Warbird Information Exchange

Anybody know how this airplane is progressing towards flying again?

Hello John, Doug Jeanes supplied these photos back in March. This will give an idea of the scope of work being performed. In May, Doug told me that the fuselage is almost done and that they will probably bring it back to Addison and start re-installing plumbing, wiring, controls, etc... The turbo will not be active this time around, but will exit through the turbo wastegate (IIRC). Left wing was getting close. The right wing (replacement) has a number of leading/trailing edge ribs that will have to be replaced. The spars appear to be in good shape.... Alan
http://www.warbirdregistry.org/p47regis ... 436-2.html

Thanks for reposting the photos, Alan. I'm very glad Mr. Jeanes is seeing to it that the rebuild is moving along quickly.

While we're on the topic, how about a quick free-for-all on the current status of other CAF fighter rebuilds?

P-82?
P-40N?
P-38? (the odd two-seat, glass-nosed one)
P-63?

And although not really a CAF bird, how's "White Lightnin" doing these days?

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

OK, just a quick update....
P-40N. All the cowlings and coolers are supposed to have arrived. The last big holdup was finding blades.... believe it or not a NOS set of blades were found in a un-opened box on the 'Hill' at Midland..... Good possibility that the bird might be ready for Airsho in October, but it will be close.
P-63A. Still a couple of years away. Visit the Dixie wing website. Photos are online of the scope and detail of the work. The cockpit is starting to get wiring and plumbing in, but $200K is the target needed to get her up and running.
P-38 and P-82 trade for P-38. Still on hold, untill Metcalf vs CAF is squared away. The CAF claims the P-82 was a straight donation. Metcalf states otherwise...... The USAFM owes the NASM a favor from what I understand....NASM wants a Twin Mustang. How about the one rotting at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Tx. Thanks guys, Alan

You're preaching to the choir brother, Amen.

Shhh...quiet you two! I had eyes on the Lackland bird for myself!

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

since we are talking about CAF airplanes under restoration. Anybody know the status of the TBM in Maryland, and the B-25s in CA and Arizona?
thanks

Last I saw this plane was a couple of months ago and looked to be almost ready. But you know how that goes.

Seeing that I'm in San Antonio... What would it take to get it into private hands?

Ryan

Feeling ambitious momentarily...

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Aerial Photographer with Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites: Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, DoolittleRaid.com and Lbirds.com.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31 - Train, Practice, Trust.

The Arizona Wing B-25 should be up this summer and that is direct from Mr. Houdashell himself. However, we all know that stuff happens, but they are planning on being up this summer and at Airsho 04. The Southern Cal Wing still has 1-2 years left on their bird. Corrosion was much more extensive than originally thought or hoped for. They have put a great deal of time and effort into the old girl. Aero Trader and many other individuals have helped with parts, time, and money. I'll see if I can pull up some recent photos. However, we do pics from 2 years ago taken by Chuck Gardner. Fly Safe, Fly Often. Alan Brooks

http://www.warbirdregistry.org/b25regis ... 30988.html

I saw and took a few photos of the Camarillo bird over the holidays. The lower area of the rear fuselage was being rebuilt to remove the airstair, and much work had been done to rectify corrosion in the center section. The work that has been done looks fantastic! It has a ways to go, but the gentleman I spoke with that was doing the sheet metal work was very dedicated, and I'm sure there were others I didn't meet.

They have a lot of projects going on too. A T-6, the Diemert Zero, and of course maintenance on the flying aircraft.

Thanks for the info on the two B-25s I know both airplanes are worth the wait. I saw both aircraft about three years ago and knew at that point when they flew they would be really nice. Hope Arizona Wing makes it to airsho this year

Anybody know about this plane??

White Lightning (P-38)

I really do not know much about the current situation. I do know that the P-38 is out of its hanger in which the shop had been closed and padlocked. The airframe was moved into another hanger at Stinson Field (San Antonio), of which some pics were posted. I do not remember if they were on this board or not. As for the CAF Stars and Stripes Wing TBM, I do not know anyone with that wing. I can't give an update, sorry. Can someone else fill in details? TIA, Fly safe, Fly often, Alan