The Tempest in the photos was traded to NEAM by the late Nick Grace for our Short Sealand Amphib. He then traded that airframe to the Museum in Ireland for a Spitfire.
The NEAM Tempest was later traded for a complete Mig-15.
Now before everyone goes wild, I'll make a few things clear.
The Tempest was in rough shape and far from displayable. At the time, most of our resources were going into buildings to protect the majority of the collection. The Northeast is not kind to aircraft kept outside. We didn't even have the restoration Hanger at that time, so it's place in line was a long way off.
Even though my heart lies with the WWII aircraft, the committee took in to consideration the roles in history that both the Mig-15 and the Tempest played. The Tempest was realitivly short-lived. A great aircraft, but it's role in history was not a long one. The Mig-15, on the other hand, played a significant part, not only by supplying many of the world's air forces with their first Jet Fighter, but also it's longevity and it's influence on the United States. What it represents to an Aviation Musuem that is trying to portray the history and impact of aviation is the massive effects the communist have had on our country and armed forces.
From WWII up until recently, our entire military was focused on the commmunist threat. The Mig-15 tells a much broader story for the general public visiting the museum than the Tempest ever would.
I would've liked to keep both, but for what we were trying to focus on, I still believe it was the correct choice at that time. Today, with 5 buildings constructed, I would find it hard to let go of the Tempest for a Mig, especially since most people know the cash value of the airframes are very different.
As a side note, the Macchi 200 that we had since the mid 1960's was in deplorable condition and missing many parts. It was sold to help put up the restoration building. I would've loved to keep that one, but the building was sorely needed and many projects have been through it since it's construction, thus saving many airframes in the collection. Besides, within a year and a half of sending the Macchi away, it was back at the NMUSAF and fully restored for all to see. Now didn't we all benefit from that?
As to the present whereabouts of the Tempest, I'm not sure and I've forgot who was involved in the trade, but it might have been Chuck Thornton. Not sure though, so don't quote me.
Blue skies,
Jerry
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