Warbird Information Exchange

Here is a link to a few photos from the F-89 recovery project in Helena last week

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42007606@N ... 615633770/

As of today, all the parts are here so this ends the "recovery" phase of the operation.


The rain stopped just as the semi arrived; so we didn't get wet unloading parts


After many years, it's finally inside for awhile


A view of the "guts"; it's in very good shape internally. Mostly needs a lot of cleaning and some paint touch-up.


Some 50's era inspection stamps and part numbers...

Now it's on to the restoration... I'll start a thread over in the Maint. Hanger when we get into the interesting stuff.
And keep checking our blog

_________________
"They can teach MONKEYS to fly better than that"

http://www.heritageflight.org
http://www.bravo369.org

Have fun with the new toy! Hopefully i'll make it up there to see it soon.

_________________
-Al Sauer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/spookythecat

The NMUSAF still owns this Scorpian?

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

I don't know which .gov agency still retains ownership, but one of them does and it was acquired through the GSA...

_________________
"They can teach MONKEYS to fly better than that"

http://www.heritageflight.org
http://www.bravo369.org

One last picture...


"short ->" Marked in pencil by an inspector long ago.
Found on the face of one of the wing attach angles. This thing really is a time capsule

_________________
"They can teach MONKEYS to fly better than that"

http://www.heritageflight.org
http://www.bravo369.org

Very cool! Thanks for taking care of this rare bird...

_________________
"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

I was curious as it mentioned (I think) that it would not be allowed to fly. Who owns the EC-121, the school? See as its going to be flown out?

Thanks

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

Can't believe it's that clean inside...Wow!
Was it indoors?

Makes me wonder what the insides of other preserved ac look like. Surely the T-33/F-89/F-4s in front of a VFW hall or musem can't all be that nice.

Anyone with more experience have any thoughs?

_________________
Remember the vets, the wonderful planes they flew and their sacrifices for a future many of them did not live to see.

She does look to be in rather nice shape all things considered. Pics seem to show her relatively solid and most of her pieces in place. Great job all, but lots more work ahead.

_________________

Aviation Illustration Website
http://shepartstudio.com/illustration/

"Who owns the EC-121, the school? See as its going to be flown out?"
Sorry, can't help you with that question.

"Can't believe it's that clean inside...Wow!
Was it indoors?"
No, at least not for the last 12 years.

"Pics seem to show her relatively solid and most of her pieces in place."
So far the only corrosion we've found has been in the areas with critter infestations. Hopefully, we 've caught it in time and can arrest it's growth. And the only major parts we don't have are the front seat (which went "missing" in the last few years ), pilots stick grip, autopilot controller and a couple of instruments. Other than that, it's all there...

_________________
"They can teach MONKEYS to fly better than that"

http://www.heritageflight.org
http://www.bravo369.org

As of today; the wings are back on, the gear's down with replacement tires installed on the mains, and it's back into the maintenance hanger. Now the serious cleaning starts!

_________________
"They can teach MONKEYS to fly better than that"

http://www.heritageflight.org
http://www.bravo369.org

Back on her wheels as the crane is removed.






Visit the blog to see more, including videos. http://f89restoration.blogspot.com/2009 ... wn-we.html

_________________
Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.
— Ernest K. Gann

where did you guys find replacement wheels??? So whats the idea with engine runs???? They complete???

_________________
Long Live the N3N-3 "The Last US Military Bi-Plane" 1940-1959
Badmouthing Stearmans on WIX since 2005

That's just an amazing relic. Not to bring up the Dottie Mae debate, but maybe they can forgo stripping the markings and just try to preserve its authenticity. It could be thoroughly cleaned, polished out, canopy buffed , and a little touch up paint only.
I have a 53' Willys jeep that the original 24 volt electrical system is fine. Maybe the Scorpion could find some batteries and see if everything still works!