T6G 51-14314 history

[dirtysidedown430]

What's a ADC hack. Thanks in advance.

[quemerford]

What's a ADC hack. Thanks in advance.

Apologies: I'm assuming that it was assigned to these units for general pilot proficiency duties, check rides and general flying, rather than being a dedicated trainer assigned to a Pilot Training Wing (etc). In Europe, many T-6s at this time were used to get officers from one base to another - often for nothing more than social reasons!

Though overall yellow would be a starting point, it's equally possible that this machine wore its parent Wing/Group's unit markings.

(ADC = Air Defense Command)

[philippe]

This forum is just amazing! I learn something each time I open it!
Thanks you very much Quemerford, I'm impressed by your knowledge. The next step is now to find pictures...
By the way, would you know the tail number of the T6C/D that was retrofitted to produce 51-14314? (or know a way to know!)
I've sent an email yesterday to the USAF Historical research agency at Maxwell AFB regarding this, but no answer yet.
Have a nice day
Philippe

[quemerford]

Philippe,

I'm afraid I don't know the s/n of the original machine, but I have a suspicion that the (NS) annotation I highlighted may be relevant.

That's one I'd point at the dedicated T-6 aficionados.

[Ken]

By the way, would you know the tail number of the T6C/D that was retrofitted to produce 51-14314? (or know a way to know!)

Unless it was removed, the original serial was stamped on a tag which was then attached to the roll-over structure behind the pilot. It should be easy to see the next time you are with the airplane.

[Old SAR pilot]

Looking around, found the following site which lists both AT-6C and T-6G SNs: http://www.uswarplanes.net/at6.html

According to that, and cross-referencing with Joe Baugher's site, the original serial may have been 42-44411. Also, the following site lists this aircraft belonging to EALA 11/72: http://www.frenchwings.net/algeria/FR/P ... bersT6.pdf

[philippe]

Ken, I'm afraid the data plate has been removed. I still have to remove the center canopy to have a close look to the top of the rollover structure but for now haven't found anything.

Old Sar Pilot, thanks for your research. Very interesting. But now I am a bit confused about the 88-14314 serial linked to the 42-44411! What does the 88 stand for? Is 88-14314 the same aircraft as 51-14314? Also 42-44411 is reported as being sold to Turkish Air Force in 1948 on Joe Baugher website!

Quemerford, may I ask you if you could have data on 42-44411?

Thanks everybody!
Philippe

[JohnB]

Philippe

If I may make a slight correction...the correct designation is T-6...not just T6.
Many of our European friends make the same mistake, the same way some Americans write the Mark numbers of UK types incorrectly.

[Stoney]

AT-6C, 88-14314 is a NAA # 42-44411 is USAAF serial # and was the 5302nd one built of 9331 in that contract.

Last edited by Stoney on Mon Sep 14, 2015 10:14 am, edited 1 time in total.

[BennoT6]

Hi,

But 88-14314 is a constructionnumber, and has nothing to do with serial 51-14314. So The given previous T-6 identity 42-44411 has no relation with your T-6G. 44411 went to the Turkish Air Force as 7328.

Regards,

Benno

[philippe]

Hi
Thanks for all the replies.
JohnB: Understood! Still have a lot to learn...

The data plate has definitely been removed. I'll keep looking in every corner to see if it could hide somewhere else.

If someone know a way to find a cross ref between T-6G & T-6C/D...?

[BennoT6]

Hi Philippe,

Last edited by BennoT6 on Fri Sep 18, 2015 1:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[BennoT6]

Hi Philippe,

It's not always a date-plate. Could also be just "stamped" info. Remove all paint on top of the truss and you will be something is there; or not.

In May 2002 I inspected a T-6G being rebuild near Alencon (a former La Ferte Alais wreck) and I was able to read "41-32??4". Although not positively identified (I don't know the T-6G serial either) this would make it an ex AT-6C. When having enough digits one might be able to pinpoint the full serial of your 51-14314.

Regards,

Benno

BTW, don't know where this T-6G went. It was an outstanding restauration. Did this one become your St. Rambert F-AZRO which is reported to be a composite airframe ?

[philippe]

Ok, I'll check that also.
I think there is a T-6 flying in Alençon, but not sure if it is the one you saw (probably it is).
The Aero Retro F-AZRO comes from La Ferté. It was fairly incomplete. I don't know it's story, but I think it was the last that was rotting away in a corner of the airfield.
By the way, does someone have a copy of the WARBIRD TECH (n*11) about the T-6 to check what is reported in it for 51-14314? I'm trying to find a copy but no luck so far.
Thanks
Philippe

[philippe]

Hi everybody
WE FOUND THE DATA PLATE!!!
It was hiden in the boxes of parts that went with the airplane.
It states: AF# 42-44090, MFG# 88-13702, TOTAL HRS 2596h00.

So now the question is: Does someone have info/pictures on 42-44090? Quemerford can you help?

Thanks