Re: MAAM Visit (P-61 etc...)
Sat Nov 29, 2008 12:29 pm
The P-61 is looking great.
Sat Nov 29, 2008 3:19 pm
steve dickey wrote:Does the P2V still flyThanks for the great photos.
The Neptune hasn't flown since '97 when it had a hydraulic failure. A museum staff member told me that they have no plans to fix it and will keep it static.
That Viscount could use some paint too
I remember back in the early to mid 90s when the Viscount and Martin 404 flew in the Reading Aerofest show. They were gorgeous. It is sad to see it fading away (literally)
Sat Nov 29, 2008 3:38 pm
The P-61 is awesome. I really wish I could one day see her fly! Well done to all the people who have worked on the recovery and restoration, amazing. Speed on the day she takes to the air. I also agree that the early 84's are a great looking aircraft, would also be good to see one of these back in the air. Does anyone know if there are any plans afoot to do such a thing? Great pics by the way, thanks for posting.
Sat Nov 29, 2008 4:40 pm
The P-61 is just magnificient.
But considering that the Australians keep two P2V-7s (SP-2H) flying I think it is a shame that the worlds only ASW equipped Neptune can't be kept flying. Also see the state of the paintwork, does not point to much care in preserving this important piece of cold war warplane.
Just for interest, here are some photos of 145915 in its earlier unit markings.
VP 21. USNavy photo in 1968 or 69 courtesy of Frank Balogh Jr of the VP-21 (http://www.vp-21.org/) website.
VP-56. Unknown photographer but courtesy Charlie Hulien. probably 1966
VP-92 in 1974 by Lionel Paul
VP-92 on November 24, 1974 by Tom Hildreth
NAS South Weymouth by Pete Cohn on april 5, 1970
But considering that the Australians keep two P2V-7s (SP-2H) flying I think it is a shame that the worlds only ASW equipped Neptune can't be kept flying. Also see the state of the paintwork, does not point to much care in preserving this important piece of cold war warplane.
Just for interest, here are some photos of 145915 in its earlier unit markings.
VP 21. USNavy photo in 1968 or 69 courtesy of Frank Balogh Jr of the VP-21 (http://www.vp-21.org/) website.
VP-56. Unknown photographer but courtesy Charlie Hulien. probably 1966
VP-92 in 1974 by Lionel Paul
VP-92 on November 24, 1974 by Tom Hildreth
NAS South Weymouth by Pete Cohn on april 5, 1970
Sat Nov 29, 2008 5:00 pm
I agree it is a shame that some of the planes are ground bound, and faded... BUT... Right now there is a very large focus on the P-61. I would speculate that the P-61 will be a large draw for the museum, and make it more visible. There are also many smaller project planes under way. They seem to be finishing one or two vintage civil aircraft a year while working on the Widow. Once the Widow is finished i am sure the other A/C will get some attention.
Like most museum's they are doing the best they can with what they have.
Also there is serious talk about getting another hanger built and getting more of the planes inside. Right now they are waiting to see what the economy will do before they build it.
The museum members I spoke with were well aware of the status of each aircraft.
Like most museum's they are doing the best they can with what they have.
Also there is serious talk about getting another hanger built and getting more of the planes inside. Right now they are waiting to see what the economy will do before they build it.
The museum members I spoke with were well aware of the status of each aircraft.