Swamp Ghost

[Mick Grinter]

I saw the latest on Swamp Ghost,it looks like the locals have set up tourist business involving the aircraft with the blessing of the crew.
It's nice to see them do something for them selves with help from Justin Taylin i suspect.
I was looking at the photo's of the wreck and i realise it is not that good,i see it has gone to god verry quickly.
I wonder if the PNG governments atitude towards this wreck has changed recently.

[Chris Brame]

Very interesting... Where did you see this - and could you please post a link?

[Digger]

Just a funny thought..........but what if...........

there has been a terrible break down in communication between the PNG government and the locals!

They could always do tours and show people the big hole where Swamp Ghost used to be! hahahaha!

There are so many rumours getting around about this particulary wreck it will be interesting to see what the truth is. having said all of that the current financial situation of the PNG government could see the country slide into bankruptcy in the next 12 to 18 months, if that happens perhaps there won't be any tourists to take there????


Digger

[Mick Grinter]

It's just an article on the pacific wrecks site.
Yes you might be right about the PNG government in financial trouble.
The big problem is that the PNG government own nothing all the land is owned by tribes and runs on the tribal system.
You can't even cut down a tree because that tree belongs to someone.
The law is a strange thing in there eyes, if they kill someone then they only have to pay compensation and that's the end of it.
I have spoken to a lot of people that have been there and i still have no idea how they think.

[Scott Rose]

I have just reviewed the dvd "the Swamp Ghost" by Justin Taylan of Pacfici Ghost. If you have even a remote interest in this aircraft it is well worth the price.

http://www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/books.html

[Justin Taylan]

Hi all,

Here is the link on Swamp Ghost Tourism:
http://www.pacificghosts.com/swampghost ... aunch.html

The nearby rivers have world class black bass fishing, and a catch & release wilderness lodge with facilities is there. This provides the infrastructure to visit this exciting wreck. I helped organize this, but all proceeds and benifits go to the local people, who will build a school with their profits. What I did do is provide them with suggested advice about the wreck: encorage photography, no removal of relics and so forth that ensure its saftey. They understand, that if the windows of the bomber are broken, or it is ruined, no one will come to see it.

This September, the first group of tourists visited. The wreck was just amazing and to not be constrained by time limits. And, to meet some of the elders who were alive during the war. Visitors will see not just the 'Swamp Ghost' but a host of other rare WWII aircraft, including C-47, B-24, B-26, P-38 wrecks as well, and former battlefield areas. And, are working on a few other surprises. Of course, these sites will be for photographing and exploring.

Next year in 2006, some other interesting guests will be visiting, including the son of a P-38 ace pilot (John O'Neill) and hopefully relatives of the 'Swamp Ghost' B-17 crew. Yes, there have been many rumors and past attempts to salvage the bomber since its re-discovery in the early 1970s. I am just happy to have visited it, and hope others get to do the same.

Best,
- Justin

Below are a few related links:

The Swamp Ghost DVD
http://www.theswampghost.com

History of B-17E 41-2446
http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/b-17/41-2446.html

Information Center
http://www.pacificwrecks.com/swampghost/

Last edited by Justin Taylan on Tue Dec 13, 2005 12:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[John Lane]

Who is the P-38 Ace's son?

[Wolverine]

I see those pics...and I can't help but want to steal Swamp Ghost.

Anybody up for a little expedition? Mebbe we'll pick up the Black Cat Pass one too.

[setter]

If it was me i would opt for the Black Cat Pass one way ahead of swamp Ghost - far more historic aircraft in my opinion

Regards
John P

[Pat Carry]

Its too bad that someone somewhere cant get the Swamp Ghost out of there! (just my 2 cents worth)

[Digger]

If there is one thing I have learned inall of this, its.... expect the unexpected. It may not happen this year or next, but as sure as my preverbial points to the ground, I am sure there will be some group or individual who will come along, build a dozen schools or houses or swap trade businesses or soemthing and the ghost will come out of PNG.

Not that I would know, but thats my 2 cents worth.


Digger

[TimAPNY]

From the pictures on the site one can see how see is fading, its really too bad.

[Daniel Leahy]

I don't see how "she's" fading, and I was honoured to attend the Swamp Ghost presentation in Port Moresby during August 2005.

I'm glad that the locals have set up a sort of tour to the wreck.

Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to get to the wreck in September - I was unable to change my flight out of PNG. Am hoping to get there during my 2006 trip.

[JohnH]

I don't see how "she's" fading, and I was honoured to attend the Swamp Ghost presentation in Port Moresby during August 2005.
.

The metal isn't as shiny as it was during the 1980s articles but other than that it doesn't look like it's fading or in any worse shape than before. Every year since 1990 I have read of how the deal is signed and locked up to get this airplane out and it never happens. It's like waiting for the new Guns and Roses album "Chinese Democracy" which is permanently coming out "in two months".

John

[Broken-Wrench]

Hey Dan love your web site!