A cool moment at the NMUSAF

[mustangdriver]

WWII B-26 pilot reunites with a B-26 as he donates his A-2 to the NMUSAF.

Not my picture, but I thought you all would like to see it.

[old iron]

Is that plane actually sitting on its own tires? I am so used to seeing the tires on museum-static aircraft propped up on stands. Is this the practice at NMUSAF or is this plane due for futher movement about the museum?

[mustangdriver]

She is sitting on her tires. I am not sure how it gets decided which go on stands and which do not. The tires at the museum get finished inside and out with some chemicals. SOme of the museums aircraft is up on the stands while most seem to be on the ground.

[Holedigger]

Great pic, makes you wonder just what is going through his mind. Has to be quite an emotional mix.

[retroaviation]

If I remember correctly, the Memphis Belle's tires were filled with some sort of mixture that was similar to concrete, so they wouldn't flatten......at least that is what I was always told. I'm sure the guys in the NMUSAF restoration department would know for sure.

Gary

[Pat Carry]

A great moment there at the museum Chris. Did they open the plane for him?

[Django]

Did he have any stories to tell? Is the jacket painted?

very cool.

[pstrany]

When I went on the tour in April, the guide mentioned that the restoration team used to take time off to go through the museum and pump up all the tires, but that they no longer have to do that because they pumped something into the tires that keeps them from ever going flat. Guess that was what she was talking about......

Paul

[Holedigger]

Filled the tires with Nonflatulatium!

[mustangdriver]

Gary is correct. THey use a firm gell that is pumped into the tires. NOt only does it keep the tires pumped up, but it preserves the tire and prevents dry rot. I have no idea how it works though.