Franklin wrote:
Quote:
Just my opinion, but the difference between the Val and the J2M is apples 'n oranges. The Val had little of what would represent an intact aircraft to the represent the type. The Raiden, on the other hand is the last of its type in as intact and complete a form possible. As much as I'd love to see a J2M fly I don't think it's worth the risk of losing it.
The Val would occupy a different flight and technology envelope and I can't imagine a situation where any damage sustained in an incident would return you to less than you started with given prudent care. Just my .02.
That makes sense to me as well, I would then imagine that the Val could be catigorized as a replica as opposed to a restoration. But that argument would open up another can of worms on ... guess what!!! what defines a replica vs restoration. Better not go there ... lol

BTW just how much is original on the Raiden? Is the engine original?
POF has the replica Tora Val and an incomplete original Val originally rebuilt in the Great White North.
The replica is flyable and used in movies.
The original flew briefly in a hybrid condition in Canada and is under rebuild. I haven't seen it in years so I don't know what its current condition or how original they are planning to make it.
It had a B-25 FWF and many parts from a T-6 in the tail.
15 yrs ago the thought was to make it look fairly stock, safe and flyable building up new parts where needed and using an American Powerplant.
The Raiden is 100% original. It is missing the cannons and 1 landing gear was damaged many years ago but welded IIRC.