Warbird Information Exchange

I saw the P-63E in Oklahoma City back in February in a hangar with Miss America. The P-39/P63 series are some of my favorite aircraft, would like to see it fly again. They were stripping it for maint.

Did you mean P-63F? I used to love that thing when it lived out West long ago and I saw it all the time. I about choked when I saw how the Whittingtons painted her in 1979. This airplane is one of the biggest reasons I wish I'd been a better photographer 30 years ago...

It was young Stevie Hinton's first ride at Reno, I believe -- about 1977.

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Neal Nurmi

---Wingman Photo---

Yes, must have stayed up to late

The CAF also have a P-63A at the Dixie Wing. I had a visit there in March. They are a great bunch of guys, and I couldn't tell you how grateful I am for their time showing me around.

Their P-63A, 42-68941, is a fascinating aircraft, which was used as a test aircraft by Bell during the war. The airframe has bounced around from CAF unit to CAF unit since it was obtained by the organization, but seems to have found the right home with the Dixie Wing. They have now concentrated their efforts on getting her flying again, but are still at least five years away from finishing her.

However, the Dixie Wing have been hard at work getting several other aircraft ready for flight, including a magnificent re-creation of an LT-6 Mosquito (the FAC version of the T-6 Texan). It's a beautiful piece of workmanship, and even includes the super-rare rocket rails. The aircraft was a complete basket case just three years ago, which shows what can be done with the right crew. They are also close to finishing an L-16 as well.

Hats off to the Dixie Wing... they are doing wonders with a very limited budget.

Cheers,
Richard

It should look something like this when they are finished.

Is that the same P-63 that was always on the ramp in Harlingen in Zinc??

TIA,

Lynn