Classic Jet Fighter Museum's P-38H

[mustang1]

Will this P-38 be a flyer?[size=18][/size]

[RMAllnutt]

No it's being restored to static condition. The Kunai grass fires made too much of the airframe un-airworthy I would imagine. If they did restore her to fly, they'd have to replace a huge percentage of her. Also, I don't believe many (any?) aircraft are flyers at this museum either.

Cheers,
Richard

[Schmacko]

Generally correct but in the hangar next door they have a flyable T28B Trojan (very nice) two chipmunks a tiger moth and an ex NZAF Harvard that regularly attends, actually there are joyrides planned for weekend Dec 3rd

[Digger]

Hi

I would like to add that the CJFM has a couple of types capable of restoration to flying condition and the P-38 is certainly a good candidate for future considerations. You just need to look at some of the scrap metal thats coming out of PNG to appreciate the completeness of this particular aircraft and the main reason as I understand it for it being restored to static is that it retains about 60% of its original structure.

In addition to this I have heard on the grapevine that CJFM is intending to expand its collection and I suspect this has dictated to what extent these exisitng items would be restored to. I do not have it on official terms but I would not be surprised to see the addition of perhaps the P39, P40 with some rumours of a spitfire also being stationed there.

In addition to the flying types already mentioned and some more warbirds getting around the state 2006 is looking good for South Australia.

cya

Digger

[setter]

Hi

The plot is supposed to be that the P39F Bu No 41-7215 project that was sourced from Mt Isa as a static pattern aircraft for Murray Griffiths Precision Aerospace Productions at Wangarratta Vic is to be restored to static condition and was swapped for the P40 wreck P40N-5 Bu No 42-104947 an aircraft with seven combat kills which will be "Rebuilt" at Wangarratta to fly

This information although already known was confirmed today in an article by Rob Fox in the Australian Magazine "Flightpath" which is an excellent read

Kindest regards
John P

[Digger]

Yep, your right about that - Nick Watling et al's P-39 for the P-40.

But I was talking about a completely different arrangement. What I have heard is the P-40 and Spitfire are in addition to current and already agreed too displays.

time will tell.

Digger

[setter]

Hi Digger

OK had heard some rumblings about Langdons Spit - is that the one and the P40 is news to me but could be part of the Wang arrangement?

Interesting to see what eventuates

Regards
john P

[Digger]

Not 100% sure about the Spit, it would seem logical but I have learned not to rely on logic too much when talking warbirds. As for the P-40 I believe there is a number of possibilities but I am sure its not linked to Wangarratta.

It could all be speculation and rumours gone off the rails but it would be nice to see a P-38, P-39 and P-40 all lined up on the Parafield tarmac.

Digger

[Tulio]

Where is the CJFM located?

Saludos,


Tulio

[Digger]

CJFM is located just north of the city of Adelaide, the state capital of South Australia - Australia. The museum is set up at a regional sized airfield known as Parafield which was used during WW2 ( in fact its a much older field and has a history connecting to some of the earliest domestic flights in South Australia). CJFM is located in one of the old hangars not far from the main public entrance. It has direct access to the main apron / tarmac and runways.

if you'd like to see more about it check out this link:

http://www.classicjets.com/

enjoy

Digger

[Tulio]

Thank you, Digger.

I think that there is a museum with a similar name here in the USA, and I thought that I have been to that one already.

Saludos,


Tulio

[RickH]

Tulio, maybe you're thinking of Jim Robinson's Combat Jets Museum that used to be at Hobby Airport - Houston in the old Cameron Iron Works then Rowan Drilling's hangar ?

[dbrown]

I did an interview with Bob Jarrett on this project - very interesting recovery story (and a great guy as well). He talked about the restoration and the challenges that they have faced bringing this baby to static - although with possibility that someone esle can come along later to bring it into the air.

You can see it here

http://www.buffiesbest.com/p38_cd.html

and reviews here

http://www.buffiesbest.com/customer_reviews_p38.html

Cheers,

Derek