Warbird Information Exchange

This weekend Reevers in Australia unveiled their B-25 Mitchell in 18 SQN NEIAF colours.
We managed to get 3 former 18 SQN WW2 veterans... aged between 93-95 including one former pilot ....to attend.

The event was successful for so many reasons and most important was we were able to get the Dutch government to award medals during the unveiling to some of the veterans and family members.

Many people were amazed at what has being achieved in under 18months by Reevers and this has helped to restart discussion on a very forgotten part of Australia's and Netherlands WW2 air war history in the South West Asian operations.

See photos of the event at
https://www.facebook.com/ReeversWarbird ... 4501101414

Thanks for the update! I see the tail gun position has been removed; are you backdating it to B-25C configuration?

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

Many parts haven't been installed yet. I think that is why the tail is missing.
Very happy to see the veterans had a nice day. They deserve our utmost respect! Thank you for making this possible.

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Magister Aviation
It's all in my book

Impressive work in so little time. Will the B25 be a static display or are you guys going to fly it?

Will

G'day all

yes it is our intention to have "PULK" flying again and the sourcing of parts for this is already underway. We focussed our attention on completeing the front quarter with the name PULK as this was the most important part of the Veterans celebration day. Many pictures taken to replicate a wartime photo we used to base this scheme on. Then the idea struck us that if we presented the aircraft in other sections in a before and after scheme this would appeal to many on the public day we had the following day. It seems to have gone well as the feedback, questions asked and memorabilia sold reflects a very high level of interest. A great two days and we have a number of US based individuals and Companies to thank as well.

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Peter
ESAD (E-Science and Digitalisation)

Sorry if I missed it elsewhere, but what does "Pulk" mean? Pilot's nickname? (Google Translate didn't help.)

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

Outstanding effort Peter...

I would be interested in knowing too. "Pulk" is not a modern day Dutch word.

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Magister Aviation
It's all in my book

Thanks for the support Randal, bit of pay back to a certain group in Canberra hey.

PULK as I understand it means to "take things apart" which in the context of its application would translate nicely.

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Peter
ESAD (E-Science and Digitalisation)

Hi Chris and Fouga23

The name "Pulk" was given to this B-25C N5-131 as a nicname of the pilot Fred Pelder.
Who flew N5-131

Digger,

You and team Reevers have done a tremendous amount of work in such a short amount of time to make this happen. It's quite a bit of commitment, cost and dedication shown to have turned this airplane from a former pigeon roost in Virginia to such a beautiful display in your country. Stunning for lack of a better word.

Onward and upward. Let us know what we over here can continue to do to help you in your endeavors and make you successful. I've greatly enjoyed your updates seeing this airplane come back together.

Your pictures with the veterans and their family members illustrate exactly why you do what you do.

Good job, sir!

- Robert in Arizona

Thanks Pooner, but as we all know this has been a team effort. And this team has players in the USA who include our Arizona Colleague and a great man called Carl plus others.
without these true gentlement putting up with our desperate calls for help and crazy requests this warbird would not have been as complete as she is now. The alternative was presenting
a cockpit only but the support we had from our brothers across the pond made the completion possible. So many thanks to you both and to anyone we have missed out on. The Last few weeks have been hectic and while I would say we have been methodical in this exercise we have been guided by the experience of others. Warbirding is a cummunity adventure.

As we speak, PULK is getting air time in the NDL's and especially the service given by the Veterans, the forgotton Squadron is forgotten no more and Reevers did not do this by themselves.
The Dutch have been amazing in their support and the professionalism of the NDL diplomatic team, especially Col Jacobs has been most impressive. I think alot of other diplomats could
learn a trick or two from the NDL Embassy group. More is developing and we will keep all posted. A second B-25 has been identified and will be coming to Reevers later this year, a genuine Combat Veteran and C model, the biggest hold up - Administration.

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Peter
ESAD (E-Science and Digitalisation)