Lake Michigan Wildcat

[Django]

That's pretty neat how you can see both National insignias on the Dauntless.

[Steve Nelson]

Yeah..I crawled all over the plane documenting the markings before the paint was stripped. She was orginally Blue Gray over Light Gray, with the big "Star In Circle" insignia..a yellow surround was added (with water-based paint) when she fought in Operation Torch in Nov. 1942. When she was reassigned to a stateside training unit, she was repainted in the "Three-Tone" Dark Blue/Medium Blue/White scheme with the red-bordered Star-And-Bar. The thing that always amazes me is that she was given to a training unit because she was considered worn out and obsolete..and she was only a year old!

SN

[jschillereff]

A couple other cool rare planes at Pima:

[Steve Nelson]

Great pics!

It's a shame that after all the work to restore the Sikorsky they painted over the windows, but I understand it's necessary in that environment. Do they use paint that cane be stripped off at a later date if the aircraft are moved inside?

SN

[jamesintucson]

Great pics!

It's a shame that after all the work to restore the Sikorsky they painted over the windows, but I understand it's necessary in that environment. Do they use paint that cane be stripped off at a later date if the aircraft are moved inside?

SN

Yes the paint is removable. How easily is a matter of opinion based on whether or not you are the one doing the work. However, once it is gone you can't tell it was ever there. The restoration of the S-43 was external only. It is basically an empty shell.

James

[mustangdriver]

I hope they get those indoors soon.

[jamesintucson]

I hope they get those indoors soon.

We'd love to. The next building we want to put up should come in around $10 million. When can I expect your check?

James

[Steve Nelson]

Yes the paint is removable. How easily is a matter of opinion based on whether or not you are the one doing the work. However, once it is gone you can't tell it was ever there.

Thanks for the info. Don't take my question as a complaint..you folks are doing fantastic work! I visited the museum about four years ago, and you've acquired and/or restored several aircraft since then. Looks like I'll have to find an excuse to get back to Arizona again.

SN

[jamesintucson]

Thanks for the info. Don't take my question as a complaint..you folks are doing fantastic work! I visited the museum about four years ago, and you've acquired and/or restored several aircraft since then. Looks like I'll have to find an excuse to get back to Arizona again.

SN

I didn't think you were complaining, just asking for information. I'm happy to answer questions about the museum when I can.

James

[mustangdriver]

I hope they get those indoors soon.

We'd love to. The next building we want to put up should come in around $10 million. When can I expect your check?

James

I wasn't complaining either. You guys are doing great work. I can't wait until the next building goes up. I am all up for donating money to the museum. Of course it will be a smaller amount then 10 million.

[jamesintucson]

I hope they get those indoors soon.

We'd love to. The next building we want to put up should come in around $10 million. When can I expect your check?

James

I wasn't complaining either. You guys are doing great work. I can't wait until the next building goes up. I am all up for donating money to the museum. Of course it will be a smaller amount then 10 million.

Oh well. Every little bit helps. It was worth a shot, I thought you might have won the lottery or something.

[TimAPNY]

The shot of the Owl's turtle back reminds me of a Helldiver. Very cool.

Thanks for posting some shots of Pima, but it really makes me want to take a trip out to the museum again. I love that place!

Tim