KI-61 & A-20 at Chino

[Jack Cook]

I took these shots a few years ago in Tallichet's compound at Chino. Does anyone know the status of these 2 birds. There also was a SB2C in there. What is the wing in the foreground? Maybe a P-40?? I can't figure out the fuselage on the left either.

[dj51d]

Tora P-40 replica perhaps?

[HarvardIV]

I think the A-20 is the one from Central America, and now it's almost rebuilt, and the Ki-61 went to Kermit Weeks.

[aerovin]

Jack,

I assume you took the photo of the A-20H before 1993? It is the Nicaraguan bird (44-020) that is being restored at Beaver Falls, PA and that was about when it was moved. The other A-20G owned by Tallichet (43-21627) is reported on another posting to be going to the Pima Air Museum under a loan agreement with Tallichet.

[Jack Cook]

I took that in around June 87. Our crew was flying out of Pt. Mugu and I went AWOL and headed for Chino for a couple days of wandering.

[airnutz]

What was your "reward"..besides the photos..upon your return Jack?

CO- "Care to explain your actions Mr. Cook?"

Jack- "Sir, I had a 'warbird jones' that needed scratch'n."

CO- "Ahhh...I see..Mr. Cook, I have a similar "jones"...lessee what I
can find you to do satisfying both our needs..."


dj51 may be right about the Tora mock-up P-40..looks like the faux wings
laying directly behind it.

[tom d. friedman]

weeks has the tony?? surprised he hasn't started work on such a rare plane. does he plan on it being a flyer or static display?? finding original parts for the inline engine must about impossible!! any pics of dave t's havoc?? best, tom

[Jack Cook]

Actually the we left the CO at Moffet but the pilots, FE and the IFT came with me!

P-3C Update III Orion VP-40 Marlins Crew 8 1987

[airnutz]

Hey Tom, Weeks has more projects than you can "shake a wrench at" !
So many planes..scheduling must be a nightmare. As for the Tony
powerplant... it was a Japanese copy of the DB 601..601s are rare,but not
"unobtainum rare" for a man of Mr. Weeks resources...I surmise.

[airnutz]

Ahhh..a case of mass-hysteria "warbird jones"...very virulent virus..
lifetime affliction!

[tom d. friedman]

yeah your right!! i don't want live like mr weeks.... i just want to live!!

[setter]

Hi Jack et al

I would imagine that the Ki 61 may wind up being rebuilt downunder at Wangarratta in due course - There are 3 rebuilds underway- Kermits P39 is there now along with some of his other stuff. Also at least 3 A20s are going to be rebuilt - first wings are in the jigs

Regards
John P

[tom d. friedman]

never understood why guys like weeks etc have their toys restored overseas when they already have the $$$$$, the restoration space, hangars, spare parts resources, professional assistance etc right at home. granted there are pro restorers & specialists worldwide..... but why send a project around the globe where you can't keep physical tabs on it?? for that kind of money i'd be on those guys like white on rice in my back yard!! best, tom

[HarvardIV]

Hi Tom:

never understood why guys like weeks etc have their toys restored overseas when they already have the $$$$$, the restoration space, hangars, spare parts resources, professional assistance etc right at home. granted there are pro restorers & specialists worldwide..... but why send a project around the globe where you can't keep physical tabs on it?? for that kind of money i'd be on those guys like white on rice in my back yard!! best, tom

Actually, they're a lot like you in me. Even though they may be well off, many have worked for their money. So like you and me they try to get the best deal possible.

[bdk]

finding original parts for the inline engine must about impossible!! any pics of dave t's havoc?? best, tom

When Frank Taylor had this project (between Tallichet and Weeks) there were about 3 engines with it that looked to be in pretty nice condition.