Warbird Information Exchange

I guess its time for my annual question; what current restorations can we look forward to being finished in 2014? For me the most exciting one has to be the Memphis Belle which is scheduled to be completed in a year. I'm not sure if this is still a realistic time frame but it will be interesting nonetheless whenever it emerges from the restoration shop there at the NMUASF.

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

I think I posted here back at the end of 2012 that the CAF's National Capital Squadron TBM would be taking to the air in 2013. That didn't happen, but I'd be surprised if it didn't make it's first flight in 2014. There are a few squawks to address before taxi testing and the first flight, but hopefully these won't cause overwhelming delays.

Hard on the heels of the TBM will be the Bobcat that Jack Kosko and crew are restoring. I think a 2014 completion of this project may be optimistic, though.

Our C-47 will be flying by the end of the year for sure, but we are gonna try and finish it up for spring.

It will be the first time in her history she will fly a civilian flight as she was operated by a government agency up until last year. She also turns 70 years old in September.

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Tyler Pinkerton
Active Member of Air Heritage Inc. of Beaver Falls, PA.
Aircraft: C47B, C-123K, Fairchild F-24, Funk Model B, L-21B, T-28B, T-34B
Static: F-4C Phantom II, F-15A, T-3 Provost

Any chance "Doc" will be flying in 2014? How about either of the Twin Mustangs? The Rod Lewis A-20 Havoc?

I've got scars on my neck from sticking it out every year, but... POF's P-59?

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

Doc will for sure be flying in 2014!

P-51D Sierra Sue II should be flying some time in 2014.

Fighter Factory / MAM`s Bf 109 G-4 with DB 605 shall fly in (spring) 2014. Jerry Yagen has been recently in Germany at MeierMotors to personally check progress. Pics on MM`s homepage and Facebook site. I doubt the Fiat project will be continued soon, but that´s my personal opinion.
Not of that interest for most of you, but Germany will get another flying Bf 109 G-6, also expected for firstflight in early 2014. This one is for Air Fighter Academy / Hangar 10 of Usedom. The project was formerly based in Austria with ex-owner Michael Rinner, to be finished at MeierMotors.
There is another Bf 109, an E, that was reportedly under ways for AFA/Hangar 10, fuselage made by Craig Charleston, wings by Hartmair. To be finished by Hartmair? (my guess only)
Another one that might fly in 2014 (late in the year?) is the former Conch Fury, reviving her former self, Sea Fury T.20 D-CACE with an original Bristol Centaurus. All relevant info on the above mentioned MM´s sites (minus the Bf 109 E info).

Michael

Micheal, I always appreciate your European perspective.
Great to hear about so many 109's. Pic's I've seen of the Emil are magnificent.
Just imagine all those 109's in one place, or in formation

Andy Scott

I'm looking forward to Memphis Belle and the NMUSAF A-1H Skyraider potentially being finished, as well as either of the F-82's. Last I heard, the XP-82 crew was hopeful for a 2014 first flight but I have no idea how realistic that is. I haven't seen any recent update on the C&P Aviation F-82.

I'll second the thanks to Michael for sharing the information all the 109's. Any flying 109 anywhere in the world is of interest.

Another one I'm wondering about is B-25 "Super Rabbit" that I think was purchased by an owner in Oklahoma. Also wondering if Tri-State Warbird Museum will have their P-40 repaired or when the Canadian Warplane Heritage TBM will be finished.

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Matt

Chris Kirchner's P-40 getting cowling fitted...the end is near.

http://www.warbirdsocala.com/projects-u ... tis-p-40-n

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Special Kay: A-26A/B-26K will fly in 2014. She is about 72% complete. Many of the big pieces are going back on now. Landing gear is all but done. Just need to check the rigging. There is a lot of small detail work left to do. Paint and one engine overhaul are the main items left. Ck out website: http://www.gga1.org JR

Surely TFC will have something new?

Thats's an understatement ... I'll let someone else embellish if so inclined.

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Zero Surprise!!...

What about ARCo's Blenheim?
That will probably fly in '14

Guy Blacks DH-9 as well.

Both will be unique.

Andy Scott