Latest on Red Bull P-38L

[Lightning]

Howdy all

Have a look at the latest Feb pics of Red Bull P-38L

http://www.ezellaviation.com/Past%20Pag ... wgond.html

Lightning

[Ryan Keough]

You know, its amazing what a goodly amount of industrial technology can do for warbird restoration. Just look at the formed pieces that Ezell is cranking out (at a quick pace) and how fast that plane is coming together. I was amazed at stuff that came from Roush too... what can be done with metal these days...

Ryan

[bdk]

You know, its amazing what a goodly amount of industrial technology can do for warbird restoration.... what can be done with metal these days...

You mean hydropress? Numerical control? Both of those have been around for ages. They just used punch tapes rather than computers for N/C back in the day. It is definitely a lot faster now, no question, but these processes have been around for a very long time. I guess the real question is at what point do these techniques become viable (cost effective- $$$$) for warbird restoration. Looks like they have in a big way in the past 5 or 10 years.

[Aircraft Mech Paul]

You know, its amazing what a goodly amount of industrial technology can do for warbird restoration. Just look at the formed pieces that Ezell is cranking out (at a quick pace) and how fast that plane is coming together. I was amazed at stuff that came from Roush too... what can be done with metal these days...

Ryan

Ryan,

Please don't misconstrue my next remark. but while technology is a wonderful thing. It still takes a skilled hand and an experianced one at that to do the things that get done in metal work. The old saying goes...and holds true to this day. The is NO substitute for experiance and cubic inches.....okay...I threw in that last part.

Paul

[TimAPNY]

Does anyone else dream of an assembly line while looking at these parts being made? If the dies are being made it would not be hard to make a few more of each part and sell them as pieces or as a U build project. I would think with the P-38s coming onto the market the return would be pretty good and these parts would be needed.

Heck, just build some new Lightning’s! (Like its just that easy)

[DoraNineFan]

Does anyone else dream of an assembly line while looking at these parts being made? If the dies are being made it would not be hard to make a few more of each part and sell them as pieces or as a U build project. I would think with the P-38s coming onto the market the return would be pretty good and these parts would be needed.

Heck, just build some new Lightning’s! (Like its just that easy)

Yes it seems possible. They could warehouse spare parts for needed repairs after unfortunate accidents as well.

But I dream of a day in the future when we might see photos like these of a specialty shop producing quantities of new engine parts. New Merlins, DBs, Jumos, Allisons, etc. Maybe one day it will happen and we will see more extinct aircraft return to the skies.

[mrhenniger]

You could take Tim's thought and think about the recent recovery of P-38s now in Australia. As more P-38s were unearthed they will need parts like this. I think Tim is right in suggesting there will be a market.

Mike

[VikingsBoss]

Check out www.airframes.co.uk for an outfit making parts for (mainly, but not only) Spitfires in the UK. They have supplied new parts for 34 aircraft according to their website. CAA licensed.


Mark.

[lmritger]

I had seen a little bit of traffic regarding how the aircraft would be painted when complete; does anyone know what the owners are planning, whether it will be in a military scheme, repainted white, or will it look like a flying billboard?

Just wondering...

Lynn

[bdk]

Does anyone else dream of an assembly line while looking at these parts being made? If the dies are being made it would not be hard to make a few more of each part and sell them as pieces or as a U build project. I would think with the P-38s coming onto the market the return would be pretty good and these parts would be needed.

The hard part, making the dies, has already been done. You can warehouse parts and create inventory, but that only adds up to more expenses (and risk) unless you are specifically in the P-38 parts business. Inventory means you have to pay for the material cost, labor, warehousing, advertising, certification paperwork (!) etc. up front. Not much effort to dust off the tool, buy a piece of material, and make an additional part at a later date AFTER someone sends you a check.

[Elroy13]

I had seen a little bit of traffic regarding how the aircraft would be painted when complete; does anyone know what the owners are planning, whether it will be in a military scheme, repainted white, or will it look like a flying billboard?

Just wondering...

Lynn

I would imagine that Red Bull would put it in the companys logo just like all the rest of their aircraft. I understand but I dont understand...

[Lynn Allen]

Polished and Red Bull stickers......

Its something to see in person. Having seen the past projects that came out of Ezell Avaition, it just doesn't get any better..


Cheers,

Lynn

[Pat Carry]

That has to be one expensive restoration job! Amazing work is taking place there.

[Wolverine]

Is their logo on the Corsair?

[michael luther]

it has red bull in big letters down the front side ( like a large noise art)