Warbird Information Exchange

Saw this photo posted over of the WIX Facebook page (by Ken Tidy) Looks to be coming along nicely.

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Zero Surprise!!...

A few more all courtesy of Ken Tidy. For those who don't do Facebook.
BTW anyone who has a real interest in a large scale restoration shop I'd say try to make a point of visiting Westpac out in Colorado Springs sometime. It's quite an amazing place.

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Zero Surprise!!...

Ah! Here it is, I knew I had a few photos of it somewhere, clipped a zero I believe.
I think I have this info correct. J Cook where are you!
This P-38 is going to be a real stunner in this scheme. This is where shark teeth really are going to look super groovy.




39th FS pilot Ken Sparks wingtip damage 31 December 1942.

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Zero Surprise!!...

I've known the gang at WestPac since the late 80's. They are 100% top notch group of restoration experts. Whatever they are working on, you can bet it will be as close to perfect as possible!

You should also see the great job they are doing with the National Museum of World War 2 Aviation.
www.worldwariiaviation.org

Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Jim Chybicki
Midwest Aeronautique LLC
UC-61K USAAF# 43-14964 / RAF# HB-690

(Oh no! More shark's teeth! And they're accurate! My inner rivet counter doesn't know what to think)

Ken

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"Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves."

Where did that one come from?

A bit of information on the history/recovery of that airframe can be read here: http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/p ... 12652.html

And that airframe at Westpac (P-38F 42-12652) is not to be confused with the P-38H "White 33" 42-66905 owned by Jerry Yagen, and described here: http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/p ... 66905.html

This project is also at Westpac: http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/p ... 03988.html

Can anyone explain to me why Westpac is (what seems like) matting the refinished / restored nacelles and twin boom tail to the unrestored jungle fresh center section? Is it for the "Before and After" shot, or just the usual work progression at that shop?

Kid the confused

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Keep Em' Flying,
Christopher Soltis
Dedicated to the preservation and education of The Sikorsky Memorial Airport

CASC Blog Page: http://ctair-space.blogspot.com/
Warbird Wear: https://www.redbubble.com/people/warbirdwear/shop

Chicks Dig Warbirds.......right?

Probably an alignment thing.

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Magister Aviation
It's all in my book

The other White 33 is aka Japanese Sandman II.


Chappie

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Brrring. Dispersal? TWO SECTIONS SCRAMBLE!!

Hadn't seen that one before. Nice.

Pictures remind me that it's about time to reread Whip.

Thanks. I thought though Paul Allen (FHC) owns this P-38 though? If not, any idea of which airframe he owns?

Ron W.

The P-38F is clearly owned by Jim Slattery, who also had one of his two Tigercats restored by Westpac. A fantastic collection of flying warbirds in California, Mr. Slattery also has the Helldiver and Dauntless under restoration at Vulutre's Row, the Brewster Corsair under restoration at Ezell's, and the Tigercat under restoration at Fighter Rebuilders.

Through the FAA data base, the Flying Heritage Collection has the old CAF P-38J 42-104088 registered to them, which has also been reported to be at Westpac. The recovered combat-vet P-38J 42-103988 "Jandina III" has also been reported to be at Westpac and has also been reported to be owned by the FHC. As standard for FHC restoration projects, there is quite a bit of secrecy, so it will be interesting to see just what particular airframe identity will be emerging for FHC.

Thanks John - very helpful.

Ah, that makes sense with FHC, with the "non-disclosure" type clause on their projects.

Ron W.

On a side note

From Jason Fortenbacher over on the WIX facebook page.
"Flying Heritage Collection has about 1/4 of its new hangar blocked off with big thick black curtains and these signs"

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Zero Surprise!!...