The Inspector wrote:
When the FG-1 in question got to John Lanes place, after a couple of weeks he called the MoF and inquired into what state of restoration they wanted, as is, static, really nice static (what they settled for) or would you like me to fly it back? When they got through laying eggs over 'fly it back' the protestation went up that it was too far gone to fly to which I understand the reply was that there were at the time flying CORSAIRS out there in much worse shape-yes, some magnesium parts had sacrificed over the years but the airplane mostly suffered from being full of Rainier Valley silt.
Touching base with Mr. Lane will probably add dimension to the story but this is how it came to me from a friend who was working @ MoF at the time.
Wished I'd have heard that at the time; I would have had a good laugh...
Yes, it could have been restored to fly (most of us working on it wanted to) and it's actually pretty close as it sits. Needs a good engine and prop installed, the wiring needs to be wrung out and the wing tip that was stuck into the lake bottom needs to be jigged up and checked. Other than that John L. did his usual excellent Corsair resto.
But, when it was shipped to Idaho, there were lots of holes eaten through the skin and quite a bit of corrosion internally, don't think it would have made it another 95 years.
_________________
"They can teach MONKEYS to fly better than that"
http://www.heritageflight.org
http://www.bravo369.org
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
