None of my business...but P-51A "Polar Bear" needs

[JDK]

My name is Randy,, and I want to be rich and insane. ?!?

I thought those two things went hand-in-hand?

Wow. My name is Randy, and I want to be Howard Hughes. Take me to your eight-engined wooden flying boat...

Besides...nothing is too insane or irrational for an anorak.

From several wild-eye'd lectures I've received when the door, window or an escape-hatch wasn't immediately accessible, it seems to be 'logic' carried past the even horizon Spock would be comfortable with.

Cheers,

[marine air]

I was thrilled to see the A or "a" at GML. I have to admit when it flew in with a few other warbirds I was looking more closely at the P-63 and Hoover's old yellow P-51 as they were in the pattern. I thought it was a Yak-3 until closer inspection on the ground! It made me realize it might benefit from a more unique paint scheme.
It seemed to sit lower to the ground than the P-51 C's and D's in attendance. I couldn't figure out if that was a fact or an illusion caused by it's smaller three bladed propellor. It also had the recessed gun ports like Kermits example but they seemed to look a little different from Kermits C model gun ports. ANy one know if this is right or not? The propellor blades looked a tiny bit shorter than the ones in the original photos like they came off an Lockheed Hudson or something. Anyone know if Polar Bear has the correct length blades for an A model?

[ww2John]

I met Jerry for the first time at GML (also first time to se Polar Bear in the air or on the ground). He was very pleasant to talk to, even though he was very seriously involved with something on his a/c. I am very glad he made the long trip to Obeztz, OH for GML.

[Joe Scheil]

These aircraft represent what was available at the time. I would also hazard to say that the last thing the world needs is another restored "D" model. Lets recognize that the "A" model aircraft represents a very rare and almost extinct type. Its also a great example of a restorers art for the time.

The N51PR "C" is actually built on an original B/C wing. The wing unquestionably saw combat, and I would hazard to say that its possible that this could be a surviving peice of a red tail...but who knows. In any case its a serious peice of unknown history with a fuselage that looks very good.

Again what would we do with another "D"?

[Chad Veich]

These aircraft represent what was available at the time. I would also hazard to say that the last thing the world needs is another restored "D" model. Lets recognize that the "A" model aircraft represents a very rare and almost extinct type.

There are probably lots of folks who would argue that the world can't have too many "D" model Mustangs! And it is because the "A" represents such a rare and distinct type that I would love to see "Polar Bear" a bit more representative of a true "A" model Mustang. I have no issues with Mr. Gabe nor with what he does with his airplane, just stating what I would like to see.

[Mike]

Rumour has it that the 'left over' A-model bits from 'Polar Bear' will one day fly again as a resurrected Allison-engined Mustang (under a new identity), so we'll have the best of both worlds - 2 flying Allison-engined Mustangs from one wreck recovery.

[Randy Haskin]

Even better....deconstruct Polar Bear, sell off the D model fuselage/wing chunk of 44-73483 and rebuild it (the sale of which could fund the...), build Polar Bear back into a proper A model.

[Warbird Kid]

...

[Connery]

Randy,


Just in case you didn't know, the Collings Foundation has an A-36 that American Aero Services is restoring to flight status for them.

http://www.americanaeroservices.com/projects/A36Project/A36Home.htm

[Flat 12x2]

Joe
Do you know where the pic was taken ? Charlgrove or France or ?

[Jack Cook]

http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15135&start=15&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=a36

Just in case you didn't know, the Collings Foundation has an A-36 that American Aero Services is restoring to flight status for them.

[Jerry O'Neill]

Maybe it would less of a challenge and expense to convert Polar Bear to a B/C model than a true "A" model. You can keep the larger scoop and deeper fuselage.
Jerry

[Randy Haskin]

Maybe it would less of a challenge and expense to convert Polar Bear to a B/C model than a true "A" model. You can keep the larger scoop and deeper fuselage.
Jerry

Except for the fact that it's an A model. That's sort of like converting your 1970 Superbird into a Roadrunner....blasphemy!

[Joe Scheil]

Ummmm. Isnt a Superbird a Roadrunner at some point during its life?

Would it not be correct to say that all Superbirds are Roadrunners, but not all Roadrunners are Superbirds?




Now Daytonas' on the other hand....




To put a finer point on the Mustang issue.....The cost of doing these de-conversions is more than simply building a new "D" up from parts...

Last edited by Joe Scheil on Fri Oct 19, 2007 6:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[mustangdriver]

I think Polar Bear is sweet as is. It was cool getting to see it at the GML. As for the CF A-36, that will be awsome.