Warbird Information Exchange

I think that there is room for both flying and static, and one doesn't rate over the other. However once again, this thread really isn't about that it is about who owns the airplane. The NMUSAF did not stop them from flying it, and was not going to stop them until rules of the loan were broken, and when they attempted to address it, they were met with some pretty uncooperative actions.

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

I would imagine that if I am not the oldest member of this forum, then pretty close to it. My avatar is a scan of an original patch I proudly wore during my time in Korea with the 417th EAB and later with the 51st FIS having been drafted in the early 50's. I don't contribute much to the forum but I do take the time to read it almost daily. There are many here who contribute exceptional information as well as some who write much but say little.

My thoughts to the above quote are those of my own as one who gives weekly time to volunteer at the Air Force Museum and very honored and proud to be a "Keeper of Their Stories". Some of my co-volunteers include F-4 pilots who were downed, B-17 8th AF WWII pilot and a nose gunner on a B-24 flying out of China. An F-105 Wild Weasel pilot and many more.

With over a million visitors each year, one less is like the proverbial "grain of sand" ....... However, too many fail to see the true meaning of this museum and the stories contained within it's walls.

"What was Korea"? ... a question I hear too often ... and do answer to the best of my ability. What if there were no F-80, F-94. F-86, C-124 etc. How sad not to be able to pass on the history that many are not being taught in school.

The museum is now completely renovating the Korea War section and will be ready in time for the 60th Anniversary this coming June. I know that I for one am looking forward to it's opening and the ceremonies that will go with it.

I can only say to the above writer and those who think like he does; regardless of policy you may not like ... stop and think of how much you could pass on to others about the history these buildings hold ... There is so much more in the stories ... come and enjoy and learn ... I know I do both ... every time I enter.

God Bless

_________________
Jerry
S/Sgt. - USAF Radio Operator '52-'56
C-119 "Flying Boxcar" - Korea & Japan

Volunteer: National Museum of the US Air Force (2007-2016)
LTM 381st Bomb Group Memorial Association

<INSERT BEATING DEAD HORSE ICON HERE>

_________________
Matt

I don't think it's a dead horse.

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

It is two dead horses?

I'm tired of this discussion now, and I started it!

I agree with everything that Mark Pilkington says (on this topic).

The only thing I got out of these nine pages was the following:

Group A: "The NMUSAF sucks."
Group B: "You're wrong."

It seems two groups have entirely different philosophies on not only the situation, but the preservation of warbirds as a whole. Since neither side seems willing to relent and consider the other vantage point, it seems about as productive as beating a dead horse to me.

Unless somebody has news on where the P-82 is going, how it's going to be restored, etc. I don't see anything productive that can come from this discussion.

I agree with Mark too, FWIW.

And I can't wait to see the P-82 restored, wherever it ends up. It would be cool to see it restored with an original radar pod if one can be located (or made from scratch?).

_________________
Matt

"That's not an argument, it's just contradiction!"
"No it isn't."



And I think that pretty well wraps up this thread.

SN

I heard a rumor and that's all I'll say it is right now that there are plans to make it full on nightfighter with pod. That was just talking to another member on the phone.

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

Chris, any rumors on whether it will be Outside or indoors? and where it will be outside or indoors?

_________________
Taylor Stevenson

The story I heard is that it is going to the Cold War Gallery. So it will be indoors. But right now it's just a rumor although from a close source. I'll be sure to keep you updated. I'm not sure where it will fall in the restoration line up. Work right now is focused on the B-17s. Then the Helldiver and other projects.

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

I personally think the SAC museum would be a good place for it, provided they have the space to display it indoors. It would fit in perfect with their collection of Cold War aircraft. Although the Cold War Gallery at NMUSAF works too. At least that's only a 5-hour drive for me

_________________
Matt

Sooo...

I know it's just a rumor, but reconfiguring the recently confiscated P-82 with radar is just wrong.

Only two Merlin-engined P-82s mounted radar: The prototypes for the P-82C and P-82D. Neither one of these aircraft served with an active unit of the USAF, so what's the point of recreating either of these aircraft for display?

Why won't Dayton restore the Allison-engined example sitting outdoors at Lackland as their radar-equipped F-82F or F-82G? The cowling profile would be correct, and fitting tribute could finally be paid to those first, critical air operations by Twin Mustangs in the opening days of the Korean Conflict. If Lackland truly needs a static mounted outdoors, mount the example just received from the CAF.

_________________
It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Well it's all rumors right now. I also heard the Lacklands going to Dayton for nightfighter configuration and caf bird NASM. But once again I won't believe it till something moves

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

Thanks for keeping us informed from Dayton, Chris. Take care. See ya' at Zack's for beers if not sooner.

_________________
It was a good idea, it just didn't work.