Warbird Information Exchange

I was researching info on this A/C and ran across this message from Walter Bauer sent to Pima,
My great Aunt was a "Rosie the rivater" at Budd Corp. during the WWII.
She was the only woman to ride in this bird and on landing, they had a small mishap
whereas the plane ran off the runway and put a dent in the stainless steel, nose area.
They sent some to Pax River NAS, where after the war, they pushed them into the river,
guess they are still there. They were gas hogs so they didn't pan out as far as the military
was concerned.Lots of good storys about this aircraft.
Flying Tiger Cargo Co. purchased some to fly also. This is the only place I know,
that there is one on display.If any one knows the whereabouts of others, please contact me.
I hope to get up to see it sometime. Anyone have info on this? Being pushed in the river that is, and how would stainless steel hold up in that envioronment?

Tim Landers

Tim,

Satainless Steel is very resiliant over time and extrememly resistent to corrosion. So I think your concern for the main body of the aircraft is good foconcern, But I don't think it will be damaged too much by the environment it finds itself in now. Unless the warter in question has a high salinity quality,

The Pima Air Muesum in Tucson, Arizona has what is essntially a complete airframe, and while it itsn't really put togeher...it could be made so fairly quickly I would think.

Paul

Therer is amphibian built by the Budd Company of Philadelphia PA, that is located outside of the Franklin Institute in center city Philadelphia. It is as bright as the day it was built. All the cloth surfaces have long since vanished, but this plane has been on exhibit there for over 40 years.

paul, their are low grades of stainless steel that do rust / corrode.consult a welder/ metallurgist he'll fill you in. my 2 bro in laws are pro welders & told me that. i believed your opinion prior to that fact too. best, tom

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!

I think there was the Bell Airobonita (sp) and an AR-234 that I recall. Residue was still visible in the '70s I think.