Hondo, TX C-47 Restoration

Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:43 pm

Below are some pictures we took on Friday showing the progress on a C-47 titled "Working Girl."

New propellers are installed

Center section inspected

She flies.......in the hangar at least

New fabric control surfaces.

How to get a big airplane in a hangar? You put it in a big hangar.

Another view of the hangar

The plane is in Hondo, TX and we have been working on her for about one year. Engine runs should be next week. Paint scheme has not been finalized yet. We look forward to campaigning her next season.

Ober

P.S. Any mistakes in this post are directly attributable to RyanShort1... :wink:

Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:33 pm

So is this a CAF project?

Ryan

Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:34 pm

Is that Rusty's hangar??

Lynn

Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:35 pm

Privately owned, but will be working closely with members of the "Tex Hill Wing" Yes its Rustys' but it is For Sale and the owner is looking at it. Rusty is moving to a private strip down the road to continue AG App., don't know about paint.

Last edited by Obergrafeter on Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:41 pm

Obergrafeter wrote:Privately owned, but will be working closely with members of the "Tex Hill Wing" Yes its Rustys' but it is For Sale and the owner is looking at it.

Is he going to stay or fold up shop??

Lynn

Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:36 pm

Does anyone have any suggestions as to a paint scheme. There are just so many invasion stripes a man can endure. We would like WWII, but are open to all suggestions.

Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:50 pm

Maybe............................
L/G Sultan's C-47 CO US Forces in Burma

Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:42 pm

Obergrafeter wrote:Does anyone have any suggestions as to a paint scheme. There are just so many invasion stripes a man can endure. We would like WWII, but are open to all suggestions.

Is there a serial number associated with the aircraft that might have wartime history?

Ryan

Wed Nov 26, 2008 1:05 am

I think Ryan is on the right track.

Who knows, you might just have to paint it as it looked before the invasion stripes were applied

Wed Nov 26, 2008 1:17 am

Actually the plane went into RCAF service in 1945, and spent many years there before retiring to civilian life. Not sure we like the RCAF paint scheme though.

Wed Nov 26, 2008 1:33 am

It's good that the option was explored at least.

Wed Nov 26, 2008 1:58 am

How about something from the Aleutians or an ATC scheme? I like the idea of researching and executing something different than the typical D-Day look.

Scott

Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:02 am

Who belongs to the navigator trainer at Hondo or this the same aircraft ?

Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:37 am

As you guys know I'm more likely to go for the "story" rather than the artwork. So here's my suggestion for the paint scheme.

If you'd paint it OD - then this would be how I'd probably paint it:

1st Air Commando markings

Another 1st AC plane being refueled.

Loading up troops for another strike into Japanese territory.

The next part of the scheme would be to get the owners to bring Barbie III down and get an Allison-powered Mustang down in the same markings! Maybe even get one of the glider groups to participate. Could put together a cool 1st Air Commando group tribute.

Or... if it needs to stay silver - then here's a different paint scheme:

From the CBI...

Ryan

Wed Nov 26, 2008 9:09 am

Ryan I like that commando paint job. Never seen it on a C-47 before. Just need to squeeze the owner that way. But keep the ideas coming guys. There was another C-47 that went to New Orleans a couple of years ago that was at Hondo, we've been there about 9 months, and are the only one on the field. I like that paint job on the Jeep also.