This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Post a reply

Re: Flak Bait - Any News...?

Wed Dec 31, 2014 5:01 pm

Hopefully the five-year job will mean carefully going through every nook and cranny to arrest corrosion and preserve everything in and out, including paint and markings, with the result being like their P-38 and P-61 - conserve/preserve. How long did it take to do that to those two aircraft?

Re: Flak Bait - Any News...?

Wed Dec 31, 2014 5:39 pm

I want to say the P-61 was done in less than a year

Re: Flak Bait - Any News...?

Wed Dec 31, 2014 5:47 pm

Its important to understand that it has been almost 70 years since most of Flak Bait had any attention. Even sitting in boxes for that long takes its toll. I'm told that Flak Bait is considered to be "very complete" in that there is very little missing from the plane at wars end.

One interesting note, when they uncrated the two main wheel assemblies and tires, they found the tires were still fully inflated 70 years after her last mission.

Re: Flak Bait - Any News...?

Wed Dec 31, 2014 10:38 pm

Last summer a docent at U-H told me two years..but of course we all know how flexible restoration schedules can be. Earlier this month somebody on another forum claimed that there are currently only two restoration techs assigned to FB, and much of the NASM's current budget and personel are devoted to a multi-year makeover of the downtown museum. It's all just speculation and rumor of course..I'm just thrilled that she's finally getting the attention she deserves. She'll get done when she gets done.

SN
Post a reply