I'll get this thread started - up next - WW2 Weekend

[hbtcoveralls]

At the risk of sounding overly critical, I can't help but wish that more was being done to get the Black Widow complete, if only to have the last of the original pilots there to see one in the sky one last time.

By outward appearance, the only progress made on the main airframe for the last several years is they have managed to paint about 1/10 of her black. And before everyone jumps on me, I know they are working on the wings in the workshop. But that is going painfully slow too.

I know money is an issue.....always! But maybe we need to do a "go fund me" again, or something.

I was there last September and I could see some of the progress made since then when I saw her again at WWII weekend.
The museum also completed construction on their display hanger during that time, so now they can use the original hanger to complete assembly of the P-61, something they couldn't do in the old hanger which is now going to be the maint and restoration shop hanger due to space (it is a large aircraft) I think that in the next 6 months we'll see a lot of good progress toward completing the restoration. And yup I bought the T-shirt to support the restoration and put a little money toward the completion. I still remember seeing it when it came back from PNG.

[GRNDP51]

Aren't the wings the last huge part? I read that the engines and props are flightworthy. I haven't seen any photos of the inside, is it more than just hooking up some wires here and there?

[dors]

Always love your pictures Bill. Couldn't make it this year. Probably the 4th or 5th time I have missed the show in its history

Was the new hangar open to the public for the show?

[TAdan]

Always love your pictures Bill. Couldn't make it this year. Probably the 4th or 5th time I have missed the show in its history

Was the new hangar open to the public for the show?

The new hangar was not open. I am eager to see inside.

[Mark D]

Here are a few
Mark D

[Dan K]

Didn't find out until today that #2 of the BAHF C-97 failed on the flight to Reading...deflating setback for such an ambitious group.

[Airlift48]

Yes, #2 engine suffered a catastrophic failure.

We are now searching for some spare engines, we have a deal in the works, but it has a high price tag of around $300,000. However, that will provide a meaningful supply of spares as to ensure the longevity of the program.

You can help out by sending a donation to Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation PO Box 782 Farmingdale, NJ 07727

Or visit our website at www.spiritoffreedom.org and Be a Part of Something BIG!

Please share.

[Warbird Kid]

Just sent $100.00. Hope it helps. Still haven't seen the beast fly yet but am looking forward to it.

[phil65]

Just sent $100.00. Hope it helps. Still haven't seen the beast fly yet but am looking forward to it.

I can't let a N.Y. Giants fan have all the fun...
$100 bucks sent to help get those round P&W's turning...

Phil

[Jeremy S]

Have you considered a Kickstarter campaign to raise some funds? I know several groups who have done that with much success including the CAF with "That's All Brother", Doc's Friends, and MAAM with the P-61.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ca ... y-invasion
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/14 ... on-project
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/13 ... light-test

Yes, #2 engine suffered a catastrophic failure.

We are now searching for some spare engines, we have a deal in the works, but it has a high price tag of around $300,000. However, that will provide a meaningful supply of spares as to ensure the longevity of the program.

You can help out by sending a donation to Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation PO Box 782 Farmingdale, NJ 07727

Or visit our website at http://www.spiritoffreedom.org and Be a Part of Something BIG!

Please share.

[Warbird Kid]

Just sent $100.00. Hope it helps. Still haven't seen the beast fly yet but am looking forward to it.

I can't let a N.Y. Giants fan have all the fun...
$100 bucks sent to help get those round P&W's turning...

Phil

Fair enough! Gotta love those P&W's!

[Mortmer]

Aren't the wings the last huge part? I read that the engines and props are flightworthy. I haven't seen any photos of the inside, is it more than just hooking up some wires here and there?

I was there a few weeks back and spoke with them about the restoration and was told that the engines are not flight ready and still have dirt in them from when they were recovered. They have build one wing spar and need to mount it but then building the other should be relatively easy.