Dispersal of airframes at Former Chanute

[BK]

The C-47 was destroyed by fire today. It was being dismantled and an acetylene torch ignited it. No mention of damage to any other planes.
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/ ... useum.html

[Chris Brame]

(Photo by: Jim Cheek for Rantoul Press)
So the smelting process began a bit early?
It was a VC-47 so there was a lot of interior paneling and insulation to feed the fire.

[JohnB]

Pity. I would have like to see some parts reused, perhaps by an outfit linebAcker, instead of everything going to scrap.

Also, I hate to see any aircraft that old be scrapped. Just think, it was almost 75.

[eze240]

The big problem I have with this situation is that the govt won't sell these aircraft to the public... I hope many of the parts are recovered, but as long as the govt plays stupid political games like that we will continue to see this happen every time a museum down sizes of closes...and other museums are uninterested or unable to claim them....
I suppose the only way to change this is to get after your local reps and senators....perhaps if offered enough money they'll change the rules?

[JohnB]

I suspect we'll see more base (or former base) museum closing or downsizing.
Many base commanders see them as more of a hassle than benefit.
Many planes, especially large transports, will be scrapped.

[Pat Carry]

I suspect we'll see more base (or former base) museum closing or downsizing.
Many base commanders see them as more of a hassle than benefit.
Many planes, especially large transports, will be scrapped.

Yes, it seems that way

[Chris Brame]

From Tuesday's Rantoul Press:

(Rantoul Press photo by Dave Hinton)
http://www.rantoulpress.com/news/2018-0 ... lanes.html
So now you know where the bits are going.

[seabee1526]

Per WIX online facebook, Mr. Heat Miser strikes again, torching the RB-66. Fire Department enroute.

WCIA-3 News.

http://www.illinoishomepage.net/news/lo ... 1180301550

If they have to go, I kinda like seeing them go out fighting!

[Craig59]

The cause is explained within the headline of another article linked to the above:

Scraping planes becomes heated effort

Obviously, the scraping is causing friction, the friction causing heat, the heat resulting in combustion.

Perhaps he should just stick to SCRAPPING them!

Sheesh...

[Spitty]

Was unsure that fuel was still in plane he was cutting up...Things that make you go "Hmmmmmmmm"...

[JohnB]

I'm tempted to give him a call and ask for something...pilots seat, control wheel.

Too bad the C-47 burned, I would have really liked those bits.

[Nathan]

as of now, 6 B-66s left in the world.

Not the most well known aircraft, but a darn shame for such a rare bird.

[Chris Brame]

Again with this? (sigh) Hope nobody got hurt. Any local Chicagoans up for a road trip to watch the scrapping?
Another photo here:
http://www.illinoishomepage.net/news/lo ... 1141062010

[Chris Brame]

Holy cr@p:

http://www.illinoishomepage.net/news/lo ... 1186250957

http://www.rantoulpress.com/news/2018-0 ... tions.html

[ALOHADAVE]

Cease and desist on plane dismantling!
and according to his contact, he must make the parts un-sell-able.