T-33A at Franklin Institute.

[TAdan]

I went to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia yesterday. They have a T-33A on display there.

I was unable to find a S/N or a Bu.No that had not been worn off. I was unable to interperet the tail #. I snapped a few pics with my phone, but now I cant read the tail #.

The plane is aluminum with a white underside. No tip tanks. The cockpit is open and is pretty well worn out by lots of visitors. I know the plane has been there for atleast 20 years (my families last visit).

Any one have any history on this T-bird? Thanks!

[TAdan]

Here is the Museums webpage. Says the T-33 was built in 48.

The Tail # started with a 0 so I figured it was built in 1950.

http://www.fi.edu/tfi/exhibits/aviation.html

[Forgotten Field]

Whenever I went to the FI, I ran to the aviation hall to sit in that T33. I have flown at least 12 missions in that T33, and was not alone. The floorboards in the cockpit have got to be the most worn out set of airframe parts I have ever seen.

The last time I went, it was a great exhibit made better with more artifacts and hands on displays.

Don't forget the stainless steel Budd Seaplane outside.

If you're in town, the museum is worth it.

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

Do you remember the F-51 that the T33 replaced ?

[Swiss Mustangs]

Says the T-33 was built in 48.

The Tail # started with a 0 so I figured it was built in 1950.

that is an O (as in Oscar) and not a 0 (the number) - USAF a/c older than 10 years were often adorned with that letter "O" for Obsolete - also to eliminate confusion with FY-Numbers that emerged a decade later.


HTH
Martin

[wls3]

Jiggersfromsphilly,

Yes!!! I remember the Mustang. I am so glad to hear somebody else
mention it. I was beginning to doubt my memory. And if you saw it,
you know that it was a long time ago.

Several years back I contacted the FI by e-mail to asked about the Mustang
and what happened to it. Both times I tried I was told they would pass my
request on. I was pretty dissapointed that I never got a reply.

I have often wondered where it is today.

Bill

Last edited by wls3 on Wed Mar 15, 2006 11:26 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

Bill, I was there about a year ago and I asked a young staffer if he knew anything about the F-51. he looked at me and asked me what type of plane was it.. I just laughed. I am sure that somewhere in that great repository there is a file or some paperwork relating to its fate.

I will make a formal appeal next time I am there. I have 2 grade school daughters who have, and I imagine, do the field trip thing there again.

I imagine that it went back to the PA Air Nat Guard, when they delivered the T-33.

[Warbirdnerd]

According to WD# 4 it was P-51K 44-11807 and she is still around.
It even spent a little time here in Minnesota, wish I would have seen it when it was at Wally World...

See the info here:
http://www.warbirdregistry.org/p51regis ... 11807.html

Last edited by Warbirdnerd on Wed Mar 15, 2006 11:27 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

Thats great news. Now I don't have to make that field trip!!!

[TimAPNY]

I think I have a picture of this a/c when it was (is) at Mesa. I'll post it too see if I have the proper ID on the Mustang in question.

Tim

EDIT:

OK, can anyone confirm or shoot me down (& give me the proper ID) for this Mustang that was at Mesa in 2001 in the estoration area)



TIm

[TimAPNY]

I think the above picture is of P-51K 44-11807.

Tim

[Andy Marden]

Answering the original question, the T-33 at the Franklin Institute is 53-6038.

Regards
Andy Marden

[TimAPNY]

Can anyone confirm my ID on the P-51? I would hate to see it wrong in my collection.

Thanks

Tim

[Chad Veich]

I think the above picture is of P-51K 44-11807.

Tim

Tim, here is the bird in your pic: http://www.mustangsmustangs.net/p-51/su ... 3458.shtml

Though registered to Bill Haine (owner of P-51D "Ho Hun") I've always heard this aircraft actually belongs to an Englishman who visits AZ once in a while and flies the Mustang. I've had the pleasure of seeing it out and about half a dozen times or so over the years and it is an immaculate Mustang. I've heard that there was a P-51K project located at Falcon Field, though I have never come across it. It was for sale not too long ago if memory serves.

[RickH]

The Mustang was at Lone Star when they were still at Hobby. I believe Stephen Grey came in and bought the F-4U Big Hog and on the spur of the moment bought the P-51 too. She disappeared from Houston and we all assumed that she went to England. A few years later we were at Champlin's and saw the plane in their restoration/maintenance area, apparently she never left the US.

Last edited by RickH on Wed Apr 26, 2006 7:31 am, edited 1 time in total.