Paul Coggan wrote:
Pretty much any part of the Mustang airframe can now be replicated; many of the major structures have been constructed now for the best part of ten years thanks to the sterling work of several well known companies. Anyone not believing we technically have completely new Mustangs flying around must have their head buried in the sand.
The caveat to this of course is the Merlin engine. Nice and original, for the most part....
HTH
Paul Coggan
pac@warbirdguru.com
I think we're all in agreement but once again it's coming down to definitions. Right or wrong I believe a true replica contains only new built parts and no NOS parts with the exception of engines and propellers. With that in mind I believe there are no true replica Mustangs yet in existence although many are coming real close. I will certainly not argue that here are many "New" Mustangs out there. Paul as you mentioned there really is no part of the Mustang that cannot be reproduced today and the fact that many components have not yet been produced is only because there is still a sufficient supply of used and NOS parts available to meet the demand.
As for engine components, watch "the cat in the hat" from MI over the next several years. He's already extended the service life of the Merlin by many years with the few new components and repairs techniques he's concentrated on. I'm certain if the Mustang/Merlin user community was running short on a significant casting he would not let that go un-noticed!
John...with his head at least 6 feet above the sand line!