
f. I have never met a grumpy Navion pilot/owner
John
Wants
Sun Jan 25, 2009 8:07 am
A fixed gear Hawk 75 O or M. 
Re: Wants
Sun Jan 25, 2009 8:40 am
hang the expense wrote:A fixed gear Hawk 75 O or M. 8)
Ooh, I like the way you think. Something about those natty looking spats....
Sun Jan 25, 2009 9:04 am
P-40L, painted to represent Lighthouse Louie from the 325thFG Checkertails.
Like many other warbirds, the Merlin-engined Warhawk was once extinct but due to the efforts of those in AUS ad NZ two are on their way to flying. The P-40 airframe and Merlin engine are both relatively easy to support in today's warbird environment. You'd have a unique warbird with a dazzling paint scheme.
You've got to give the guys in the MTO their due. While I don't mean to take anything away from the achievements of the AVG, what with their being so outnumbered and poorly supported, but the match up of the Tomahawk against the I-97 doesn't compare to those that opposed the Luftwaffe Experten.
Like many other warbirds, the Merlin-engined Warhawk was once extinct but due to the efforts of those in AUS ad NZ two are on their way to flying. The P-40 airframe and Merlin engine are both relatively easy to support in today's warbird environment. You'd have a unique warbird with a dazzling paint scheme.
You've got to give the guys in the MTO their due. While I don't mean to take anything away from the achievements of the AVG, what with their being so outnumbered and poorly supported, but the match up of the Tomahawk against the I-97 doesn't compare to those that opposed the Luftwaffe Experten.
Sun Jan 25, 2009 9:05 am
In my dreams, I'd want a Razorback P-47, because they are, and probably always will be, my favorite airplane. And critics be dam*ed, I'd paint it black with a deep blue cowling tapering into a "spear" running down the fuselage, with a massive N-number on the side, and modified ala this wildcat, so I can carry four passengers. Also, I'd reupholster the cockpit much like that Wildcat so I can fly in style.
I'm dead serious.
I'm dead serious.
Sun Jan 25, 2009 9:19 am
Nathan wrote:P-40B.
Oh can I come over and join you ! Like the Late Great Actor John Wayne " Toilet Paper " Rough and Tough and didn't take Crap off of anybody !
Sun Jan 25, 2009 9:20 am
It would be the B-25. It's a cool plane. 