Pima Privateer 8/22/16 update

[jamesintucson]

As requested some update photos on the restoration of the Privateer taken this afternoon.

PB4Y-2 turret by James, on Flickr

PB4Y-2 turret by James, on Flickr

PB4Y-2 turret by James, on Flickr

PB4Y top turret by James, on Flickr

And while I'm at it here are a few photos of the rest of the new display hangar.

Bollingbroke by James, on Flickr

PBY and BT-13 by James, on Flickr

PB4Y by James, on Flickr

And finally the latest aircraft to come out of our restoration shop.
Mystere by James, on Flickr

James

[Chris Brame]

Great photos, James - thanks for posting!

(sorry - couldn't resist )

[Nathan]

Hi Andrew,

What are your guys plans for the FH-1. I was there when Worldwide Aircraft Recovery was taking it down for transport. I was really upset the museum let it go. They are probably the worst aviation museum in the country. Its not even really an aviation museum anymore anyway.

I do hope Pima keeps it in it's current paint and markings. Its very original.

-Nate

[Pat Carry]

Outstanding James! What other planes will be going in that building?

[jamesintucson]

Nate,

The FH-1 is currently on display in Hangar 3 it will be moving to Hangar 1 after we shift the Avenger to the new hangar.
Douglas FH-1 Phantom by James, on Flickr

Pat: We will be moving the TBM, P-39, and Oscar from their current locations to the new hangar. We also have a P-40E and a P-47D under restoration in Australia that will be going in there as well.

James

[StangStung]

Nice pics! I'm sure it's been said before, but I'll say it again: Amazing work going on there at Pima. Truly outstanding. A large and unique collection that is not just being cared for, but improved, over time.

I remember my first visit as a kiddo with a kodak 110 when it was little more than a collection of planes dragged from across the road in various fair to poor states.

I have to ask (not that you have to answer), but how does such a large collection have so much forward progress in so short a time? It appears that someone has figured out a way to make the museum a financial asset to the community? That or perhaps there are people with wallets as big as their hearts? A combination of both? While Pima is somewhat unique geographically, are there lessons to be learned by other, perhaps less successful museums?

Just fascinating to watch. I really appreciate all the updates as well.

[Fouga23]

Nice! Wonderful restorations Is that an YC-14 in the background?

[jamesintucson]

Fouga, yes that is the sole surviving YC-14 in the background of the Mystere photo.

Stang: Like any successful enterprise there are a lot of moving parts that go into it. We have generous donors who support the museum, over 280,000 visitors a year paying admission and buying stuff in the gift shop, and 40 years of reputation as a must see spot for aviation fans. There aren't many museums that have the space for over 300 aircraft. The size and diversity of the collection make us attractive to a wider group of potential visitors. Anyone who likes airplanes will find something here that interests them whether it is a 1920s biplane, a World War II fighter, Cold War bomber or a brand new 787. The museum's collection has grown steadily, but often quietly, for the entire length of its existence. It started with 40 aircraft in 1976. When I came to work here there were about 250 aircraft. My inventory list right now shows 337. Growth and change encourage repeat visitors and people who come back over and over are what keeps any museum going. If there is any secret to the museum's success it is that growth.

And finally one more photo for you of today's progress on the PB4Y.
PB4Y top turrets by James, on Flickr

[Pogo]

Thankyouthankyouthankyou James! We hated losing the Privateer here in Texas, but sure is nice to see the TLC going into her now.

Thanks again, and don't be a stranger, y' hear?

[JohnB]

I was there when Worldwide Aircraft Recovery was taking it down for transport. I was really upset the museum let it go. They are probably the worst aviation museum in the country. Its not even really an aviation museum anymore anyway.
-Nate

I must have missed the memo, where did it come from?

James is right, there is something for everyone at Pima, from general aviation on up. Love seeingn the 787 near old airliners...last time I spent a lot of time with the DC-7.

I visited in July, 1976 and probably have as some of the earliest photos of it. Does the museum (or anyone else --- for non-profit use) want any old 35mms slides?

[jdvoss]

As a student of fuselage letter codes I was impressed by the "BL" marked Vultee Valiant! For those out there unfamiliar with this code it reflects an aircraft based at British Flight Training School No. 2 which was located at Lancaster, California. The letter "B" stood for British and "L" obviously for Lancaster.

I also noted that behind the PB4Y there was a NEIAF marked Lodestar...or is it a Hudson? Can't quite tell from the photo.

Great photos!!

JDV
http://www.fuselagecodes.com

[jamesintucson]

John: The Phantom came from Wings of Eagles in New York. They gave up the loan from the Marine Corps and it was transferred to Pima.

JDV: The Valiant really was assigned to Lancaster. We didn't have the correct fuselage code for it so we used the last three digits of the serial number. Not entirely accurate but close. The plane behind the Privateer is the ex-CAF Loadstar formerly called "Lodestar Lady." We acquired the remains of the aircraft last year. The fuselage will be a walk through exhibit while other parts of the plane will go into the restoration of the museum's more complete Lodestar.

James

[Lightning]

Hi James

Fantastic pics and updates

Can you please tell us anything more about the P-47 and P-40E under rebuild ?
I also read somewhere that there was a P-38 also under rebuild for the Museum
If so can you tell us a little more about it ?

Thanks so much again

Lightning

[jdvoss]

ATTN: JamesinTucson

Thank you so much for the response on the BT-13 and its original assignment to BFTS No.2 at Lancaster,CA. Amazing indeed that it was actually based there! Typically the three character number following the base letter code was a sequential number assigned by the base (e.g. 102, 103,... etc.). I've attached a very rare photo of two BT-13's at Lancaster with the number codes of 175 and 177.
I had nearly given up finding ANY photos of BFTS No2 aircraft until I ran across a website in the UK memorializing the life of a person's grandfather. Personal snapshots taken there included PT-17, BT-13 and AT-6 aircraft. If you review my website under the subheading of British Flight Training Schools http://www.fuselagecodes.com the marked PT-17 and AT-6 aircraft can be viewed.



JDV

[jamesintucson]

Hi James

Fantastic pics and updates

Can you please tell us anything more about the P-47 and P-40E under rebuild ?
I also read somewhere that there was a P-38 also under rebuild for the Museum
If so can you tell us a little more about it ?

Thanks so much again

Lightning

The P-40E is made up of parts of a couple of different wrecks. The majority is from serial number 41-36243 which was assigned to the 49th Fighter Group in New Guinea. So that is the identity we are using for it. The P-47D is one that we have had in storage here for a long time. Its serial number is 42-8130. It flew with the 348th Fighter Group carrying the name "Frankie." I'm not currently at liberty to discuss twin engine fighters.

James