2026 restorations

[The Ripper]

It's that time of year again, what restorations do you think we will see fly in 2026?

-Pays Aviation Spitfire T.IX
-P-40E at Colorado Springs
-Collings Foundation Fw-190F
-Collings Foundation Catalina
-MAFM GeeBee?
-Walt Bowe Bearcat
-P-51 Mustang ( ex Shangri La at Sywell)
-Spitfire T.IX MH367
-Yak-7 in New Zealand

As always, please add what you think!

[Ed Likes]

PBY Catalina Liberty Aviation end of 2026

Tri-Motor Liberty Aviation end of 2026

[Buz]

Just out of curiosity - do the P-40E have an identity?

Buz

[kalamazookid]

I've seen photos of a TF-51D at Airmotive Specialties that is looking close to complete. Not sure who owns it. Maybe a few of these:

- Paul Keppeler's F-86 Sabre
- RT Dickson's F-86 Sabre
- Allied Fighters' F6F Hellcat

Maybe this will finally be the year for the Canadian Warplane Heritage TBM Avenger, too.

[Zac Yates]

The Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar's DH Mosquito, being restored by Avspecs in New Zealand, is expected to fly in 2026.

If jets are okay to be included there's Folland Gnat XR987/ZK-RAJ in New Zealand which is hoped to be at Warbirds Over Wanaka at Easter but is still in the shop.

[JohnTerrell]

Just out of curiosity - do the P-40E have an identity?

The P-40E is RAAF A29-34 (USAAC 41-5520), registered as N5520R.

I've seen photos of a TF-51D at Airmotive Specialties that is looking close to complete. Not sure who owns it.

That would be Pat Harker's TF-51D 'Hel-eter' (ex-'Rudge Runner'), N151DM.

[Buz]

Just out of curiosity - do the P-40E have an identity?

The P-40E is RAAF A29-34 (USAAC 41-5520), registered as N5520R.


Ahh thank you, Tojo's Jinx

Buz

[FuryFB11]

In addition to those above:

Dakota Territory Air Museum's P-51B "Shillelagh"
TB-25 N9455Z
B-25c N3968C
Bf109 F-4 wknr 3847/G-CLFN
Seafire XV SR462 (late 2026)

[Dave Homewood]

What is happening with the Spitfire XII that the late Richard Grace had very close to flight when he died? Will it fly soon?

[Chris Brame]

In addition to those above:
B-25C N3968C

I've been wondering about that one. Is there a site that shows the progress?

[GRNDP51]

Justin Zabel F-86F (N86JZ / ex-N86FR)
Justin Zabel TBM-3E (N88JZ / ex-N7001C)

I know the Avenger was supposed to be done. Maybe it is and hasn't flown. Not sure about the Sabre.

[C VEICH]

I am really looking forward to the Allied Fighters' Hellcat and hope that 2026 will be the year to see it finished and flying. Speaking of Hellcats, I have to imagine that the Yanks' bird will finally see air under its wings in the coming year as well. I imagine chances are slim but maybe their Helldiver too. And how about the Yanks' P-47 and or P-51A, either of those have any chance of completion? How about the FHC Stuka which has been moved to Arkansas for completion? The last few years have been pretty mind blowing and it does not look like it is slowing down at all, exciting times!

[C VEICH]

I am really looking forward to the Allied Fighters' Hellcat and hope that 2026 will be the year to see it finished and flying. Speaking of Hellcats, I have to imagine that the Yanks' bird will finally see air under its wings in the coming year as well. I imagine chances are slim but maybe their Helldiver too. And how about the Yanks' P-47 and or P-51A, either of those have any chance of completion? How about the FHC Stuka which has been moved to Arkansas for completion? The last few years have been pretty mind blowing and it does not look like it is slowing down at all, exciting times!

[Chris Brame]

Continuing my perfect prediction record: The POF YP-59 and O-47 will not fly in 2026 .