Cavalier Mustang N251RM

Thu Feb 17, 2005 2:18 pm

Anyone here know what is to become of this plane?

Sadly, It's owner Russ McDonald passed away a couple of months ago. I know the Heber airport was renamed "Russ McDonald Airfield" a few years ago but was unsure if the plane was to become a static at the Heber museum of flight or if it was sold.

Thanks,

Tom P

Thu Feb 17, 2005 3:40 pm

Wow, that's really sad news. I've talked to him several times for info for my Cavaliers book, and he was very kind and extremely helpful. As of spring 2004 he had not sold the aircraft, and provided me with several photos of it.

Anyone wanna form a partnership with me to buy this one? It's pretty much the last Cavalier F-51D in remotely original form...it should be saved, IMHO.

Thu Feb 17, 2005 8:59 pm

Randy Haskin wrote:Wow, that's really sad news. I've talked to him several times for info for my Cavaliers book, and he was very kind and extremely helpful. As of spring 2004 he had not sold the aircraft, and provided me with several photos of it.

Anyone wanna form a partnership with me to buy this one? It's pretty much the last Cavalier F-51D in remotely original form...it should be saved, IMHO.

Well Randy, if I win the lottery this weekend I'm in!!! Hope it won't be put back in stock D mode with 8th AF colors like most of the other 51s!

T J

Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:35 am

Please funish details about Russ' passing, its the first I've heard of it. When, why, etc.

Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:47 am

I didn't get a ton of info on Russ' passing - The Utah aviation community supported his funeral pretty well. He died December 18 2004 of a heart attack in Heber, Utah.

Sorry of the lack of info.

Tom P

Fri Feb 18, 2005 4:54 pm

Thanks, my wife knew him back when she worked for United.