B-24 Liberator restoration in Australia - challenges ahead

[Liberator]

News story on some progress and problems ahead for the sole remaining B-24 Liberator under restoration in southern Australia near Melbourne.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/lovin ... 1y5zu.html

[B 25 C]

Will it be a flyer?

[Digger]

B25C, no it isn't a flyer. When the group first formed the intention was to restore the aircraft to flight status but that idea soon evaporated once running costs became a reality. Then it was intended to have it airworthy but only ever have it taxi up and down as part of regular displays. But as the article says, Melbourne is growing, developers need land and politicians can be bought, after all, its just an old plane in an old building.

Personally, I think the group need to bite the bullet now and give up on Werribee as a home for this hybrid B-24 made up from various wrecks scattered around Australia and some from PNG. It should go to a home where it can stay on display for the next generations to appreciate it. To achieve that, it would have to go where the ever expanding population won't or can't. There are a number of places in Victoria that could be considered but I would suggest many people would oppose any move greater than they care to travel, which of course is most reasonable, a real catch 22 situation.

Lets hope some sense comes from parliment and these fine pieces of our nations aviation history is preserved.


Peter

[oz rb fan]

at one stage they were offered land at avalon airport...later they were going to move to the larger hangar on the same site they are at..not sure what happened there,,the best place for her would be just up the road at point cook(if they can get an under cover place for her) they also have the remains of an oxford an anson to restore as well

[jmkendall]

I have been following this restoration for years, and am simply amazed at the accomplishment of our Australian cousins. Whether to flying status or as a fully functional static display, the work so far has been of a very high caliber.

And it is a true memorial to both the brave Australian Bomber Crews and the Americans who came over to help defend them; incorporating, as it does, components of USAAF B-24s as well.

Regardless of the outcome, my hat is off to them.

[Invader26]

A nice hangar at RAAF Museum is the obvious answer for this machine. Forget the politics of who did this and that and use it as a centrepiece for all to see, It is also a memorial for all who worked on the project as well. Parked where she is does limit her appeal as a tourist attraction. Nothing better to see the Lib parked with the A-20 and other great RAAF aircraft. A meeting of some expansive minds is needed i fell.

[Kenny Chapman]

I stop in there once a year (after stopping at Point Cook to check on the progress of the Mosquito and the Boxkite.) The work they have done is remarkable. They are a great group of folks. I highly recommend a visit if you are in the area.

[CDF]

I think Temora would be the best place for it TBH, better public profile and lets be honest better financial backing
http://www.aviationmuseum.com.au/

[Warbird Kid]

Since its the only B-24 currently being restored, I've always had a soft spot for it. (regardless that its on the other side of the globe.) Sad that it wont be made flyable. I do feel that if some acquisition by Temora was conducted, or at least a mutual partnership; would result in (hopefully) a flyable B-24 down under.

[JDK]

While the Temora Aviation Museum option appears attractive at a glance, it's just not on. TAM's mandate includes only flying aircraft and they recently refocussed and restructured the collection and the flying events. A massive new project is just highly unlikely, it's never fitted with their mandate (yes it's Australian operated, it's not been restored to fly) and I can't see so in the foreseeable future.

Secondly we have to respect the team who've not talked about it, but done it. It's very much 'their' project, based in Werribee and I can't see them releasing it or sending it to another state or hundreds of kms away. Certainly they have the wherewithal and dedication (and they're clearly enjoying it!) to finish the thing to static condition.

I take my hat off to them, and I'd be wary of telling them what they 'should' do; they're more than capable of making their decisions, and would appreciate and benefit from our support.

The difference between a flying and a static (or taxiing) restoration isn't anything but massive, and in this case would mean starting the restoration all over again, with a whole new funding stream which isn't likely.

The local politics of the ever-expanding dormitory belt of Melbourne is a can of worms, but possible to negotiate - again, what's critical is support of the B-24 guys when a path seems available or to defend their place.

Regards,