Baltimore, OH SP-2E Neptune

[gale_dono]

Finally managed to get out to my "three-site" trip. This is SP-2E BuNo 131522 at VFW Post #3761, just outside of Baltimore (itself about 45 minutes to an hour from where I'm at in Columbus). I'd thought that the aircraft was pretty well looked after, especially after seeing it'd recieved a new (albeit pretty garish) paint job. Up close, though...


The jetpods are empty, they could definitely use some covering at the least.




There were seemingly random panels missing in a few spots



Something resembling an old jacket hanging out of the lefthand mainwell.

The piston engines are still in there, but even then:

Much of the aircraft appears to have been colonised by birds. As I was walking by the tail, I could even hear what sounded like movement inside the fuselage.

I've seen a similar occurence on the UH-1D/H on a plinth in Cincinnati.

I doubt that this is due to lack of care, because the post's website details the history of this particular airframe quite well. Some of the post members crewed on her, even.
http://www.freewebs.com/vfw3761/p2vneptuneaircraft.htm

What can be done for this aircraft?

[Rauhbatz]

About 15 yrs ago when it was still painted white my wife took me out there to see this aircraft. The rear hatch was open so I climbed in.

It was not in that great of shape on this inside (many missing instruments) but the seats and control columns were there.

When I rent planes from Newark up the road one of the instructors told me they use this plane to train CAP staff to locate "downed" a/c during search exercises.

Will check out the link...when I talked to the VFW members they said it flew into Rickenbacker ANG and was towed to its present location...

[tom d. friedman]

oh man that thing is in rough shape. as a buckeye bird myself i'll commit my time, but where is baltimore ohio?? i'm 1 hour west of cleveland.

[gale_dono]

oh man that thing is in rough shape. as a buckeye bird myself i'll commit my time, but where is baltimore ohio?? i'm 1 hour west of cleveland.

Baltimore's a bit southeast of Columbus:

[Rauhbatz]

As I used to live up the road this is easy...

I-70 and get off at the Picktown exit. Head south to old town Pickerington. Make a left at the light and head east of Pickerington on 256 towards Baltimore. Just before you get to Baltimore look for the VFW and the airplane on the right...

[thundergull pilot]

At one time the rudder was blow off but I see now by the photos that it has been reinstalled. Regards Carl

[mrhenniger]

The location of this Neptune is pin pointed in the Locator here...
http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/LocationDos ... erial=4687



gale_dono,

Could you upload a photo or two of this Neptune for the Locator database? To do so go here...
http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframePho ... rameSN=510

Thanks in advance.

Mike

[gale_dono]

Done

[mrhenniger]

Thanks!

[Rajay]

It appears to be in amazingly good shape considering the general neglect that "gate guardians" and other static displays get.

To me, such "aircraft" are like stuffed game trophy heads mounted on a hunter's wall. Whether or not it is actually allowed to fly, I believe that it does NOT honor anyone to let these "memorial" aircraft rot slowly like this. I believe that ALL historic and ex-military aircraft should be at least preserved in flying (i.e. "airworthy") condition, regardless of whether or not they are actually flown. Besides, being able to fire up the engines every so often helps keep the birds out.

[kalamazookid]

Updated photos of this aircraft, taken Monday, June 5. It has been repainted since the original post. I did not find it to be infested with birds as the original poster did. It is a little rough in some areas but honestly, I think this aircraft is in better shape than any of the museum Neptunes I've seen in military configuration.

IMG_7579 by Matthew Vader, on Flickr

IMG_7580 by Matthew Vader, on Flickr

IMG_7593 by Matthew Vader, on Flickr

IMG_7601 by Matthew Vader, on Flickr

[JohnB]

It seems unusual to me in having the original-style cockpit glazing and not the later "blown" style.
I thought all P2V-5s had that it not from production, then a later mod.
At any rate, makes a change from T-33s and AF jets.

[old iron]

NASM has an SP-2H, currently at Davis Monthan. I hear that this is something that might be deaccessed; I think it should be fixed up and flown to Udvar-Hazy. This is in the original markings in which this finished service.

[JohnB]

Not having one in DC would be a shame. In production for decades, (especially if you count the final Japanese built turbine powered examples).

Saw worldwide service for 30+ years, numerically the most produced post war patrol type.
Also,, IIRC, the Navy's first long range nuclear capable bomber...a few (12 P2V-3Cs) were capable of being launched from carriers in that role.

And I bet many don't appreciate the fact it first flew during WWII.
Its long fire bomber career has raised its profile among warbird fans, but overall an under appreciated type.

[sandiego89]

Wow, she looks a lot better in the new scheme, thanks for posting. That blue was pretty bad.

As much as I like the P2V, the chances of one making it to DC are extremely low in my opinion. Not rare, noteworthy or interesting enough for many folks (us Warbirds fans will disagree), and takes up a lot of real estate.