FHCAM P-38 has flown

[lucky52]

You know, when ever I see a P-38, especially one restored to like new, I think of that picture from the Philippines that showed all the brand new ones all smashed up in a ravine.

[menards]

With bottomless pockets...anything is possible.

[menards]

This airplane was really cool to see in person. I am assuming that much of the aircraft is new-build, as some of the "orginal" metal was also on display nearby.

[JohnTerrell]

Yes, the vast majority is completely new. Jason Muszala, during the Warbirds in Review discussion about 'Jandina III', mentioned that some of the original parts that were reused in the restoration included the radio call plate on the instrument panel and the armor plating. It was also nice to hear him credit Westpac for having been responsible for much of the restoration, from when it started around 2006 until when it was moved to Ezell in 2018.

[lucky52]

I'm glad to see these Pacific wrecks brought back and rebuilt and restored by whatever means. My question is, if any body knows, are the original data plates ever found with the aircraft?

[Scott Rose]

Any body have a picture of this air frame at Oshkosh to use in the registry entry.
P-38 Lightning/42-103988

[hurricane_yank]

I am sure someone has a better one than I but you can use this as a placeholder.

Attachments

[JohnB]

Not that I'm expecting anyone to tell us, but I have to wonder about the cost of that.
Wonder how it compares with one of the new build Mosquitos?

[menards]

Not that I'm expecting anyone to tell us, but I have to wonder about the cost of that.
Wonder how it compares with one of the new build Mosquitos?

Us regular folks can only guess. Im just glad that someone ponied up the cash to get it done.

[Mark Allen M]

Not that I'm expecting anyone to tell us, but I have to wonder about the cost of that.
Wonder how it compares with one of the new build Mosquitos?

Us regular folks can only guess. Im just glad that someone ponied up the cash to get it done.

You could say that anyone who “ponies up” at a Walmart had a hand in it.

[JohnB]

I can think of a few million worse places for for my money (very indirectly, mind you) going...

[Mark Allen M]

I can think of a few million worse places for for my money (very indirectly, mind you) going...

A few million worse places (very directly) as well.

[menards]

Not that I'm expecting anyone to tell us, but I have to wonder about the cost of that.
Wonder how it compares with one of the new build Mosquitos?

Us regular folks can only guess. Im just glad that someone ponied up the cash to get it done.

You could say that anyone who “ponies up” at a Walmart had a hand in it.

You could. As I have an interest, I am grateful for all others that have a shared interest in these aircraft, regardless of their contribution. In my opinion the individual who supports their local show or museum with a small contribution is just as important as the individual who empties 4 generations worth of family savings in rebuilding a rotted out hulk. At the end of the day you cant take the plane with you and caretaking will fall on someone else's shoulders. Happy they put the plane on display for all to see.

[Mark Allen M]

You could. As I have an interest, I am grateful for all others that have a shared interest in these aircraft, regardless of their contribution. In my opinion the individual who supports their local show or museum with a small contribution is just as important as the individual who empties 4 generations worth of family savings in rebuilding a rotted out hulk. At the end of the day you cant take the plane with you and caretaking will fall on someone else's shoulders. Happy they put the plane on display for all to see.

Agreed!!… and quite pleased there’s still a FHCAM still in existence and not broken up as was feared when P Allen passed. Hopefully it stays that way and the enthusiasm remains to restore/recreate/replicate several more of the rarer types that represent significant WWII history. Very much anticipating the first flight of their Ju-87.