T-6 or T-28

[ZuluEcho]

So after some research and the temptation to restore something and maybe even be able to enjoy it i've narrowed down my top 2 choices..

Points to take into account are: (in no particular order)
1) Ease of restoration
2) Ease of finding parts
3) Ease of finding technical documents
4) Flying pleasure
5) Maintenance
6) Re-sale value (appreciation after restoration is complete)
7) Warbird credibility (as both are really trainers)

I didnt include start up costs cuz i think i'd be able to find a T-6 project on a much lower end of the price range.
Oh and did i mention that this would be my first restore!!

[Obergrafeter]

With the possible exceptions of #4 and #6 the T-6 wins hands down everytime. Probably not a nickels difference in those two either.
I think if some one gave me one or the other I would still pick the Texan. Besides it has the landing gear in the right place,

[King]

Oh but the T-28 has a much better sound than the T-6.

[Paul Krumrei]

I vote T-28 not to discredit the T-6, but there are just too many T-6's around....not that it is bad

[Bill Greenwood]

Another good question: 1 thing both planes have is large, active, owner groups,and the planes are common, so fly each one, maybe go to a formation clinic such as the T-6's at CAF Oct. 4-5. Subscribe to NATA which has extensive coverage of both. The looks and especially sound of a T-28 don't appeal to me; what is your personal taste? Do you drive a sports car or a big Suv? Do you want WWII aura or Vietnam era? To give 28 it's due, B and C are higher perfpormance than T-6, at of course more fuel burn. Many pilots like the handling of 28, if you don't mind sitting on the 2nd floor. You could live in a 28 baggage area! Most important, buy the best mchanical example you can afford after expert prebuy. Restoration is expensive if you need rare parts or specialized labor. Your points: 1.T-6,smaller and simpler than 28. 2T-6 3 .T-6,or even, 4.maybe 28? 5. T-6 ?? 6. Very Good T-6 up to $200k, 28 $75kmore. 7. T-6. If you aspire to fly P-51, Spit, etc. T-6 is the standard trainer, if jets the 28 is closer. I don't think anyone ever regrets learning in a 6.If purchase price is a factor don't overlook Chipmonk, great handling, or T-34, an all around sport plane and the easiest, and problaby safest to fly. I always advise, buy 1 of each. Lets hear from some 28 guys. Bill

[O.P.]

The T28 is more complex than the T-6, so...

1. T-6, Less complex
2. T-6, They be everywhere
3. T-6, Ditto
4. T-28, It's faster, sounds better, and is an all round bitchin ride
5. T-6, Less complex
6. T-28, Definately worth more money, check courtesyaircraft.com
7. Both are good

That being said, T28 wins for me everytime.

Welcome to the board ZuluEcho. As everyone here knows and you will find out, I have a serious T28B obsession.

[Eric Friedebach]

T-6s train pilots, T-28s train mechanics.

[O.P.]

T-6s train pilots, T-28s train mechanics.

Heheheeee, there's a lot to be said for that. I still like the T28 better though.

Ride in each one like Bill says, a lot!

[Jack Cook]

You didn't say what kind of T-28. I hope it now that R-1300 kind.....yuk!
T-6 hands down everything is easier (except landing), simpler & cheaper.
Nothing made sounds better...............

Last edited by Jack Cook on Fri Sep 08, 2006 2:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Bill Greenwood]

Great saying, I had never heard that one before. Can I use it on a T-shirt? I've got about 30 T-6 hours vs 2 brief flights in a 28. Bill G.

[CaliforniaRadial]

The T-6 makes a pretty good target thru the front glass of a T-28............

[Dan K]

Yeah, but what happens once the T-6 leaves the maintenance hangar?

[Obergrafeter]

There is one way to have best of both worlds. Get a P-64 replica, a T-6 airframe with the R1820 0f 1475 horse power. Out climb a P-51 and run with them down low for a while. You can only push all that flat area thru the sky so fast.
No training wheels, lots of power and you only need to train half as many mechanics.

[Beachy]

I've no experience w/T-28s, but for pure unadulterated joy, T-6!

[Bill Greenwood]

Now there'sa lady with good taste.