NASM He 219 is reassembled!!

[Richard W.]

I had just about given up on seeing the Uhu assembled in my lifetime.

Fantastic news. Thank you for letting me know.

[JohnB]

A precedent exits: We did repatriate the sole surviving Emily flying boat back to Japan.

That was not a precedent. The U.S. Navy owned the Emily and returned her to Japan based on a multitude of factors, none of which involved the NASM.

I didn't say the NASM set the precedent, just that a precedent exists in the return of rare aircraft to their country of origin.

[Mark Allen M]

OD/NG Impressive counterpoints.

[sandiego89]

And they still don't have a B-17 or 24 on display.

I would much rather see a one-of-a-kind former Luftwaffe aircraft on display there. This is the only complete He-219 in the world. Do we really need another B-17 or B-24 when we have many on display in National Collections around the world?

I am absolutely with your there OD/NG. I will go out of my way to see a sole survivor or ultra rare type, over a more common warbird. Several Axis types are sole survivors, and UH is the mecca for them.

I am so glad that Mr. Garber and Mr. Maloney and a few others took the time to recognize the importance of saving a few types, including the Axis planes. Most were just bulldozed, scrapped or burned.

Should NASM have a B-17? Yes they should, and it was a long oversight- but I would rather see the Serian, Ar-234, Dornier, and the other sole survivors. If NASM had a B-17 downtown or at UH, as an enthusiast I would likely walk right by it to scout out rarer types like the P-61 or the sole survivors. Again this does not mean they should not have a B-17, but I know what I would rather see. I am the same way at airshows. I will go out of my way to see something I have never seen. If it is the same line up of common types I am may pass.

[Mark Allen M]

Seems quite clear what the goals are.

"The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits artifacts, archival materials, and works of art related to the history, culture, and science of aviation and spaceflight and the study of the universe."

Nowhere does it state that their goals should include B-17's/B-24's and the like. As has been stated, "National Museum" doesn't mean American made only.

The Museum BOD and leadership are doing just fine. As long as their allowed to continue that is.