B-25 Carol Jean

[APG85]

Anyone know why this B-25 is still in storage and not on display at the Hazy Center (or is it on display)? It was delivered to the NASM in flyable, restored condition. I don't believe it was left to "rot" outside and should still be in a displayable state......

[Pat Carry]

It has been in storage at Dulles (not at Udvar Hazy) for quite a number of years now. I thought I remember it being inside the same building as NASM's B-17G.

[APG85]

I think the B-17G is stored outside (sealed). The B-25 was in a "shed". I'm assuming it's still there. Still can't understand why it didn't make it over to the Hazy center.........

[C170BDan]

I have pictures of the hangar that stored the shuttle Enterprise... the B17G was inside (outer wing panels removed) along with the JU52, F8U, a couple other jets and the B25. The only airplanes stored outside were the Connie and the C130.

[APG85]

Can you post them?

[C170BDan]

I can... just need to scan them. Not sure why but I have pictures of almost all of the aircraft in that hangar EXCEPT the B25! I just wrote down the N#. Will post the pics in the next day or two.

[Pat Carry]

Now that the shuttle is no longer in the storage hangar, I wonder if the Connie was put inside?

[Alan Brooks]

I remember when it was first noted that the B-25 was going to the NASM, I was really ticked off...... Here (at the time) was one of the nicest, most stock looking B-25's flying anywhere.... to be stuffed into a museum.... I did not understand the logic then and still now.... there were and are, many, many static examples available..... what a waste..... It will have a great home, but........ Alan

[Pat Carry]

Alan, It reminds me of the P-38 flown into McGuire AFB,New Jersey and promptly placed up on a pedestal!

Last edited by Pat Carry on Mon Jan 09, 2006 6:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[APG85]

Personally, I would rather see combat veterns put into the Smithsonian. I would much prefer to see the (for example) B-25 Briefing Time put into the Hazy center than a plane that had no combat history.
As far as planes put on poles: No airplane of historic value should be displayed outdoors. I realize this isn't always possible dur to $, but outdoor display is never a good thing. Just my opinion.......

[Jerry O'Neill]

Just for the record, "Briefing Time" doesn't have a combat history. Unless one starts to count airshows as missions flown.
Jerry

[APG85]

My bad....but you know what I mean. Put the combat veterns in museums.....

[Aircraft Mech Paul]

Just for the record, "Briefing Time" doesn't have a combat history. Unless one starts to count airshows as missions flown.
Jerry

Hi there,

Well, if I could interject a note or two here. When I was a member of the MAAM when they were operating out of Harrisburg, Pa. , back in the early 1980's, I was told that the Briefing time did have a combat history, although a limited one. Now, I know I have heard all of the people say that she doesn't have a combat history and there are those who say she does. At this point I can only go on what I was told and when. With that said....I can't say that this settles out the debate, but there is cause for additional research I guess.

Just my own two cents worth,

Paul

[Jack Cook]

but there is cause for additional research I guess.

Historian Bill Slade did very detailed research into the background on the Mitchell and the claims of her combat status which were all false. He even discovered the attempt to change FAA records showing the serial number and the data plate. He wrote an excellent article in AC years back. In addition Scott Tompson web page covered this issue extensively just a year or so ago!
http://www.warwingsart.com/12thAirForce/page.html

Here's another B-25J (serial# 43-27638) from the 489th called Briefing Time probably taking-off for one of its 126 missions from Alesan Air Field on Corsica in 1944. You can see its tail letters 9D. Quentin Kaiser, who took this picture, flew two missions in Briefing Time. Another B-25J (serial#44-29939) has been made-up to look exactly like the original Briefing Time

[warbirddriver]

Dan is right. The B-25 is stored in the building at Dulles that also houses the B-17G. A C-130 and Connie are outside the building. Don't know why the B25 isn't on display or even if it is slated for display. As far as being in restored displayable condition.......most airplanes, especially ones that flew in, require some work to preserve them and get them ready for display.

Glenn

Hazy docent