Yet another Australian Coup!!! Thunderbolt New arrival

[setter]

Hi All

In another coup for the Australian Warbird movement yet another major warbird has arrived in Australia

Seen this week at a Sydney quarantine wash bay facility, P47 Thunderbolt recently recovered from the SWPA and on its way to Rob Greinerts Thunder Factory


Photos are attached - I know very little more at this stage but I am sure we all wish Robert well with this new arrival.

Kindest regards
John P

[Don Martin]

Nice shots, John. You're always on top of things!
Don

[mrhenniger]

Thanks for posting John. These pictures, and other recent postings, are impressive. Thanks for sharing, it is very much appreciated.

Mike

[Steven M. Dennis]

Ooooh that is nice!

Thanks for posting the pics John. And THANK YOU Mr. Greinert for pulling her out of the mud and bringing her home. Check out how well the paint is preserved......nose art.....four kills. Wow, a perfect example of why they shouldn't be left to rot in the jungle. This is history that needs to be preserved!

I am simply amazed at the quality and guantity of Warbird recovery and restoration that is happening "Down Under" right now. Do you guys sleep???

My hat is off to all of you folks for "gettin 'er done"! Keep up the good work and recover that treasure!

Steve

[Joe Scheil]

And look at the artwork and the four Japanese flags! Can't wait to see her finished!

[TimAPNY]

I have too say thanks to those you are recoverying these a/c. I'm so glad too see these airframes saved. I really just wish the Navy and NHC would realize what is at stake here. SAD.

Thanks for the shots! What model P-47 is that? Any wings and tail with it?

[paulmcmillan]

What model P-47 is that? Any wings and tail with it?


http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=35402

[setter]

Hi

I Don't know about the wings and Tail - I imagine there is some other stuff and i will try to find out for all of you.

Regards
John P

[crystal lakes]

looks like a big job ahead.
Mike

[Dan K]

John, thanks again for posting more photos.

And for those who might be interested in seeing this Jug's original resting place...

http://www.airpirates.com/images/NewGuinea/w-15.jpg

http://www.airpirates.com/images/NewGuinea/w-17.jpg

http://www.airpirates.com/images/NewGuinea/W-11.jpg

http://www.airpirates.com/images/NewGuinea/w-22.jpg

http://www.airpirates.com/images/NewGuinea/W-12.jpg

http://www.airpirates.com/images/NewGuinea/W-14.jpg


Of course, courtesy of Mr. Larkins website!

[Rob Mears]

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.

[Steven M. Dennis]

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?

This quote from the Pacific Wrecks data base:

Recovery
In early October 2004 the aircraft was salvaged by Robert
Greinert by helicopter. It was shipped to Australia where parts will be copied from the wreck, and it will later be donated to a museum.


So I guess she will be preserved as is?

Steve

[bdk]

Any bets as to how long it will be until the "Pacific Wrecks Database" announces that another priceless artifact has been stolen from the hapless people of PNG?

[Downunder]

Quote : "stolen from the hapless people of PNG?"
Well, they had their chances. 60 years worth!!!
......and it was still rotting in the jungle.

[bdk]

....and it was still rotting in the jungle.

No, no, no, and no! It was on display in-situ.