Restorations at the USAF Museum.

Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:32 am

Hey Guys

I'm pretty sure the George at the museum is the same one they've had since 1959. As far as I am aware there are only 4 or so Georges that have survived so far, so don't think there is another George at the museum. The museum's George did recently in the past few years go into restoration facility and was stripped down and freshened up. But there might some other IJAF or IJN aircraft under restoration. I remember when the Zero was nothing but a chewed up hulk and now she looks great.

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:49 am

Can one tour the Restoration shop?

Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:27 am

Tim, The restoration shop does have tours. see www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/edu/pg011.htm

Tue Jul 26, 2005 12:27 pm

Tim,if you know well in advance that you're going to be in the area, call ASAP to reserve a spot on the tour as it fills up quickly!!

Tue Jul 26, 2005 1:14 pm

I was there in Oct 2002 and the George was disassembled for restoration at that time. The Zeke at that time was still in restoration as well with parts tucked up on the shelf in the hanger with the B-2.

regards,

~t

Tue Jul 26, 2005 1:54 pm

I think that one aircraft in the museum's back-lot that definitely should be on the short list for restoration is the Fisher P-75A. It's a very unique example of American fighter development, and deserves a place where it can be seen.

Walt

Tue Jul 26, 2005 4:04 pm

Hi all--

When I took the restoration area tour a year ago June, the P-75A was, in fact, in one of the bays being worked on. She was already in pretty decent condition, so I imagine she's probably on display in the research aircraft bay of the Annex by now...

The "George" is the same one that was on display for several decades near the B-29. She came off display some time ago for a longterm restoration.

Sorry to hear the YRF-84K hulks probably got the chop...that should never have happened...In the old days, they'd doubtless have found a home over at Newbury!

S.

Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:27 pm

Thanks, Steve.

I was last there in 1998, so I appreciate the update.

Walt

Wed Jul 27, 2005 5:38 am

So... what's being done to the Douglas O-46A? New paint scheme, or more serious repairs?

Mon Aug 01, 2005 9:09 am

Here are the pics I promised. Would've been on sooner but have been gone for a week.

George

Beaufighter

X-32

YF-23

Mig 21

Mig 23

Mon Aug 01, 2005 1:12 pm

Such a shame that the B-47 is still sitting outside. I would figure that since the placement of the other one in the Cold War Gallery that this one is resigned to facing the elements. They will keep erecting new buildings, but they'll never have enough space.

Mon Aug 01, 2005 1:19 pm

Great pictures!
The Beaufighter looks superb
The X-32 on the other hand.....
What were they thinking!!!!

Rgds Cking

Mon Aug 01, 2005 2:18 pm

I guess the X-32 was left outside someplace for a LONG time. They were told that if they didn't take it, then it would be scrapped!

Tue Aug 02, 2005 9:01 am

Wasnt it mentioned here on the WIX in the past that the B-47 was going to MAPS?

Tue Aug 02, 2005 9:10 am

The B-47 was going to Canton. They have another B-47 indoors.
The P-75 is still under restoration, not on display.

BTW-Anybody know how many B-1As are in existence?
I believe that there are three (SAC Museum, Denver, USAF Museum).

Last edited by Wolverine on Fri Sep 09, 2005 8:17 am, edited 1 time in total.

Restorations at the USAF Museum.

O-bird?