I knew someone would dig her up!
We discussed that airframe a couple of years back. It was initially doscovered and photographed, but was covered by a mudslide soon thereafter. Many folks said it was gone for good judging from the enormity of the mudslide, but I figured photos that intriguing would surely inspire someone to go on an excavating trip. Excellent recovery!
Next question,
Because of the uniqueness of the plane's condition (i.e. well preserved original paint & markings, etc), would you choose to clean it up and display it as the pristine time capsule that it is, or effectvely strip it down and replace the majority of the existing structure to maker it airworthy. With at least four other razorback Jugs recently discovered and on their way back to flying condition, would it be prudent to add this marked war veteran to the ranks of what will effectively be "new build" flyers?
In the end, I suppose my personal preference would be seeing the image of this plane on the active warbird scene, but OTOH there are only so many well preserved Jugs with nose art and kill markings that are likely ever to be discovered for the rest of time. This leaves me somewhat torn as to whether I'd be more impresssed seeing five rather than four new razorbacks on the flight line (with more to come possibly), or whether I would be more touched by getting up close and personal with this time capsule at one of Australia's major museums.
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Rob Mears
'Surviving Corsairs' Historian
robcmears@yahoo.comhttp://www.robmears.com