Warbird Information Exchange

Guys, Lumping the MAAM's P-61 in with "data plate restorations" is just plain silly. Every effort was made to retain and reuse the airworthy pieces. Much of the airframe is still the original plane built by Northrop. But, you have to also allow that this is and was always intended to be a flying restoration and that the plane was not only abandoned in the jungle for 40 years, but it got there by crashing into a mountain. So not only is there damage from exposure, but there is basic crash damage that needed to be repaired too. It's only when you see the restoration up close and see, as I did, what the plane looked like when it was first brought home, that you see just what a work of art it is. I can predict with some confidence that nobody will ever create a P-61 from the shadow up. It is just too complex and unique an aircraft to allow that to be economically possible. Also, the MAAM owns probably all the world's supply of P-61 spares (not that there's that much) including the cache from the firebomber operator who flew them in the 1970s, so anyone trying to create another would find it just about impossible. I can't imagine a more complex WWII airplane and the MAAM is literally sparing nothing to restore it completely. Even the P-61s in the NMUSAF and the NASM don't have as much of the original military equipment remaining. If you get the chance you must see the restoration up close, it is amazing
Tom Bowers

Who said anything about MAAM's P-61 being a data plate restoration? Seems a lot of people on this forum see a posting and start typing before reading! My posting asked about P-51's. In addition I clearly stated "more than 50%" of the airframe being reproduced.

Read and understand a posting before you open your mouth!

I interpreted hbtcoveralls post to be more about getting this thread about the MAAM P-61 back on track with, what sounds like, some first hand knowledge.

To make a statement like "Read and understand a posting before you open your mouth" is inflammatory and uncalled for.
This thread title is "MAAM P-61", not P-51. If you wish to start a thread about data plate Mustangs then by all means.......

I've been following this restoration since before it was recovered from the jungle. I've worn out a few P-61 T-shirts too
Absolutely fantastic progress on a uniquely ambitious restoration. Hats off to the folks at MAAM

Does anyone here know what kind of spares were acquired from the fire fighting company? I've always been curious. Thanks in advance.

Andy Scott

Little harsh there buddy... have your coffee this morning?

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Christopher Soltis
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All I know is the MAAM folks have done an OUTSTANDING JOB! After being an AF crew chief for years the P-61 is STILL one of my favorites and it's one SEXY airplane!

Scott

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Scott Dunkirk
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