SB2C updates

[John Cotter]

The West Texas wing of the CAF is painting the SB2C for the upcoming air-show season. There have been many volunteers come out to help with sanding, taping, and prep.

Some pix to for you viewing pleasure:


Ed Vesley and Steve Pennington washing wing after sanding.





Mark Roache and Mike White making sure the engine area is wrapped up tight.

[TAdan]

Cool! Nice to see the Helldiver getting some attention.

I am looking forward to seeing it for the first time in Reading PA this summer.

[Dan K]

Same scheme, John, or something new?

[mlenoch]

Just curious, any chance of it getting wheel doors? It always looked weird without them.
Thx,
VL

[John Cotter]

Same scheme, John, or something new?

It will be the same.

[John Cotter]

Just curious, any chance of it getting wheel doors? It always looked weird without them.
Thx,
VL

Vlado,

I don't know the answer to your question, but will try to find out.

[RMAllnutt]

For what it's worth... the wheel doors were often removed from those aircraft which operated from rough fields, rather than carriers, as mud used to clog up behind them rather easily. I know that the NASM bird is missing her doors as well. They have a pair of battered examples from the SB2C-5 recovered by Kevin Smith a couple of decades ago, but have yet to restore these for use. I am sure that will be remedied soon though, as the NASM Helldiver will be the first aircraft in the restoration queue once the new facility opens at Udvar-Hazy in a couple of years.

Cheers,
Richard

[Steve Nelson]

Always nice to see such a rare bird getting some love. Any idea if she'll be at Thunder this year?

Keep 'em flying, guys!

SN

[RyanShort1]

Same scheme, John, or something new?

It will be the same.

Glad to hear that. It's one of the few aircraft in USS Franklin markings - truly a historic ship and tale of heroism and survival. Also had a great uncle on board.

Ryan

[bdk]

I like the satin finish after sanding! I personally prefer it to a glossy finish.

[Jack Cook]

I'm guessing the squadron would be VB-5??
With the time frame of March 1945 it should be
overall glossly sea blue.
would be nice to see gear door and the Curtiss
prop or at least a spinner on it

[Warbird Kid]

Im gonna have to be the one and say I don't agree with painting it in the same markings. Being the only one out there flying I believe that rare types like this (B-24, Lancaster, etc...) should be repainted in new schemes every few years to keep her fresh on the circuit. Don't get me wrong I applaud this wing of the CAF for operating such a rare breed but i think its high time we see a new scheme on this beauty.

[Owen Miller]

I am encouraged to hear that the SB2C will be one of the first
aircraft to be reworked when NASM/UH gets their restoration
facility up and running.

That said, I was VERY disappointed when I visited U-H last fall
and the Helldiver was nowhere to be found. It was displayed for
years in Pensacola. I understand and support that NASM wants
to remark the bird as ADM Engen's mount. BUT IN THE MEANWHILE
COULD WE PLEASE SEE THE HELLDIVER??????????????????????

Blue skies,
OWEN

[Jack Cook]

BTW where's that great BIG decal going?
Where'd they put that great BIG decal on the P-40N?

[John Cotter]

Just curious, any chance of it getting wheel doors? It always looked weird without them.
Thx,
VL

The wheel spats were removed while in service with the Navy and the wing doesn't have a set.