Warbird Information Exchange

Hey, they looked pretty good yesterday...

Phil

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A man's got to know his limitations.

The virus thing is just a temporary setback. All flying, including warbirds, will pick up in the latter half of 2021, assuming the vaccine(s) get approved and widely distributed. We will eventually go back to normal, the question is just how long will it take to get there?

As far as the virus affecting warbird operations, I'm more concerned about the economic devastation it has caused. I know of several well known museums that might not make it through this crisis if the economy doesn't open back up soon. I know several that are considering either selling some of their main aircraft to stay afloat or declaring bankruptcy and/or liquidation.

However, with all the doom and gloom, I don't think warbirds are going away any time soon, as there is still interest in them. I do, however, think that as time goes on, they will become more inaccessible to the "normal" person unless you have a connection/tie/friendship to a wealthy owner/operator or flying museum. The days of a middle income person being able to afford something other than an L-bird, trainer or similar are probably over.

As far as the Black Widow? It is my guess that we are probably looking at least another decade before it takes flight. They are now working on the outer wings as time and resources (money) allow. I have every confidence it will get finished, but just not in accordance with anybody's timeline.

A decade... and I thought I was the one who was full of optimism.
Any aircraft that is being restored now will probably be restored to static. Or fly it once just to prove they did it and then let the dust accumulate. First the bombers and then the fighters...

Phil, AKA - Dark cloud...

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A man's got to know his limitations.

I was there 3 weeks ago helping deliver some equipment and had a nice chat with Kermit about the Marauder, he is going to do a Kermie cam request on it but they were having some trouble getting the bomb bay doors open. I have to agree it will be a LONG time before it's airworthy again. Sure is a pretty plane, its actually my favorite of all his toys. Got a nice up close look at the P-35 from Rick too. Fun day. The story of the recovery of those Marauders from Canada is my all time favorite.

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Always looking for WW2 Half-Tracks and Parts.

Thanks for the info. I would love to see a "Kermie Cam" on the B-26. It's one of my favorites as well. Did you get any more info on the P-35? Any estimates on timeline or future intentions with that aircraft? I've been following that one for a while also.

Funny thing about that P-35A: It's one of the Swedish export models; Kermit got it because the NMUSAF wanted an original USAAC P-35 (36-404). That was restored in the '70s with markings from Selfridge Field. Since then, the Museum's plane was repainted in P-35A markings as Buzz Wagner's mount

If Kermit traded the A model back to the Museum, he might get the better deal - 36-404 was almost finished to flying condition (needed a few control cables and the fuel tanks cleaned, IIRC).

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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)

Ok, a big "IF". "If" FHCAM opens again soon with business as usual: The Me-262 early in 2021 and the Stuka towards the end of the year.

FHCAM is finished.

Glad to hear about the Kermie Cam, it's my favorite of his collection as well! The recovery of the Marauders from the Million Dollar Valley makes me quite happy, as I both love the Marauders and especially love the early models.

Regarding the B-26's; I also love the history and paint schemes of the early models. It's sad that there aren't any later models available to resotre. The longer wingspan made the later models so much safer to fly.

Regarding the P-35 probably a number of years yet. When I was looking up into the cockpit from below I asked Rick if he was taking it all the way down and he said yes. So that will certainly take quite a while. What he has done so far is STUNNING! It will be a jewel when done.

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Always looking for WW2 Half-Tracks and Parts.

Thanks for the info! Yes, I've seen it in person and it is fantastic. That polished tail cone/section he built is nothing short of stunning and a piece of art in it's own right.

Some more that come to mind:

P-40N 42-105120, which is nearing completion of re-restoration and modifications at American Aero Services
P-40K 42-9733, owned by Butch Schroeder, which is being rebuilt and improved-upon
P-40N 42-105867, of the Commemorative Air Force, nearing flight after repairs, overhaul, and repaint
P-40E A29-28, owned by the RAAF Museum, under restoration at Precision Airmotive, expected to fly in 2021
Factory-style TP-40N (lost/forgot the ID) under restoration at Precision Airmotive
P-40N A29-446, owned by Keith Hopper, under restoration
A-26B Invader 44-34774, under restoration at Aircraft Restoration Corporation
Dornier Do 24 ATT D-CIDO should be flying again in 2021, following repairs since the damage that occurred in 2015
B-25C 41-13251, under restoration at multiple facilities, owned by the Hearst family (not sure how far off it is at this point)
B-25J 44-31173, "Huaira Bajo", nearing completion to fly in Argentina
FG-1D 92095, under restoration at Airpower Unlimited since 2017, owned by David Prescott

Some more Spitfire restorations to add that are all active and on the horizon, but likely none of which will be completed in 2021.
Spitfire Mk.I P9372
Spitfire Mk.IX BS548
Spitfire Mk.IX EN179
Spitfire Mk.IX ML295
Spitfire Mk.XVI TE356

All of the P-40 talk reminded me of Tom Wilson who went by Hang The Expense on this forum.

Has anyone heard from him lately? Some years ago, he had some interesting projects in his shop that have not yet seen the light of day, as far as I know.

What of the Mk.XII Spitfire that was quite well along in the UK?