Joe Scheil wrote:
Why can't the city and "museum" simply accomplish what they want with a fiberglass Corsair? The shape of the plane is what is on display, as there has been no attention paid to its past as a machine.
The plane should come down for evaluation and sale. The restoration, and subsequent owner will cost a bundle, but the plane is worth it. It is a part of the nations heritage and should not be destroyed by several proud individuals who don't choose to understand their responsibility.
The cost of a fiberglass replica, and perhaps another plane would be financed by the sale and future buyer. While the city needs to preserve its past, it is misguided to condemn a good product of the city to make a point that the rest of the city really could care less about.
Fiberglass is forever.
Joe;
The problem isn't with the City of Bridgeport. I think if they owned it, some politicain would've sold it years ago. The City has some pull in the matter, but no real control. The aircraft is owned by the local chapter of the Marine Corps League. The City and airport management (the City of Bridgeport owns the airport) have to agree on what to do and where the plane would be located on the field, but that's about it.
I agree about the fiberglass being the best option, but there is almost no way that that Corsair is going to leave the state under somebody else's ownership. Fiberglass, however, is not forever. It will need attention and repainting over the years to keep it up to presentable standards. UV light is not a friend to fiberglass. Just ask all those owners of fiberglass homebuilts!
What I'd like to see happen is a fundraising campaign started that would include in the budget;
1) removal and restoration to static, gear down condition of the FG-1D Corsair.
2) A fiberglass replacement to be placed on the pedestal as soon as the original Corsair comes down.
3) A small hangar designed and to be a museum and memorial to the Marine Corps League and the history of the Corsair in the area.
This would allow access to the original artifact for cerimonial swearing in of new recruits in a beautiful, indoor setting. It creates access for the entire public to get up close and personal to Connecticut's State Aircraft.
Schools can visit for educational programs on CT Manufacturing, the Home Front and Marine Corps history.
The Corsair could even be rolled out and displayed outdoors at any even the airport has, car shows, fly-in's, airshows etc.
The fiberglass Corsairs are not cheap. It'll cost about 150K to get one and have it mounted on the pedestal. It'll cost a lot more for the restoration of the Corsair, and more to create a museum around it.
I do, however, believe that this would be the best way to go, but we're talking 1.5 million at least. It can be done, but right now we have to agree on a path.
The League wants the aircraft back on the pole when it's done.
If that is as far as we can go, then so be it. It will make fundraising harder because most people won't want to donate to something that is going to be put back in the very same environment that damaged it in the first place.
It's not a tank that's made of thick, heavy armour that can withstand outside display. It's a fragile, aluminum egg, and it should be taken care of for future generations.
Jerry
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