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.
I definitely agree that a fiberglass replica for an outdoor display is the proper approach. This applies to the other remaining gate guards that exist--especially if they exhibit that corrosion that is seen in the photos. It's terrible that a such a noble bird has been allowed to decay in such a manner and it should be restored before more damage is done. It looks like a good gust of wind could dislodge a few parts.
Speaking of fiberglass replicas, maybe the US Navy would exchange a few Lake Michigan birds if we could a sink a fiberglass replica in their place. Maybe?
