Here's a couple interesting formations

[Mark Allen M]

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Last edited by Mark Allen M on Sat Sep 01, 2012 10:36 am, edited 1 time in total.

[k5083]

And both the J2M and the Ki-84 may be the ones that went to Planes of Fame. That very Hayate might still be participating in such formations if not for what, in hindsight, seems an ill-advised sale to Japan; and who knows, the J2M may yet.

August

[Mark Allen M]

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Last edited by Mark Allen M on Sat Sep 01, 2012 10:36 am, edited 1 time in total.

[k5083]

Ill-advised from POF's perspective because they parted with an asset, just at the beginning of the run-up in value of rare airworthy warbirds, that would have appreciated quite a lot over the next few decades and been a big draw for the museum.

Also unfortunate from the aircraft's perspective because it was neglected by its owners in Japan for a time, to the point that it would have required more restoration to get back into airworthy shape than it needed the first time. I understand it is better cared for now, but still in nothing like the condition it left the US in.

All this is 20-20 hindsight, of course. I am not saying that selling the plane should have seemed like a dumb idea at the time, but I would be surprised if POF hasn't regretted it over the years.

August

[mike furline]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ki-84-1.jpg

http://www.warbirdphotographs.com/WBP/chiran12.htm