Mike wrote:
warbird1 wrote:
If it's an authentic combat vet, why convert it to something it was not? Do you know the rationale for this conversion? Is he going to be offering rides or dual in it? Just curious.
I dunno. Perhaps you should ask all the owners of P-51s who add a second seat / dual controls / do a full TF-51 conversion the same question too?
Well, Mike, there is a big distinction here. The vast majority of surviving Mustangs are not combat vets. If a certain aircraft is a "parts" restoration or "dataplate" restoration, then the idea of converting it is much more palatable. For an authentic combat vet, I would think that most owners would want to try to preserve as much authenticity and originality as possible to keep her provenance untainted. I'm not complaining, it just seems odd, that's all. That would be like taking the "Memphis Belle" and converting her to a firebomber. Does that not strike a cord!
* Runs and ducks for cover for the ensuing firefight!*
Memphis Belle is a complete and intact aircraft. So there is continuity between the past and the present. This P-40 sounds like it is a recreation and pretty much a new build aircraft. The continuity is in its history but to a minor degree in the metal and nuts and bolts that make up the machine. Therefore he is making it a TP-40 and that is great to get people the experience to fly it.
Biggest thing is you can go out and get your own aircraft and do it up they way you want to. Then you can tell Eric what the engine and accessory part numbers and serial numbers are and confirm they are the ones it left the factory with.
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