My Thoughts on Restorations

[sdennison]

This is a ridiculous thread.

If you have the cheaper way to do it and feel you can help an investor speculating in warbirds turn a profit, then go do it.

These are for the most part not commodities however and differ from other items due to the special nature of the article itself. Its is an airplane, yes, but without its dataplate and requisite paperwork, it is nothing. Its pilots also require paperwork and certification, and attaining these certificates requires risk and money. Most principals doing the high end stuff want to fly the best, not the best that they can afford. This also means they want the one thats special to them, for whatever reason. Chuck Greenhill's Duck is a perfect example of a megabuck project done with dedication, historical conscience and love. There were no bean counters present at the beginning deciding the projects viability. At the end, the world has a Pearl Harbor survivor that defines the essence of a correct restoration. Whats it worth? Its priceless.

While money fuels and activates a project, its not ultimately about the money, and nobody in the game thinks so when it comes to restoring these things. Everyone gives their all for the cause, the mechanics, the suppliers and the owners all sacrifice in different ways to see these in the air again.

Joe, my dear Lad, this is not a ridiculous thread as it has fostered some discussion. I am not advocating the pillage and plunder of all museums for their stash of gold. I am only expressing a thought that, "If" I had the $$ to purchase a Warbird, my choice would be a P47 Razorback, My Dad flew them, I had a chance to see "Big Stud" with my father years ago when it was being run up at the Champlin Museum in Phoenix. So, I'd love to own that particular aircraft. Not because of the "Big Stud" history, but my own personal choice.

To find a razorback in restorable condition might be a long and arduous task. To approach the museum and ask if they had another goal that could be moved forward with the application of funds from the sale of "Big Stud", perhaps would not be a bad idea.

You can walk into nearly any museum and find a P51. So again, does it help the overall plan of the museum to relinquish one aircraft to help the greater collection. Simple as that. I'm looking at it from a fabricator point of view and what I have to start with.

No need to get your flight suit all bunched up, my friend. I have only the thought and not the where-with-all.

[bdk]

Why not just visit the Chino Airshow next May to see a razorback fly? A lot cheaper and faster than restoring one!