2023 restorations.

OZFURYFAN · **Posted:** Sun Dec 18, 2022 6:29 pm

Vintech??……

Zac Yates · **Posted:** Mon Dec 19, 2022 2:36 pm

mike furline wrote:

https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/ki-61/299.html

https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/ki-61/379.html

https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/ki-61/640.html

These look like to Tonys I saw :drink3:

I'm unable to share photos unfortunately.

Dave Hadfield · **Joined:** Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:31 pm **Posts:** 1672

No, not Vintech. Guy Black's company. But to be fair, the "stupendous" amount of money was to accomplish a stupendous amount of work. The initial tear-down report in 2014 was very discouraging.

I hope all goes well on the test stand.

FuryFB11 · **Joined:** Fri Sep 29, 2017 10:33 am **Posts:** 91

Dave Hadfield wrote:

No, not Vintech. Guy Black's company. But to be fair, the "stupendous" amount of money was to accomplish a stupendous amount of work. The initial tear-down report in 2014 was very discouraging.

I hope all goes well on the test stand.

Thanks for the reply and info Dave. Yes, fingers crossed the test running goes well!

bdk · **Joined:** Sun May 02, 2004 1:16 am **Posts:** 11324

marine air wrote:

These KI-61 airframes have been around since the 1970's and no one has made much progress. I belief is that there is a "story" as to why they haven't been completed. Are there no blueprints? Was the metallurgy in wartime Japan faulty and can't be trusted? It's almost like there's a technological hurdle of some kind preventing these from being rebuilt.

I remember looking at the one Frank Taylor had in Chino many years ago. The construction seems quite simple. I suspect the lack of engines is really the problem. Maybe something like a DB601a could be substituted, but those are probably all earmarked for German aircraft restorations which are likely more popular.

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Tue Dec 20, 2022 1:09 pm

bdk wrote:

marine air wrote:

These KI-61 airframes have been around since the 1970's and no one has made much progress. I belief is that there is a "story" as to why they haven't been completed. Are there no blueprints? Was the metallurgy in wartime Japan faulty and can't be trusted? It's almost like there's a technological hurdle of some kind preventing these from being rebuilt.

I remember looking at the one Frank Taylor had in Chino many years ago. The construction seems quite simple. I suspect the lack of engines is really the problem. Maybe something like a DB601a could be substituted, but those are probably all earmarked for German aircraft restorations which are likely more popular.

I would think with the given success of the Erickson HA.1112 being converted to use an Allision engine, all the while retaining the original look of the German BF109, that a similar process could be applied to these KI-61s. Making them turn-key much cheaper / easier to maintain aircraft instead of more difficult, demanding, and specialized regarding the DBs.

mike furline · **Joined:** Wed May 05, 2004 3:45 pm **Posts:** 2637

Warbird Kid wrote:

bdk wrote:

marine air wrote:

These KI-61 airframes have been around since the 1970's and no one has made much progress. I belief is that there is a "story" as to why they haven't been completed. Are there no blueprints? Was the metallurgy in wartime Japan faulty and can't be trusted? It's almost like there's a technological hurdle of some kind preventing these from being rebuilt.

I remember looking at the one Frank Taylor had in Chino many years ago. The construction seems quite simple. I suspect the lack of engines is really the problem. Maybe something like a DB601a could be substituted, but those are probably all earmarked for German aircraft restorations which are likely more popular.

I would think with the given success of the Erickson HA.1112 being converted to use an Allision engine, all the while retaining the original look of the German BF109, that a similar process could be applied to these KI-61s. Making them turn-key much cheaper / easier to maintain aircraft instead of more difficult, demanding, and specialized regarding the DBs.

I don't believe the Allison mod would work with the smaller more tightly cowled DB601 in the Bf 109E/Ki-61, not enough room.

Dan K · **Posted:** Tue Dec 20, 2022 5:15 pm

mike furline wrote:

I don't believe the Allison mod would work with the smaller more tightly cowled DB601 in the Bf 109E/Ki-61, not enough room.

I'm inclined to agree with your belief.

Rather than collect dust, why not create a flyable Ki-100? R-1830 or R-2000 should do the trick.

Spitty · **Posted:** Tue Dec 20, 2022 6:07 pm

What differences are there between the Ha40 and the Db601?Im wondering if its propellers or systems that are holding up the job?

DoraNineFan · **Joined:** Fri Aug 12, 2005 3:37 pm **Posts:** 673

bdk wrote:

marine air wrote:

These KI-61 airframes have been around since the 1970's and no one has made much progress. I belief is that there is a "story" as to why they haven't been completed. Are there no blueprints? Was the metallurgy in wartime Japan faulty and can't be trusted? It's almost like there's a technological hurdle of some kind preventing these from being rebuilt.

I remember looking at the one Frank Taylor had in Chino many years ago. The construction seems quite simple. I suspect the lack of engines is really the problem. Maybe something like a DB601a could be substituted, but those are probably all earmarked for German aircraft restorations which are likely more popular.

Kermit Weeks made a video with a shop tour at Vintage V12s, and he mentioned in passing that he was thinking of using a DB-601 for his Ki-61. He also said Jerry had an Ha-40 for the other Ki-61 and was trying to use it.

marine air · **Posted:** Wed Dec 21, 2022 9:56 am

Well, Mr. Weeks only has so much time and 300 years worth of projects. I doubt we will see a KI60 or Ki 100 fly in our lifetime. What are shop rates now? I know forty years ago my dad's military trained P-51 mechanic charged $35 an hour. I think the shop rates , and budget overruns at most restoration shops has damaged the warbird movement for the most part.

Jesse C. · **Posted:** Wed Dec 21, 2022 3:44 pm

Spitty wrote:

What differences are there between the Ha40 and the Db601?Im wondering if its propellers or systems that are holding up the job?

Good vid on the Ki-61

https://youtube.com/watch?v=7MCsTRK8n6Y&feature=shares

Thomas_Mac · **Posted:** Wed Dec 21, 2022 4:25 pm

Restoration update on the Dakota Territory Air Museum P-51 "Thunderbird". The first half the report is about Jimmy Stewart, next half about the restoration

marine air · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2022 10:15 am

It's amazing how quickly they have "Thunderbird" on it's gear. It still has a huge amount of work to be airworthy but it's going to look great in its racing scheme. It's also a great way to honor Jimmy Stewart and millions of others that served when needed and came home and led productive lives.

marine air · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2022 10:15 am

It's amazing how quickly they have "Thunderbird" on it's gear. It still has a huge amount of work to be airworthy but it's going to look great in its racing scheme. It's also a great way to honor Jimmy Stewart and millions of others that served when needed and came home and led productive lives.

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