Warbird Information Exchange

Hi Paul,

I got a private message from "tulsaboy" asking if I knew anything about any plans for Kermit's Tulsa built A-24, and I have no idea. I didn't even know it is an A-24, I tought it was a SBD. But you are probably the one that can tell us if there's any A-24 plans for the near future?

Kermit's A-24 was a former MGM wind machine, minus tail feathers and outter wings. The New England Air Museum acquired it and later, we sold it to Kermit in a package deal with the PBY we had. Those funds helped to build NEAM's sorely needed restoration building, which, as of today, has had many, many projects go through it, thus preserving more aircraft than would've been possible with out the building.
It was a good deal!
Love to see the A-24 up and flying!
Jerry

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"Always remember that, when you enter the ocean or the forest, you are no longer at the top of the food chain."

Yes our SBD is actually a A-24 ex MGM wind machine. Although we are not actively working on this project at this time Aero trader did build new horizontal stabilizers,elevators,vertical fin and rudder for the project. We are planning to restore it as a Naval SBD.

In regards to our B-26 it is true at this time that it is not airworthy and would require some work to get it flying again, but at this time our efforts in the bomber category are being geared towards tank repairs to our B-25[Apache Princess] and finishing our A-26 [ Whistlers Mother]. Aero Trader is finishing this project and it should be completed within the next year.

It would be nice to see your A-24 in actual A-24 paint and markings.

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Shop the Airplane Bunker At
www.warbirdbunker.com

I understand your point of painting our A-24 as an A-24, but neither you or I are paying the bill for thr restoration and I have to do what my boss wants.Welcome to the world of the rich and famous.

hi Stetz,

I understand.

But I thought Kermit Weeks liked his aircraft to be authentic?

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Shop the Airplane Bunker At
www.warbirdbunker.com

That's the one. I was lucky enough to accompany Mr Doyle on a trip to Dayton a couple of years ago. He helped the NMUSAF aquire three early war fighters and climbed into the cockpit of each of them on that day.
Not sure where the docents were....

Mr. Weeks does like is aircraft restorations authentic and we pride ourselves on being as correct as possible but allot of times owners of these aircraft want to represent them as famous aircraft. The SBD is most recognized as a Naval Aircraft and if we painted it as a A-24 some Naval aircraft fan would complain that we should have painted to represent a famous SBD. We can't please everybody only the majority!

Hi Stetz, and a warm welcome to WIX! Do you know what Mr. Weeks' plans are for the black A-26 44-35590 Nightmare that came from Earl Reinert? Last I heard he had sent it to Aero Trader. Thanks!

P.S. I haven't visited Fantasy of Flight yet, but my father has and really had a great time - thanks to you and Mr. Weeks for the great work!

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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)

The aircraft you are referring to is the second A-26 we own. This airplane is in storage at this time and we have been using parts from it to help our flying A-26 project [Whistlers Mother] which is with Aero Trader being restored.

I intend to continue salvage of warbirds. If anyone is interested in a real P-35 project please send me a PM. I have been to a crash site that may be a begining of a project. As a side note, I was involved with recovering P-43 parts from the Gulf of Mexico in 1986.

Pirate Lex

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An ego is no match for gravity.

Hi Lex. That wouldn't have been in the waters off Tampa by any chance, would it?

I haven't forgotten about sending you pics from Princeton.

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

When it comes to authenticy for this airplane, this is as good as it gets! It can't get more correct than this! These are, so far, the only two known pictures of Mr. Weeks very airplane when still in military service! With call sign 17 at the F 8 Wing. A now decomissioned Air Force base, now home of the Swedish chapter of EAA, just north of Stockholm, Sweden. Pictures most likely from 1941, but defenitly not later than 1944 when Air Force markings changed.

This is off course how some of us would love to see his airplane again, in its very own original military markings!

Here is the "buddy seat" of a USAAC P-35A back in the day: