Warbird Information Exchange

Hi Everyone

thought I would update you on some interesting news coming out of PNG.

It seems that the Swamp Ghost recovery proposal has moved one step closer to fruition with several senior PNG officials giving the go ahead for this recovery. While this is only a very preliminary step forward it is nevertheless a step in the right direction. Hopefully this time capsule of a B-17 will find its way to a reputible restoration facility here in Australia or, perhaps in New Zealand.

In addition to this we can also expect more P-38's to call Australia home.

Thats all for now, will update again when I am back on Terra Australis.

Shelldrake

Rob,

I guess for the moment the real issue is getting her out of the swamp, its a shame its still sitting there unprotected after all these years due to PNG politics and ownership wrangles, in the end it should really belong to whoever gets it out and looks after it, if the USAFM had really wanted it I am sure the Aust Gov could have assisted in arranging its removal years ago.

And the recent efforts to argue the case of leaving it there to rot away defies all logic of any sane person.

Get it out, protect it and preserve it SOMEWHERE - even in Port Moresby at the PNG National Museum, under ownership and project management of the USAFM.

regards

Mark P

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20th Century - The Age of Manned Flight
"from Wrights to Armstrong in 66 years -WOW!"

Rob,

You're forgetting the best and only choice for this recovery. It should obviously be TIGHAR that gets control of this A/C. They are the only choice!! Who else will protect this treasure from evil "Restorers". Since they've been working on this project since the early 90's, it should be their baby. Just think, if they were to recover her, they could finally say that they actually completed a project!

Mac

It will go where the PNG Government says it will go.
I hope they don't take it apart with axe's.

Hi Guys

All is well - just calm down and don't cluster f#$^k this for the guys easing her out - know what I mean ?

Wink Wink

Silence is sometimes golden

Regards
John P

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Air Vice Marshall
Sunshine State Air Farce

I agree with Setter, lets sit back and allow this to take shape and happen.
The main thing is getting her out and to a restoration shop.


But, just can't stop thinking how great it would be to see a B-17 in, lets say, Far North Queensland, perhaps Townsville?. That would be worth a big trip!

good luck

Digger

Digger good guess but the shows not going to be given away that easily!!

Regards
John p

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Air Vice Marshall
Sunshine State Air Farce

It wasn't intended as a guess, I think it would be something really special to see a B-17 back in Townsville, but if I was to take an educated guess I would say...........

I'm happy to wait and let it happen, but I can say I am one step ahead of most!

you wanna be spooks make me giggle..........

Digger

good strategy to sit back & not gum up the works with irresponsible talk on this delicate but historically important negotiation. as my 89 year old dad still says.... keep your ears open & your a**hole shut!! good advice!! regards, tom

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!

Hmmm,

it does sound as though "Swamp Ghost" will finally be moved. I for one must say that it is about time. Sitting out there has got to be taking it's toll on the airframe. Hopefully, at least, she'll be getting out of the mud and maybe see some proper care.

Paul