I'm going to post because it concerns an airplane which is quite special to me and the former owner is a dear friend and I want to deflect any and all criticism which may be sent his way.
Quote:
when some preliminary work and repairs
commenced it was found the aircraft was not in as good a condition as portrayed.
A true statement which needs clarification. Steve's point man here in the US (don't even ask me who!) was
the one who portrayed the a/c has "restored" and sold Steve on the a/c. He sent Steve photos of the a/c all polished. Steve was counting on him and was let down badly. He bought a number of airplanes and most had major issues! Our owner was not involved in the negotiations (he was dealing with, and still is, cancer). His rep. didn't make any claims about the a/c but he didn't correct any bad info going from Steve's guy to Steve (I don't actually know for sure if he knew what was being said and I'm sure he wasn't listening in on the phone conversation).
Quote:
engines needed o/h as did the props
The R-2600s are low time motors and ran great. When the a/c went to EVG on loan the 2600s were pickled. When it was ferried over to Aurora after the purchase they weren't repickled but rather removed and left has is for the next 5-6 years. So yes they need to be torn down but once again that's on their guys. Has for the props, they are also low time and don't need overhaul but they are due for teardown and inspection per AD.
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I think if anyone was to ask, it is pretty much general knowledge regarding corrosion in the Auxillary tank area, the Wing Attach areas are very bad and work needed doing to the spars, engines needed o/h as did the props and there was some issues with the u/c and hydraulics.
The corrosion in the left nacele was well know to all and was inspected by Aero Trader when they did major work on her. They were able to set up a means by which we would know if the nacele corrosion progressed to a unairworthy point and that never happened. Now the question to me is what damaged occured when the a/c was in custody of EVG. Well we know they ripped a whole in the right nacele and parked her in back of the museum in the Oregon rain for months on end. Anyone who knows anything about B-25s knows they soak up water like a sponqe. I opened the crew access hatch once and freak'in just about drowned in the deluge. I have no doubt EVG's lack off care caused many issues but again none of this was communicated to Steve by his man on the scene and in charge of his dealing here.
I also have some opinions about the guys working for Steve on the a/c but not saying a word about that. I feel bad. Bad for Steve Searle rest in peace
!! Bad for the a/c and bad for Jim who has rec'v undue critism. Steve got screwed but sadly but his own man whom he placed his trust in. It is a true project and needs a ton of work but it's worthwhile one and just needs the right guy to step up to the plate. He has somewhere between $800K-$900K into the airplane! My bid $115K.
Jack over and out!
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