We had a group of JROTC cadets from Franklin High School providing community service at the museum today. They are an Air Force ROTC unit and are a great bunch of kids. It is my responsibility to provide leadership and guidance when they are at the museum. Ha, that might be a mistake. There were three of us museum members participating and we had a number of tasks: Polish and clean the A-26, Polish the P-51, inspection of the Tu-2 airframe, wash the War Eagles van, clean drip pans, mob, all that fun stuff. All the forgotten stuff that goes into aviation and many other endeavors. I did try to impress on this wonderful group of people that for every hour of enjoyment in aviation there are hours upon hours of hard work. When they have dumped lavs, serviced GSE, checked out fluid leaks on airplanes and spent hours freezing their asses off in the cold rain they will understand. All that being said we all know that those tasks and ordeals can bring a good amount of satisfaction.
I have gotten a little work done and both insignia are done with the right side one looking almost presentable.
From the beginning I knew that it will represent a 319th BG airplane. I am just not sure which one and it will display its actual serial. (I appologize for the artwork, it is something I did "quick and dirty" for the museum director.)
I really wish it could be a flyable restoration, but the cost would be pretty high. The cockpit would need attention. There would have to be a good inspection of the wing spar and other components. And I sure the engines would need overhaul I don't even know if there are logs for them. In any case they are R-2800-51M1 engines: "B" series engines with "C" series cylinders, a post war mod done for some C-46s. That makes them real oddballs.
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Had God intended for man to fly behind inline engines, Pratt & Whitney would have made them.
CB
http://www.angelfire.com/dc/jinxx1/Desrt_Wings.html
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