Most difficult warbird to resurrect?

[Scott Rose]

I'd think the Focke Wulf 189 currently being restored is more likely to be the first Scott? Unless you know of any 88's more advanced?

http://www.aeroplanemonthly.com/fw189society/index.htm

I'd really like to see a B36 as well though, as far as large piston engine bombers are concerned that one takes the biscuit.

Your absolutely right, how could I have forgotten about that beautiful little aircraft? I must have had a little brain flatulance.

[Joe Scheil]

Yes the XF-11 was quite a pretty aircraft, with the initial aircraft powered by R-4360's driving counterrotating 8 blade units (Hamilton Standard) . Hughes had a propeller go flat on one side and did not diagnose the problem correctly. He added power, and increased the drag enough to bring the plane down in Hollywood. The second aircraft was more conventional, engines driving bladed Curtiss Electric propeller sets, but because of a variety of factors the aircraft was not chosen for use. The real kicker is that nobody really knows what happened to the second airframe. Hughes was an aircraft nut, and loved his aircraft hugely. Remember that many aircraft owned by him still survive, and he protected the odd ones, HK-1, S-43, ect...Years ago parts were found in Burbank labeled for the XF-11 (Superchargers), and she probably was dissasembled, but...never say never. Maybe she's still around.

The odd one offs that this requirement created were sharp, but the competitor to the XF-11 was the most beautiful engine recip aircraft ever, no arguement.

The Republic XF-12 Rainbow.

[Mick Grinter]

For those in the know it's the P-39,one of them equals 4 of anything else.
Evry piece of metal is a pressing. So it's not just the rebuilding you need big machines.And new dies for evry pressing.I would rather make Half a dozen Mustangs and have three wives.
Mick

[bdk]

For those in the know it's the P-39,one of them equals 4 of anything else.
Evry piece of metal is a pressing. So it's not just the rebuilding you need big machines.And new dies for evry pressing.I would rather make Half a dozen Mustangs and have three wives.
Mick

Uhhh... Have you seen the corrugated stiffeners in a P-38 wing? Intercoolers in the wing leading edges? All the plumbing for the turbos? All those bloody screws?

[O.P.]

P-67 Bat. That would have to be from scratch. I would also be the coolest airplane on the block. You would also have to fix the whole not enough power problem, and fixing the whole catching on fire thing would probably be good too. More choices, Difficult but maybe not as difficult, due to being proven types...

BF/ME-110
JU-87
ME-410
IL2, are there any of these in America, are there any flying?
TBD Devastator
Val

[Scott Rose]

P-67 Bat.

Now your talking, I love that plane... so does Batman

As for the Ju 87, as soon as I win the lottery thats the replica I intend to make, a Ju 87D with wing mounts to attach 37mm cannons to make it into a G.

[wendovertom]

Resurrecting this thread -

XB-70
XF-85 goblin
YB-49 (Jack was right!)

Tom P.

[Chris]

B-32 with the new 3350-29 engines!!!!!!

[jet1]

IMHO of course...

[Junkyard36]

How about something different - an Italian SM.79.

[cott]

I'd have to go with the Avro Arrow, the XB-15 and B-19. I'd love to see a B-10 or the Barling Bomber get resurrected, too.

[PbyCat-Guy]

I'd have to say the FockeWulf Condor since none, that I know of, exist. One of these would be great to see, I'd make a special trip to see one.

[retroaviation]

Stratolina.

[Obergrafeter]

Pretty good guess that there will be no more Stratalinas!

[Hawkeye]

Just for shear size I think the BV-222 or BV-238 would be the most difficult, although I'd prefer the BV-222 as its the (IMO) better looking of the two.