Lets save these from the scrappers

[tinbender2]

Three airframes, possibly more, going to public auction, and most likely without any demil requirements...









I can only wonder what other aircraft are still laying derelict out in this desert.

I'd love to put that F8 on a flatbed trailer and charge $5 a pop for kids to take their picture while sitting in the cockpit. An easy $1500 an airshow, and I'd haul it around advertising upcoming airshows for some more moola.

Be forewarned...this auction company changes dates/times/policies for individual auctions with very little notice. With over 2000 items selling that day, each item may get less than 10 seconds of bidding time.

http://auctionsouthwest.com/2014/01/new-mexico-tech-playas-training-research-center-auction/nggallery/page/1

[JohnB]

I hope someone saves the H-21.

Anyone know anyone at Classic Rotors.
Looks like a nice spare parts source or airframe.

[K5DH]

VFM is restoring a CH-21B. We could use the tail feathers and probably a bunch of other parts from that NM airframe. Anyone wanna buy it, donate it, and transport it to VFM in Fort Worth?

[Chappie]

It would be great to see some of the old helos fly again.

Chappie

[JohnB]

I sent a link to this thread to Classic Rotors....hopefully, someone will read it.

[Cubs]

I probably could make a winning bid on the F-8 fuselage. Considering how much the scrap value is.
But, the storage fee is too hot to handle. Plus loading on a truck and getting it home.

For what it's worth, I've located the airframes on Google maps. The B-57 is about 1 mile due south of the Playas airfield. The F-8 is in Playas, NM, near where Encina and Sabana streets meet.

The H21 fuselage is between Chapparal and Cholla streets, where a dwelling used to be along Chapparal St.

[Fouga23]

How come there are so few cockpit collectors in the US? It's big over here in Europe! Few have the place for a complete aircraft, but a cockpit section is something that is easily handled. And it's great fun to restore.
These airframes would make great cockpit projects. You could scrap the aft fuselage to recoup some of the money.
Here are some idea's: http://www.gbairspares.co.uk/cockpitfest/2294/

[tinbender2]

Are any airframes leaving Davis Monthan intact? or must they all be shredded for civilian sales?

I'm just wondering how rare an opportunity these birds are.

Loading the F8 and B57 onto a flatbed trailer would take a few bottle jacks, 4x4 lumber, maybe a winch, and some 1"-2" pvc pipe.

There is a place in Albuquerque that would probably store them for $20-$40 a month, providing time to get cheap transportation set up for a cross country trip.

The H-21, if an airworthy airframe, would take a bit of sheet metal work to detach the angled rear fuselage without damage, assuming this was required to clear highway bridges, etc. It would be awesome to see one fly. I never have, and I'll bet neither has 98% of airshow attendees.

If someone really wants to save them, I think there are people willing and able to help out.

[Fouga23]

Let's put a WIX rescue party together! Can't www.warbirdrescue.com help.

[MCDOUGALL DOUGLAS]

I plan to look at the F-8, I will try to do it if I could get it for the right price. I would appreciate its existence not being broadcast to loudly. Please don't turn it into a cockpit deal. Those just seem to rot away in garages and then get scraped by ex-wife's.

[Warbird Kid]

Please don't turn it into a cockpit deal. Those just seem to rot away in garages and then get scraped by ex-wife's.

Ummmmm ok? What evidence do you have to support that claim?

[GARY HILTON]

I have a 30' gooseneck trailer...couple of timbers and jacks, and a mattress or two....you pay my fuel, twinkies and tent, we can get her moved! Soon as I get those pesky injectors fixed!

[eze240]

Whatever happened to this stuff?
Did they all get scrapped or did someone save them?
The F-8 was very interesting, especially if there was no demil requirements...

[tinbender2]

Whatever happened to this stuff?
Did they all get scrapped or did someone save them?
The F-8 was very interesting, especially if there was no demil requirements...

I followed the auction site for a while, and then the web pages were taken down before the auction sale date. I don't know if the auction actually happened or some govt flunky screwed up the plan. The aircraft could still be sitting out there.

[tinbender2]

I have a 30' gooseneck trailer...couple of timbers and jacks, and a mattress or two....you pay my fuel, twinkies and tent, we can get her moved! Soon as I get those pesky injectors fixed!

I got a 20,000lb flatbed, a 1-ton diesel, a shop crane and warped sense of adventure...

Someone pays my fuel and food, and I'll be right beside you.