If you held an "Authentic B-25 Contest"

[Ken]

Why not add to an already excellent conversation:

Betty's Dream?
Apache Princess?
Air Zoo B-25H (displayed as J strafer)
FHC (former Paul Allen)?

[Blackbirdfan]

August, You don't feel that the fact that Doolittle and gang flew the plane at all cool? It is the closest to a Doolittle Raider as you are going to get unless someone restores the B in storage as a Doolitle raider. You mention the Collings Foundation B-25, which is also one that I enjoy, and spent many hours with. But it is not correct either.

If it never was one of the Doolittle Raiders, it will never be one. Therefore, if it represents one, its not authentic at all. Sure, its cool that Doolittle did fly it at some point, but if it wasn't aboard the USS Hornet, and launch for Japan April 18 1942, its disqualified as being a Raider. Considering all of the real Raider B25s crashed aside from 40-2242, which was interned in Primorsky Krai, USSR, the odds that any survive are unlikely.

On that note, are there even any B25s that survive as the aircraft they were built as and flown as, rather than depicting an aircraft they never were? In my book "Authentic" means restored in a way the preserves the history of that specific airframe. Doesn't matter how its painted, as long as it represents some point of that aircrafts unique history and no other's. If the aircraft doesn't represent the aircraft it actually is, it doesn't matter how mechanically correct the rest of it is. Its incorrectly restored, and therefore not authentic.

Will

[Blackbirdfan]

Odd double post. Please delete.

[old iron]

On that note, are there even any B25s that survive as the aircraft they were built as and flown as, rather than depicting an aircraft they never were? In my book "Authentic" means restored in a way the preserves the history of that specific airframe. Doesn't matter how its painted, as long as it represents some point of that aircrafts unique history and no other's. If the aircraft doesn't represent the aircraft it actually is, it doesn't matter how mechanically correct the rest of it is. Its incorrectly restored, and therefore not authentic.

I agree with the above Any aircraft displayed in markings other than what the craft flew during military service cannot be absolutely considered as "authenic". There can be exceptions? Perhaps an original "Catch-22" movie star, repainted in those original markings?

[mike furline]

If it never was one of the Doolittle Raiders, it will never be one. Therefore, if it represents one, its not authentic at all. Sure, its cool that Doolittle did fly it at some point, but if it wasn't aboard the USS Hornet, and launch for Japan April 18 1942, its disqualified as being a Raider. Considering all of the real Raider B25s crashed aside from 40-2242, which was interned in Primorsky Krai, USSR, the odds that any survive are unlikely.

On that note, are there even any B25s that survive as the aircraft they were built as and flown as, rather than depicting an aircraft they never were? In my book "Authentic" means restored in a way the preserves the history of that specific airframe. Doesn't matter how its painted, as long as it represents some point of that aircrafts unique history and no other's. If the aircraft doesn't represent the aircraft it actually is, it doesn't matter how mechanically correct the rest of it is. Its incorrectly restored, and therefore not authentic.

Will

https://b-25history.org/aircraft/4428925.htm

[JohnB]

While it lacks some military interior items, B-25 43-3318. "Grumpy" is worth mentioning because it is a D (makes it a nice change from the usual "J"), and after the Hap Arnold aircraft, the oldest airworthy Mitchell. So It is the oldest bomber configured B-25.

It is nicely finished in RAF colors, and very frequently flown.
Recently, it was flown from Spokane to Seattle for crew training.
With the acquisition of a second hangar at Felts Field, it is now spending more time inside. It is usually open for visitors to examine closely.

https://b-25history.org/aircraft/433318.htm

http://www.warbirdregistry.org/b25regis ... 33318.html

Last edited by JohnB on Wed May 10, 2023 8:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Lon Moer]

The most authentic B-25 restoration is easily the Howard Hughes B-25C 41-13251 (N3968C), being restored back to its executive post-war status.

[mike furline]

The most authentic B-25 restoration is easily the Howard Hughes B-25C 41-13251 (N3968C), being restored back to its executive post-war status.

DSC_0122 B-25C N3968C left side l.jpg

See my post above. FYI - Sgt(?) Ray Kowalik who originally painted How 'Boot That in 1944 also re-painted the nose art in 1995.

https://b-25history.org/aircraft/4428925.htm