This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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B-25 restorations

Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:10 pm

What B-25 restorations are ongoing at this time for airworthy projects?

Wed Jan 04, 2006 7:26 pm

Scott Thompson has a very uptodate listing of whats happening with B-25's worldwide. check www.aerovintage.com Click onto "B-25 page"

Wed Jan 04, 2006 8:35 pm

I've heard the Arizona Wing of the CAF has mounted both of the engines and done gear swings on 43-35972. It is a ways off, but is getting closer..
Last edited by Warbirdnerd on Wed Jan 04, 2006 9:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Wed Jan 04, 2006 8:40 pm

Aero Trader in Chino has a couple. Not sure who they belong to.

Wed Jan 04, 2006 8:46 pm

bdk wrote:Aero Trader in Chino has a couple. Not sure who they belong to.


One (44-30254) is for PA and the Flying Heritage Collection.

Wed Jan 04, 2006 9:00 pm

PA is getting another B-25? Can anyone tell more about this?

Sat Jan 07, 2006 9:55 pm

I dont remember if this has already been mentioned on the WIX but B-25 44-30129 owned by the Fighter Factory took its 1st post restoration flight on 11/19/05.

CAF So Cal Wing PBJ

Mon Jan 09, 2006 8:48 pm

Another long term rebuild has been the CAF B-25 "Big Ole Brew", now renamed "Pride of the Yanks". It has been under rebuild for close to a dozen years at Camarillo, Ca..... A couple of years of inactivity down in Harlingen really took its toll. Follow this link... According to their webpage, this B-25 is a true PBJ survivor.... can anyone confirm? Alan
http://www.orgsites.com/ca/cafsocalphoto/_pgg8.php3

Tue Jan 10, 2006 10:08 am

Your question about "Big Ol' Brew" is answered in Scott Thompson's great B25 book "B-25 Mitchell in Civil Service" available at his web site (www.aerovintage.com).

from - page 110

"44-30988 - built at B-25J-30-NC...transfered to the USN as PBJ-1J Bu# 35857..."

hope this helps :)

B25

Tue Jan 10, 2006 11:28 am

Tim... you were asking about PAs B25. From what I recall they had one under restoration at Aero Trader and then later aquired the D model from England. The D model is still in England and it sounds like progress is being made on the other model at Aero Trader. Seems as if FHC has ended up with multiples of some types in their goal to aquire aircraft with combat history.

Tue Jan 10, 2006 12:28 pm

Oh
PA = Paul Allen not the state.

Never mind :oops:

Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:32 pm

Pat Carry wrote:I dont remember if this has already been mentioned on the WIX but B-25 44-30129 owned by the Fighter Factory took its 1st post restoration flight on 11/19/05.


The newest Air Classics has some great pictures of it blasting out of the 2100ft runway @ Woodstock...

Fri May 26, 2006 11:03 am

FYI,

I am on the restoration team for the PBJ-1J at the Camarillo CAF wing. It is no longer "Big O'l Brew". A member of the restoration teams father was a PBJ pilot and died in action. We are going to dedicate the A/C to his father who was part of Sarles Raiders. It will have a VMB number and be in the navy three color paint scheme. The aircraft itself is undergoing a major ground up restoration and it will be restored to fly. Having sat around in the open air for a long time, corrosion was found throughout. We have the fuselage completely rebuilt and are working in the inner wing roots at the moment. We probably have several more months of work in this area and it will be ready for the outer wing panels. We have a long way to go but since it is the only PBJ left, it will be a worhtwhile addition to the flying B-25 collection. If anyone is interested in carrying out a dialog about this A/C I will be happy to continue posting.

Incidentally, we are in desparate need of an up to date parts manula that covers our aircraft number. We are looking for a manual that covers block 30 including PBJ's. If anyone knows of the whereabouts of parts manuals it would be helpful. We are looking everywhere but any new inputs would be helpful.

Looking forward to a dialog,

Iran Ausley

Fri May 26, 2006 11:10 am

I was under the impression that PBJ's were all gun-nosed versions, not glass-nosed versions. I learn something everyday on this forum!

Re: CAF So Cal Wing PBJ

Fri May 26, 2006 11:27 pm

Alan Brooks wrote:Another long term rebuild has been the CAF B-25 "Big Ole Brew", now renamed "Pride of the Yanks". It has been under rebuild for close to a dozen years at Camarillo, Ca..... A couple of years of inactivity down in Harlingen really took its toll. Follow this link... According to their webpage, this B-25 is a true PBJ survivor.... can anyone confirm? Alan
http://www.orgsites.com/ca/cafsocalphoto/_pgg8.php3


What was the reason for it going inactive down in Harlingen? From looking at the registry it can't have spent much time airborne after Reilley's rebuild to flying condition before ending up in sad condition!


T J
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