This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Wed Jun 20, 2012 4:07 pm
James, How are the restoration projects coming along these days? I see where the museum now has the ex-NASM's 727. What are the plans for it if any right now? thanks as always.
Wed Jun 20, 2012 5:51 pm
The 727 needs to have the engines put back on, have the preservative removed and it will then be repainted in the same United markings it currently carries. There is no time line for when any of that will be done. Projects we are currently working on; our Northrup F-5B is getting a new paint job; the deHavilland Vampire is being reassembled and should be done in the next week or two; we're rebuilding the canopy for the Jet Provost to replace the one that was destroyed while the plane was in Texas; the F-86E rebuild is progressing slowly as we replace damaged skin panels on the fuselage and fix a damaged wing; the P-39N should have its wings on in the near future; the recently received F2H-2P Banshee formerly displayed at Wings of Eagles in Elmyra, New York has been reassembled and will be getting a new paint job before it goes out on display; lastly we have pulled the KB-50 off display and have started giving it a good clean and polish before we repaint the markings.
I think that is everything.
James
Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:03 pm
Lots going on there! Thanks for the update James. It always appreciated by us here on the WIX.
Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:36 pm
Would love to see some pictures of the KB-50 'in-work'...interior and exterior...
Wed Jun 20, 2012 7:09 pm
So when I retire do you have room for an old MECH ?
Wed Jun 20, 2012 9:38 pm
APG85 -- Exterior photos we can do for sure. We're not doing any work on the inside of the plane so maybe or maybe not on the interiors.
Seaknight -- We can always use skilled people who know how to read a blueprint, bend metal and shoot rivets. Since our birds don't fly people with really specialized systems skills often get frustrated and leave after a fairly short time.
James
Thu Jun 21, 2012 1:31 am
jamesintucson wrote:APG85 -- Exterior photos we can do for sure. We're not doing any work on the inside of the plane so maybe or maybe not on the interiors.
James
Great, can't wait! I use to live in Tucson and visited the museum often. I always thought the B-50 was a great plane and the museum had a nice example. Any pictures would be nice. I've always been curious about the condition/completeness of the interior. Is it as it was when it last flew?
I always thought it would be neat to see it restored and on display next to the B-29 showing the evolution of the design. It would be the only museum around to have an exhibit like that (B-29 - B-50). Of course, the C-46 would have to get kicked out into the sun to make it happen...unfortunately...
Thu Jun 21, 2012 9:30 am
APG85 wrote:
I always thought it would be neat to see it restored and on display next to the B-29 showing the evolution of the design. It would be the only museum around to have an exhibit like that (B-29 - B-50). ...[/quote]
The B-29 (composite 44-61535) and the B-50 (49-0351) at Castle Air Museum are next to each other, and their KC-97 is within a pitching wedge distance. It is indeed neat to see the 29 evolution side by side.
Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:19 pm
jamesintucson wrote:...I think that is everything.
And not a bad 'everything' in anyone's book. Tip of the hat to the workers and the Museum.
Regards,
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