Warbird Information Exchange

There is no way, no how, for no reason whatsoever that the Belle should be flown after her restoration. Absolutely priceless piece of history. IIRC, wasn't there a rumor that the NMUSAF was going to let Col Morgan take her outside, run her engines up, maybe taxi her and then shut her down forever? Now that he is gone, that will not happen. Yes, I know it would have been a fitting end to her story to have had Col Morgan do that, but I don't see the point in risking her having some sort of accident.

(Rant over)

Is the trade for Shoo Shoo Baby completely off now? I can't remember what the NASM wanted in trade for The Swoose.

Finally...it would be so awesome to have an insider there at the NMUSAF taking detailed shots of The Belle and Swoose restorations like the gentleman in the Mary Alice thread!

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Earn my respect and never lose it.
Demand my respect and never gain it. -Me

...just another plane dreamer.

Still on..in fact our tour guide talked like it was a done deal. He said that the Smithsonian now owns SSSB and the NMUSAF own The Swoose, but SSSB won't be actually transferred until the Belle goes on display.

SN

I absolutely agree 100%. Beyond getting all systems completely operational, you'd have to put all fluids (fuel, oil, hyd., etc.) back into the bird. After the "ceremonial" engine run or flight, all of those fluids would need to be removed, the tanks cleaned and preserved...a ton of work for a small "joy". It's doable (the Stratoliner was flown to the NASM) but I don't think it's worth it...

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"Everyone wants to live here (New Jersey), evidenced by the fact that it has the highest population per capita in the U.S..."

I decided to embroider my own "Memphis Belle" hat ...

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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

i would love to see these 2 b-17s in the air,in formation, one last time

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" I am a nobody in aviation, but somebody to my family."

Very kool, Jerry!

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!