Mon Nov 10, 2008 12:14 am
Garth wrote:mustangdriver wrote:
It is going to be restored to when it first became the Swoose. It will be O.D. over gray, and have all of it's bomber weapons installed such as the bath tub. I really don't know what the configuration of the interior will look like. I think that the insulation is a VIP deal, but someone else may know better.
Since some of the markings, particularly the "Swoose ... If Flys" picture, are of historic nature, does NMUSAF have any plan to try to preserve them? Either by replacing those sections of skin, or by overpainting in a way that preserves the underlying artwork?
I really am not sure. The problem is that the original is so faded, and in parts worn out right down to the bare metal, I am not sure how it would look to try leave it as is. Like I said it is not complete. But that is not my call. They may have some crazy method I don't know about. I know they are into preservation as much as possible.
Mon Nov 10, 2008 2:49 am
mustangdriver wrote:Since some of the markings, particularly the "Swoose ... If Flys" picture, are of historic nature, does NMUSAF have any plan to try to preserve them? Either by replacing those sections of skin, or by overpainting in a way that preserves the underlying artwork?
I really am not sure. The problem is that the original is so faded, and in parts worn out right down to the bare metal, I am not sure how it would look to try leave it as is. Like I said it is not complete. But that is not my call. They may have some crazy method I don't know about. I know they are into preservation as much as possible.
It is possible to stabilise an original scheme and metal, then layer that with a special wax based layer and then add a replica scheme over the top. This gives a new scheme, but leaves the original in situ, able to be revealed in the future. Obviously the original scheme has to be in good enough condition to be able to take it, or be conserved to do so, and worth doing the job to.
The 109E at the IWM Duxford has been done this way.
Mon Nov 10, 2008 8:16 am
That is really cool. I can pass that on. Do you happen to have any more details on how to do this?
Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:09 am
I can just picture John Garfield in the tail cone with a single .50 shooting at model Japanese airplanes! 
BTW: Long live John Garfield!
BTW: Long live John Garfield!
Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:45 am
Ah yes the brave crew of the "Marry Ann"
Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:47 am
mustangdriver wrote:Ah yes the brave crew of the "Marry Ann"
"Airforce" is one of my top favorite war movies. I loved all the pre war action.
Mon Nov 10, 2008 11:39 am
It's cool to see her with the vertical attached, although I assumed it's just temporary. Hopefully it'll still be on when I'm there in a few weeks!
SN
SN
Mon Nov 10, 2008 12:10 pm
Nathan wrote:I can just picture John Garfield in the tail cone with a single .50 shooting at model Japanese airplanes!
BTW: Long live John Garfield!
Speaking of "MARY ANN"...
Mike
Mon Nov 10, 2008 12:23 pm
There are several types of documentation of the restoration going on. Every inch of these aircraft are being documented as well as videoed. Templates are being made to document all markings. Any damage or repairs to either aircraft are being researched. If it was a combat repair it is being left into the restoration. If it is found to be something from storage or display, then it is being restored. Both aircraft are being covered in great detail by the history channel.
Mon Nov 10, 2008 1:34 pm
mustangdriver wrote:There are several types of documentation of the restoration going on. Every inch of these aircraft are being documented as well as videoed. Templates are being made to document all markings. Any damage or repairs to either aircraft are being researched. If it was a combat repair it is being left into the restoration. If it is found to be something from storage or display, then it is being restored. Both aircraft are being covered in great detail by the history channel.
we need a mythbusters type TV show about warbirds!
Mon Nov 10, 2008 4:29 pm
Not Mythbusters...they'd blow it up at the end! 
SN
SN
Mon Nov 10, 2008 4:55 pm
Steve Nelson wrote:Not Mythbusters...they'd blow it up at the end!
SN
We could have them test the myth of torture by propeller by strapping Adam to a propeller blade and do a run up.
I will keep Kari busy
Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:05 pm
I'd be happy to help you there matt.
Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:49 pm
I will keep Kari busy
Shes one hot geek!
Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:00 pm
JDK wrote:mustangdriver wrote:Since some of the markings, particularly the "Swoose ... If Flys" picture, are of historic nature, does NMUSAF have any plan to try to preserve them? Either by replacing those sections of skin, or by overpainting in a way that preserves the underlying artwork?
I really am not sure. The problem is that the original is so faded, and in parts worn out right down to the bare metal, I am not sure how it would look to try leave it as is. Like I said it is not complete. But that is not my call. They may have some crazy method I don't know about. I know they are into preservation as much as possible.
It is possible to stabilise an original scheme and metal, then layer that with a special wax based layer and then add a replica scheme over the top. This gives a new scheme, but leaves the original in situ, able to be revealed in the future. Obviously the original scheme has to be in good enough condition to be able to take it, or be conserved to do so, and worth doing the job to.
The 109E at the IWM Duxford has been done this way.
This was done with the Stars and Bars markings on the Enola Gay but they were in pretty good shape. Looks like the markings on Swoose are pretty bad. Probably not worth the effort...