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When you see a display at Valley Forge, the cannon balls and bayonets are usually displayed as found. I can't imagine someone restoring, adding material and polishing an unearthed bayonet because then it's not the tool that Washington may have touched, it's a candied fake.
In an earlier thread I admitted that, although I love to see these machines fly, some are best suited to display, as is. The Chewbacca Zero is a great example and is in such poor shape it's a understandable choice. I tend to think the Dottie Mae P-47 is another. DM, however, is such a tough choice because she's so complete - she'd make a great flyer - but that's precisely why she's so valuable as a static - the visitor could know those are THE tires she used in the war. That's THE skin her crew chief patted just before she launched on her last sortie. Granted, leaving something as a time capsule serves the human aspect more than the mechanical one. And it's not as if she'll be the only P-47 that flies.
We've also talked about the MAAM P-61. Can't wait to see it fly. Kermit's Marauder. Same. Those birds would still be corroding were it not for salvage efforts. Glacier Girl, the same. Enola Gay, Memphis Belle, and NASM P-61 - keep 'em static - no question. The CAF Marauder? Can't say, but the fact is she's gone forever.
Actually, as a pilot I'd rather fly one of the WA Me-262's than the one in the Smithsonian collection if given a choice. What a great blend of safety and authenticity without the pressure of trashing a treasure if you had an incident. As a history buff, I can't wait to see Flak Bait reassembled and left alone. Flying her wouldn't be right.
As a community, we like to think broadly, as if we're the fleet curators. Truth is, most of us are just bystanders and window shoppers. If DM's owner wants her to fly, then fly she will. If he wants to scrap her to make soda cans, then that's his right as well. All we can do is enjoy them while we can and encourage a sensible debate so that those who do make choices and may read our posts may choose to do what's most appropriate for that artifact at the time.
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"Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves."
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