Matt Gunsch wrote:
it depends, some as recovered displays are very well done, such as the Betty in Chino, others have gone too far and restored the plane, then are showing it as crashed, the B-17E My Gal Sal is a example. Others Like Glacier Girl is able to be seen all over the country, vs in a static museum, where not as many can see it.
I agree with Matt in parts and disagree in others. I think that some recovered airframes are more important as a display in the recoverd status because that is how the aircraft is know, and too much history would be lost in making it a complete or restored airframe such as Lady Be Good or the Betty in Chino. I think that a P-38 like Glacier girl needs to be in the air because that is what is so special about Glacier GIrl. Is that it was able to be brought back into the air. I think that she should be kept airworthy as long as possible. However I disagree that more people see Glacier Girl thatn see the P-38's in the NMUSAF or NASM. Galceir Girl is part of a private collection and you MAY be able to make an arrangement to see it. Down the road it may be in a location that allows the public to see it, but we are talking about right now. The P-38's in the two national museum are seen by thousands every day. This is a key reason why static museums are important.
Also the B-17E Our Gal Sal was a complete wreck not even really identifiable as A B-17. These guys put alot of work in on her, and when complete will look just as she did when she came to rest in the snow. I applaud them for their efforts. I have been there and can say that it and the Belle will be the two most accurate restored B-17's. Period.