T-28B Trojan at NAS Whiting Field

[Jack Cook]

Do any of you serial number gurus out there know the disposition of the pictured T-28B BuNo 137707 of VT-2 at NAS Whiting North Field
in 1967. My cousin Tom is pictured at the control during pilot training. He later flew 250+ missions in VN flying H-34s and CH-46s with
HMM-162 being shot down 4 times!

[RareBear]

The Navy Bu # site I checked skips from Bu# 137706 to 137711, so can't help you there.

Did notice that the Monogram model kit of the T-28B has the Bu#137707.
See this link:

http://modelingmadness.com/scotts/viet/t28preview.htm

Walt[/url]

[Andy Marden]

Jack,
137707 went to AMARC, and is now one of over 50 in a compound at Nelson NV (last seen there Mar04).
Regards
Andy Marden

AUTHOR: USA Military Out of Service

[Jack Cook]

THANKS ANDY,
I'D HAVE THOUGHT THAT ALL T-28s WOULD HAVE BEEN FARMED OUT TO CIVILIAN OWNERS BY NOW. WHY ARE THEY HOLDING 50? ARE THERE ANY PHOTOS AVAILABLE?

[O.P.]

Jack,
137707 went to AMARC, and is now one of over 50 in a compound at Nelson NV (last seen there Mar04).
Regards
Andy Marden

AUTHOR: USA Military Out of Service

Would they be the ones in this top left picture?

http://www.barnstormers.com/bones041027 ... 027-01.htm

[Andy Marden]

Indeed, that's the place.

Andy Marden

[Jack Cook]

So are these to be scrapped, sold or available to museums or whomever.
Looks like a pretty grim place.

[O.P.]

Indeed, that's the place.

Andy Marden

Hi Andy!

Who do I gotta call to get on the AMARC, "Orvis wants a T-28 project" list? Is there a way to know if and when these birds will be available?

The impression I've got over the last few years is that you have to be a high rollin scrapyard/ recovery place to have a chance at anything AMARC has.

Hmmmm.......Maybe I can get a congresscritter to cut one loose for me...I know, wishful thinking....

[Paul Draper]

I believe the aircraft in that compound are privately owned. I think there was an ad in TAP (or somewhere else) awhile back advertising T-28 Projects, X amount of dollars gets you your choice of fuselage, wings, etc... I remember hearing that they were WAY overpriced for what you got, a stripped out hulk. At least that what I remember hearing... ymmv.

[O.P.]

I believe the aircraft in that compound are privately owned. I think there was an ad in TAP (or somewhere else) awhile back advertising T-28 Projects, X amount of dollars gets you your choice of fuselage, wings, etc... I remember hearing that they were WAY overpriced for what you got, a stripped out hulk. At least that what I remember hearing... ymmv.

I've heard about the place. I was told there was an ad in the NATA magazine a couple of years ago. I've been trying to find a phone number, address, or a copy of that ad since. I'd like to check it out.

[srpatterson]

It's actually a very good time to pick up a T-28 project or flyer. Prices are as low as they've been in 15 years.

Why the low prices? Well, it's not a low maintenance airplane, so you need to be ready. There are many systems on the T-28, and they do require constant attention. Nothing terrible, and once you get one sorted out they tend to be very reliable. The Wright 1820-86B has never been the most reliable engine though, and they are prone to master rod bearing failures if not flown correctly. Also, engine prices have crept up the last few years.

It's amazing to see T-6 and T-28 prices getting pretty close. The T-6 is much easier to maintain and feed, but if you can stand the fuel and maintenance bills the T-28 will reward you with a 240 knot cruising speed, high altitude capability, smooth, jetlike handling, and the easiest warbird to fly and land-period. It's also an excellent formation airplane.

Besides, they just look and sound great-on the ramp and in the air.

[Jack Cook]

Steve,
Your showing classic signs of T-28 withdraw.

[jgrifft6]

I can back Steve up on this. The T-28 is an outstanding airplane and I practically learned to fly from the back of them which attests to their ease. Prices are very low right now, but a project is not the way to go unless you're rich or have 8000+ spare man hours since you are dealing with one of the military's most advancing piston engined singles. People have spent more than a 1 million dollars restoring them. The Nevada birds are owned by the Gibson family, John I think. I've got their card somewhere after we met at OSH and can probably find the info for anyone interested. Theres an article in NATA about how they came about acquiring all those birds, pretty interesting stuff.
Also deep in T-28 withdrawal,
Jason

[O.P.]

I can back Steve up on this. The T-28 is an outstanding airplane and I practically learned to fly from the back of them which attests to their ease. Prices are very low right now, but a project is not the way to go unless you're rich or have 8000+ spare man hours since you are dealing with one of the military's most advancing piston engined singles. People have spent more than a 1 million dollars restoring them. The Nevada birds are owned by the Gibson family, John I think. I've got their card somewhere after we met at OSH and can probably find the info for anyone interested. Theres an article in NATA about how they came about acquiring all those birds, pretty interesting stuff.
Also deep in T-28 withdrawal,
Jason

Hi Jason!

I'm interested in the Gibson phone number, if it's not too much trouble.

Thanks,
Orvis

[jgrifft6]

Orvis,
Straight from NATA...
John Gibson
(702)294-0030
Hope that helps and I sure liked that video you made! I've got a few I've done up as well, but I've gotta change them around to entertain a warbird group rather than a bunch of college kids before I get around to posting them.
Jason