Warbird Information Exchange

Looks like the CAF will be taking out multiple planes on their tourstops with Fifi.
http://www.airpowersquadron.org/

Between two and six planes selling rides with statics at some stops from local CAF wings at the early stops. Planes selling rides: Fifi, B-17, P-51, C-45, T-6, Stearman. I'm guessing which specific plane depends on where you are. The west coast dates show Man O' War but other Mustangs (The Brat, Gunfighter) are pictured as well. Only Fifi and the C-45 are listed at every stop, no Diamond Lil at all. A note says other planes from partner museums/organizations will join as well.

A lot of the schedule is still tentative. Plus, last I heard Fifi was down needing to have her number 2 engine replaced.

Diamond Lil should be ready around April and "FIFI" (the last that I heard) the #2 engine has been run in the test cell and shipped to Midland..... alan

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Just call me Al.

"FIFI" is back safe in the hangar at Addison. After a short maintenance flight at Midland with the repaired #2 engine reinstalled the crew flew her back to Addison on Saturday with no issues. She still has the rest of the winter maintenance to finish up. Just FYI.

Photo taken at the CFM B-29/B-24 hangar at lunch time, Monday, January 14th, 2013. Randy

Nice! somehow I think it must not be as cold as it is here in Utah - high single digits in the day and below zero at night

Tom P.

Fifi leaving Midland yesterday http://youtu.be/kOLKbvZeL1c

Looks like an attempt to "out-Collings" the Collings!

Obviously the concept of a tour by multiple aircraft seems to work, I wish the CAF well with it.

what caused the engine to get smoked and needing replacement..... I guess I missed any discussion on that subject

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Kind Regards,
Gary Lewis
J.A.F.O.

From what I have read and heard on facebook the engine had something fail in the accessory case. It wasn't replaced but was repaired. I guess the replacement engine talk is about getting a spare.

I magine that a replacement mill would cost a mint

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Kind Regards,
Gary Lewis
J.A.F.O.

It will cost the same as the other 4 already hung on her.

Okay , let me break it down...... what is the cost of an Engine, Radial, custom built combination of the Wright R-3350-95W and Wright R-3350-26WD engine, 1 each.

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Kind Regards,
Gary Lewis
J.A.F.O.

Mike, to be honest when we were building the tour schedules in the past, Collings was generally never brought up.

1. One of the chief reasons is that "FIFI" and her runway/taxiway requirements far outstrip the B-17, B-24, well pretty much everything from WW II.
2. We figure a general operating cost of around 10K/hr.... We try to be very smart with our fuel dollars and book tour stops etc, on our way to do shows that we have booked. Perfect, no way, but we have some very good and dedicated people who are passionate about keeping "FIFI" and "Lil" flying. We do try to alternate east/west coast each.... but we also have to go where we can bring in the $$..... Hard reality at times, but that is the way it goes...
3. Lastly, we have been working very hard to get our fellow units involved with our tour stops......ie this year, the SoCal Wing will have their P-51D "Man O' War" booking flights at seven different tour stops with "FIFI", along with a dedicated "FIFI" tour stop at Camarillo! The Arizona Wing has been superb in helping out with previous stops in Az, and also, not to forget a certain WIX moderator, who helped tremendously in 2010.... thanks Ryan!


Gary.... I was not the guy that wrote the checks, but if I remember correctly (but probably not) each NEW engine, came in around 160K... Since it was a running engine (#2 Mitzi), that rebuild probably came in around 80-90k.... Yes, to answer/confirm the engine question an accessory drive shaft failed..... lots of metal in the engine... Yes we do need a spare engine to be built.... and I believe that is happening.....

I had to back out as the ride coordinator back in 2011, due to job requirements...... I so miss being out on tour with the people and the planes..... There is certainly nothing like it.... When we would taxi in to Long Beach or Deer Valley for the first time..... Over 5000 people were watching, cheering, hooping, yelling....Certainly "FIFI" has "Rock Star" status in the flying world.....
alan

_________________
Just call me Al.

thank you Alan for that detailed answer to my question

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Kind Regards,
Gary Lewis
J.A.F.O.

How I love pictures......................... <hintz>

Could someone offer a word as to what's going on in Lil/927 World lately, preferably with even a seriously crappy cell phone picture? Just asking for a little crumb, that's all.


<--- to all the boys and girls who keep 'em flying!

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Cheers,
Kurt Maurer
League City, Texas

PIC, Ford 6600 pulling Rhino batwing up and down the runway