Warbird Information Exchange

Without a doubt, I'd have to have a T-6, in my stable, but once again, I'd be limited to only taking one person with me. I'm still impressed by those big T-28's, and having ridden in a T-6, T-34, and P-51, I need to try out a T-28 someday. TBM is not very likely, but than I never thought I'd get a ride in a Mustang either, thanks to Dan Martin and Brian Adams.

I also love the sound of a T-28A when it starts and lopes along, so that you can darn near hear each cylinder firing.

Roger

While there is no such thing as a practical warbird, the T-28 comes close. I don't own mine anymore, but it was an ex-army plane that spent it's last years at Ft. Bragg doing recon work for the 82nd Airborne. Basically the Army just painted over the Navy script, but it did make for some interesting paperwork in the log books after transferring services.

The T-28 is easy to fly, but it's no C-172. Most guys like them as you learn to haul 9000 lbs worth of airplane around the sky at 300+ knots. You'll especially appreciate the sink rate when you get this plane slow and dirty in the traffic pattern. But flown by the numbers (and with one hand on the trim wheels) you'll be fine. Very aerobatic, and a great airplane to learn formation with, as you've got almost instant power with that big prop attached to the Wright 1820-86B, and a speed brake to slow you down if you've got too much smash.

I own an AT-6F now, and while it's a great airplane there is no contest with the T-28 as to speed and handling. Of course the T-6 is conventional gear, as all real airplanes should be, as you can't wheel land a T-28, and the prop going supersonic will get everyone on the ground's attention. So, the Texan gets style points, even if it is way too slow.

I don't have any flight time in the TBM, but my late friend Ron Maggard owned one and loved it. Basically Ron told me the TBM was a big cub, slow, but that you could take a bunch of friends to the airshows with you.

So, T-28=good first warbird. Lots of pilots, mechanics, parts and support.
Fast, aerobatic, good formation plane, easy to land, good payload. Lots to like. Horrible, constant maintenance and very complex systems.

TBM=good, if you're comfortable flying a taildragger. Need a good mechanic who knows round engines, but a simple, straightforward airplane. Probably the cheapest WW2 combat warbird that you could show up in (along with a bunch of friends and lawnchairs).

T-6=The pilot maker. If you want to fly a Mustang, a Spitfire or any other fighter you're gonna fly the T-6. Slow, sluggish, and she'll bite when you get relaxed and least expect it. She'll also do a rather nasty accelerated stall if you don't have the ball in the middle. But a joy to fly with the hood open and the prop in fine pitch. Makes all the right noises.

Hope this helps.

Steve Patterson

Things sure look a lot different around this place. Thought I get a few posts in before the season gets crazy. Every weekend between now and Oshkosh is booked, and the Mrs. is none to happy about it.

Maybe if I buy her one of those "Remove Before Flight" t-shirts. Think that would help?

Another new board...have to remember to log in again...need to create a new avitar...what a pain.

Wish this site and the flypast site were one and the same. Oh well, may the best site win.

Steve, welcome and thanks for the info. I tend to prefer tail draggers(I am not a pilot), but I have a particular soft spot for the T-28, perhaps due to the performance of a certain big engine T-28 driver in the area. The SN2J would have been nice, but for some reason everybody wanted tricycle gear.

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Dan Johnson

Steve, Thanks for the detailed information, I think you hit it right on the button. Now if I could just find a rich uncle someplace