Warbird Information Exchange

They are to be commended for the incredible work they are doing, with extremely limited resources. Considering the standard of living in Cuba, the fact that these guys can keep up such a level of maintenance on these aircraft is a credit to them.

The idea that those of us in first-world countries have some 'right' to go and cherry-pick certain items from collections in other countries smacks of arrogance and self-righteousness.

This Cuban group (and those who look after the examples in the Philippines) have ensured that these machines are still around and are being looked after. We have the luxury of being able to buy spray equipment and other tools, maybe they don't.

Perhaps the Cuban Mustang had its canopy smashed. The replacement isn't ideal, but it's keeping the weather out. Anyone wanna send them a replacement?

Anyway, it's dizzy up here on my soapbox, I'll step off now

Cheers,
Matt

Concerning the RCAF connection: Cuba reportedly received 2 ex RCAF Mustangs. 9241 (44-72978) and 9233 (44-74505). Both were purchased from US second-hand dealers in Florida. I've been told that these dealers switched IDs on several airplanes back in the day, but I can't confirm this. This story may be confused with other deals at about the same time (Isreal and Central America). I've also been told by Canadians (who can legally visit Cuba as tourists) that no nameplate or other identifier is visible on this airplane.

_________________
Bill Walker
Canadian Military Aircraft Serials
www.ody.ca/~bwalker/

I thought the Cuban Museum was absolutely splendid. An exotic setting, in the open, with well spaced exhibits and no customers. Perfect for photography and they were more than happy that I bring 'my' vehicle on to the museum site. Innevitably perspex canopies on all the aircraft take a colossal hammering from the sun, but I would prefer to see a make shift single curvature affair, still keeping out the rain, rather than see aircraft fitted permanently with tailored fabric weatherproofs.



In addition to the out of town Museum in Havana, the museum in the centre boasts these two, the Kingfisher and the Seafury.





..and venturing further afield down to Playa Giron and the 'Bay of Pigs', there is a further Seafury and some A-26 remains.



PeterA