Well, actually, we are estimating it to cost
$3 Million for FIFI's engine conversion, but that is only an estimate. Could be more, could be less. I'm not the person to discuss all of the finances regarding our project, nor is this the venue for it. However, I can touch on some of the more known expenses that we will face if that helps you.
Why is it that expensive? Well, if you figure it'll take at least $150,000.00 per engine to overhaul, times 5 engines to start with (one for a spare), you've already spent $750,000.00. That's not including the cost of the engine cores, which fortunately, we already have. Typically, engine cores (for these bigger round engines) run from the $5,000-$15,000 range, depending on condition and type. Again, that figure could be more, could be less.
But with that being said, our original B-29 engines that we're replacing were even more expensive to overhaul than the ones we're planning to put on it. Our last overhaul came from what we thought was an upstanding overhaul shop in the Warbird community. They charged us $175,00.00 for one engine.....and that was with our own parts!
To make up for it, our previously overhauled engine from them (which was a bargain at $145,000.00), had only 138 hours on it total time and only 6.6 hours out of their facility from major warranty work before it became full of metal. They informed us, in writing, that they will no longer honor their warranties on their engines they build for us. Needless to say, we've made the decision not to take anymore engines back to them.
I can also tell you that after speaking with the President of another organization who is trying to get a B-29 flying, they spent what I would consider a LARGE sum of money with this same overhaul facility just to tear down and inspect two of their engines.
The point is, this just touches the surface as to the financial strain these engines can be on a Warbird operator. In some ways, we're fortunate that we operate big, four engined bombers because if one of our engines craters itself, then we can likely have no problem landing safely. However, the downside to that is that we have at least four times the expense when it comes to engine overhauls, cylinders, and maintenance.
And it's not
only the engines that are an issue in the Warbird world. Airframe problems can get expensive too. We just had new wing spars fabricated for our B-29, along with 1,600 feet of stringer material. At $90/per foot (retail) just for the stringers, you do the math. Those other B-29 guys are feeling the same pain we are with airframe issues and I bet you will find that nearly any of the great folks who spend huge amounts of money on restoring their personal Warbirds can back me up on this too.
I'm sorry for the rant here, but you asked.
I'm getting depressed now. I think I'll get back out to work on fabricating parts for the B-24.
Gary
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