P51 44-72086 "Baby Duck" to return to airworthy

[51fixer]

Proof to the world that I can keep a secret

Me too.

[Sabremech]

Jack and Rich, you guys are good. Now I can use some help on finding any living relation to Capt Herbert Kolb. We would really like to have them here when we finish it if able.
Thanks,
David

[Jack Cook]

I take it all the intell I sent you didn't pan out
Did you try the West Point Alumni Assoc???

[Sabremech]

Jack,
Working on a couple of different leads, but nothing solid yet.
Thanks,
David

[Pat Carry]

David, Is this Mustang a two seater?

[Sabremech]

Hi Pat,
It is a two seat Mustang with dual controls. It's not a true TF as it was converted when it was in the Dominican Republic.

Here's a picture of the backseat panel and controls.



David
WHF Maint

[whistlingdeath77]

what a great job you guys did on her

[steve dickey]

Was the fuselage ever broke down? Just the wing?
That is the first time I have ever seen a full size set of rudder pedals in the rear b4
That has got to be way more cramped then a stock two seater?
Glad she will take to the skies again

[Sabremech]

Hi Steve,
I don't think the fuselage has been broken down, but that's just my opinion based on the records we have. I sat in the back seat and it didn't seem to bad. It took a bit to get in with the canopy on though.
The guys at Tab-Air are doing a really good job with her and it's exciting to see how well the project is progressing. On my next visit, I'll try to get a picture of the back seat with me in it to show how much or how little room there is.
David,
WHF Maint

[steve dickey]

Thanks I was wondering about the getting in and out bit.
Reason asking about the fuselage is if the wings are redone why not do the fuselage How are the longerons Lowers especially There tends to be dissimilar corrosion where the big bolts at the rear of the longeron go through the skin,(they have steel sleeve/spacers in the valley of the longeron) very hard to see that area. This was found on LSFM's TF and the lower right longeron had to be replaced. Was just wondering after all these years how well the longerons faired if the fuselage has never been broke down.
Thanks again.

[MKD1966]

Glad to see this girl will soon be back in the air... Last time I saw her was flying a demo in the Four Horsemen group with Jim, Ed, Vlado and Dan...

[Sabremech]

Hi Steve,
The longerons were inspected and determined to be in very good shape. If I read Spanish, I could determine more of it's maintenance history. It very well could have had longeron work done when the dual controls were put in. The guys at Tab-Air are doing excellent work and we are doing a cosmetic restoration on the fuselage. We never intended on doing a full blown award winning restoration on the airplane. The wing just ended having more work required to make it airworthy.

David
WHF Maint

[steve dickey]

Thanks again David for the reply and explanation about the fuselage, I'm just happy she'll have air under her wings again
Will be in Chicago last weekend of March, sure wish I had some wheels to get up and see the museum but we are just gonna be using the elevated and bus to get around.
Keep up the great work

[Sabremech]

Hi Steve,
We're excited about having a Mustang and looking forward to returning it to the air. Too bad you can't make it up this time. Next time you're up this way, ad it to your list as we'd like to have you stop by.
David
WHF Maint

[steve dickey]

Thanks David for the invite, may just have to make the effort . If I did come up it would be either a Sun. or on Mon. I know the museum is appointment only basically, but would either day work
Thanks again.