Warbird Information Exchange

Thanks for that link - fascinating read. That old bird sat just outside of the city I live in - in 1975 (I was 12) before it went to Scotland.

Personally, I think Kermit has really acquired most of the really great aircraft. Not much he does not own at least one...

Kermit has a lot of cool aircraft for sure. It's shame the vast majority is stored as parts here and there. Aircraft that acquired flying fly until they need work and then they set. Other than a bunch of single engine very neat aircraft, nothing large has really ever been restored and flown. It's sort of like having the coolest car collection in town and only a couple really run and drive.

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It takes huge sums of money, and labor to keep up what he has flying. I am personally glad that 30 years ago or more, he saved these a/c from being scrapped. He does a great job storing these planes inside, or in the desert.

So he wants to get another 4 engine going before the Lancaster. The B-29 is in pieces as the B-17 also. That leaves the Sunderland, water only, just beaching equipment. So that leaves the B-24 "Joe", last I seen in 2011 it was resting in a hanger looking none the worse for wear from my view outside the hanger. The B-24 I think would take the least weight of greenbacks to get going. It may have flown more recently compared to the Sunderland, I may be wrong though. And the B-24 is in one piece! I'd like to see the Martin B-26 take to the skies also.

I'd love to see the Liberator fly myself. But from what I've heard it really needs a complete teardown and rebuild to be safe and reliable. It's basically exactly as it was when surplused by the Indian AF in the late 60s. Tallichet kept it going for many years with basic mainenace, but it really needs some intense TLC. With the parts and maintenance support available these days, the B-17 would probably be the cheapest to restore and operate.

SN

IMHO...If he had his B-17 on a ride exemption and flew rides from Fantasy of flight, he could have more than kept the lights on with just that revenue. Gotta make them (airplanes) work for you. I don't think we will see anything with 4 engines come out of there in under 15 years. His fighters are a priority, except the Hellcat, 47 and 38. The P-51A is making steady progress, as well as the P-35, P-12, and 109. He has an amazing collection that's for sure.
Jim

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