Warbird Information Exchange

I feel strangely ill...

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Those who possess real knowledge are rare.

Those who can set that knowledge into motion in the physical world are rarer still.

The few who possess real knowledge and can set it into motion of their own hands are the rarest of all.

Gary, that must be one of those "transport" Merlins, it sure looks like it is off of something like a DC-4! And you should be ashamed to portray Gen. Grandfather's beloved airplane like that. I hope it doesn't sound like a T-28.
Can your experimental artist show us the other side, how about a Skyraiderasorus with a nice Griffon up front?

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Bill Greenwood
Spitfire N308WK

Sorry to hear about all of your bad luck, Bill. It sounds like you are in the exact same situation that Lefty was in after his son had the unfortunate P-38 incident.

I don't know how much your Spit is worth now in light of the damage it has sustained, or how much repairs would cost to get it flying again, but would you consider selling it to another individual or organization? I don't have anybody in mind, just a rhetorical question?

Would you consider downgrading to another "more affordable" warbird? With the money from the sale of the Spit you can look at other warbirds more in line with your budget.

There are two warbirds out there that would have nearly the same performance, and probably be a lot cheaper to operate. The new build Yak-3/-7/-9 series and the Sea Fury, in my mind, are the two best values in warbirds right now, as far as bang for the buck. All of these come in two seat models, so you could still take up passengers for rides. Since they all run either Allisons, 3350's or 4360's, I would think they would be much more friendly on the pocketbook than the specialized Spitfire parts.

The Yaks and Sea Fury's can be obtained now for well under $ 750K to $ 800K for current flying examples. They certainly would have the performance that is very close to the Spit.

Just something to think about.

After flying the airplane for 25 years and it being a part of the family and his sons showing interest in it, I dont think bill could think about another airplane, its far beyond that now.

I know its not the same but we have owned our N3N since 1969 and we have been flying it for 33 yrs. I dont think dad or myself would ever consider selling if something should happen. We would just start over. For bill, it just may take a bit longer and a deeper pocket.

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Long Live the N3N-3 "The Last US Military Bi-Plane" 1940-1959
Badmouthing Stearmans on WIX since 2005

Warbird 1, for good or bad, there is no warbird that I would rather own than a Spitfire. Once I flew one I was spoiled. Like almost eveyone I'd love to own a P-51, but as an addition to a Spit, not as a replacement. Everbody that's flown a Bearcat likes em, but not having even a jump seat is a negative for me. I really like the dual control feature of mine, to share with people, especially on long trips.
I have ridden in Howard's Fury, it is a neat, high performance plane. But it is big and diffferent and I don't think I'd be that comffortable or that good in it. The Yak is real fast, but doesn't have the low speed or landing assets of the Spitfire. I have flown my Spitfire as well as two other ones that I am pretty confident in one. Neither it or the Fury have any historical importance as a WWII Allied airplane. I'd love to have an Allison with a P-40, but I'm just not sure I am up to a Yak.
I spoke to Ray an hour ago. He is working on the plane now. I don't want to jinx myself, but I 've got my fingers crossed. My economic situation is that I don't want to run up a big bill with QG now, thus any donations would just help pay for the preliminary work. My plane was worth quite a bit before the accident, and it still is . There is no fuselage or tail damage, the gear seems ok, and there is only one dent in the right wing. So it is the left wing, flaps, 2 prop blades, etc.
It is like Jeff says, the Spitfire is more than just a transportation machine to me. Selling it would be like selling your dog, or kids. I haven't had any recent high dollar offers on the boys, however.

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Bill Greenwood
Spitfire N308WK

I understand, Bill. I hope you can make it all work out and your damage ends up being minimal. It would be nice to keep your Spit as a family heirloom, so it can be passed on.

Best of luck!

Bill, I hope you will keep the Spitfire. Before you bought it, there were only "dead" Spitfires in America, tucked away in dusty museums. Began to think I would never see one in the air. You have been a good steward of this artifact and have displayed it conservatively all across North America. Many airshows you flew for free or reduced compensation. I know you have even given free rides occasionally because you gave my wife's grandfather (Ron Edwards, Sr.) a ride at Lakeland 20 years ago just because he was a W.W. II veteran.
Watching you fly your bird and imagining what it would be like to be riding in that back seat has been a great thrill. TE 308 will fly again.