F-86 at New Castle, DE, Airport?
Fri Nov 17, 2006 3:46 pm
Is there an F-86 Sabre somewhere around the New Castle airport in Wilmington, DE? I found a C-47, but I read there is a F-86 someplace.
Mike
Mike
Fri Nov 17, 2006 5:54 pm
Mike,
The DE Air Guard used to have a static F-86 in their colors they would display at open houses. Unfortunately, I didn't see it at their event in October. Perhaps they turned in into a gate guardian. It has been about 10 years since I've seen it.
I know have an old, semi decent picture of it. Would you like me to find and scan it?
Jeff
The DE Air Guard used to have a static F-86 in their colors they would display at open houses. Unfortunately, I didn't see it at their event in October. Perhaps they turned in into a gate guardian. It has been about 10 years since I've seen it.
I know have an old, semi decent picture of it. Would you like me to find and scan it?
Jeff
Fri Nov 17, 2006 5:59 pm
I flew into there several times in 2002-2003, and it (the F-86) was always just sitting out by itself on the ramp, some distance from the main ANG hangars.
The C-47 was parked at the edge of the airport property, next to some restaturant I think?
The C-47 was parked at the edge of the airport property, next to some restaturant I think?
Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:49 pm
I forgot about the C-47 parked outside the "Air Transport Command" Restraunt (I bet a part of the Tallichet Empire). I've driven by it many times but never gave a it close inspection, I'm not sure but from the road it looks like a fiberglass replica to me...... I'd be glad to be proven wrong.
Before his B-24J went to Kermit's and became Joe, it sat for a year or so outside the restraunt as "Delectable Doris" (my preferred paint scheme).
Back in 1990 or 91, they flew in Memphis Belle, a TBM, the P-51 and couple of other planes for a weekend .... I wish they would do that again.
Before his B-24J went to Kermit's and became Joe, it sat for a year or so outside the restraunt as "Delectable Doris" (my preferred paint scheme).
Back in 1990 or 91, they flew in Memphis Belle, a TBM, the P-51 and couple of other planes for a weekend .... I wish they would do that again.
Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:56 pm
Its a real C-47 and it is in deplorable condition. It must have been towed to the site!
Sat Nov 18, 2006 9:28 am
Jiggersfromsphilly wrote:Its a real C-47 and it is in deplorable condition. It must have been towed to the site!
Typical DT!
DE ANG F-86
Sat Nov 18, 2006 11:10 am
Here is a photo of the DE ANG F-86H that I shot in July, 1985, at New Castle County Airport (ILG), formerly known as Greater Wilmington Airport. Note that this Sabre is an "H" model (four-gun nose, taller tail fin). It was sitting outside one of their C-130 maintenance hangars in an area where DE ANG members park their private planes. The tail number is 53-1296, although I have no way of knowing if that's the Sabre's actual number or not. I was told by the FBO where my dad kept his Cherokee that the markings were those of a former commander of the DE ANG back when they were a Sabre outfit. A few years ago, I heard that the jet had been re-restored and moved indoors somewhere there on the base.
Regarding the C-47 on display at ILG, I read recently that it is being restored for static display by a group of local volunteers. It has sat in front of the Air Transport Command restaurant along DuPont Highway (US-13) for many years, being vandalised and run into by wayward cars. I was told by someone at the restaurant many years ago that the C-47 had been pieced together using parts of several derelict airframes. The restaurant was a neat place to eat, being decorated inside with lots of WW1 and WW2 memorabilia and a fabulous collection of models. The dining area faced the airfield. There was also some vintage military vehicles outside. At one time David Tallichet did own it, but I believe he sold it to someone else some years ago. Sadly, it went out of business a few years back. I don't know what became of the memorabilia and models. As of this past Labour Day weekend when Cindy and I were "back home" for the weekend, the restaurant was still closed.
Regarding the C-47 on display at ILG, I read recently that it is being restored for static display by a group of local volunteers. It has sat in front of the Air Transport Command restaurant along DuPont Highway (US-13) for many years, being vandalised and run into by wayward cars. I was told by someone at the restaurant many years ago that the C-47 had been pieced together using parts of several derelict airframes. The restaurant was a neat place to eat, being decorated inside with lots of WW1 and WW2 memorabilia and a fabulous collection of models. The dining area faced the airfield. There was also some vintage military vehicles outside. At one time David Tallichet did own it, but I believe he sold it to someone else some years ago. Sadly, it went out of business a few years back. I don't know what became of the memorabilia and models. As of this past Labour Day weekend when Cindy and I were "back home" for the weekend, the restaurant was still closed.
Sat Nov 25, 2006 8:54 pm
I went by the New Castle County Airport this morning to take some shots of the "Air Transport Command Resteraunt" C-47 now that I know it is real. 
Any way, I was surprised to see it reduced to nothing but a fuselage and wheels. I was taking the pictures below when a couple of guys drove up. It turns out the restoration effort reported by K5DH will take place at the plane's new home, the Massey Aerodrome Museum located in Massey, Maryland. They indicated the plane is scheduled to be moved tomorrow. It will be a static restoration. Too bad it won't fly, but it's still a better fate than its recent home.
For more info on the Massy Aerodrome Museum, their website ishere
Any way, I was surprised to see it reduced to nothing but a fuselage and wheels. I was taking the pictures below when a couple of guys drove up. It turns out the restoration effort reported by K5DH will take place at the plane's new home, the Massey Aerodrome Museum located in Massey, Maryland. They indicated the plane is scheduled to be moved tomorrow. It will be a static restoration. Too bad it won't fly, but it's still a better fate than its recent home.
For more info on the Massy Aerodrome Museum, their website ishere
Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:01 pm
Jeff Funk wrote:It turns out the restoration effort reported by K5DH will take place at the plane's new home, the Massey Aerodrome Museum located in Massey, Maryland. They indicated the plane is scheduled to be moved tomorrow. It will be a static restoration. Too bad it won't fly, but it's still a better fate than its recent home.
This is great news! Another abused airframe being saved from the torch is always wonderful to hear! Thanks for reporting it, Jeff!
Mon Nov 27, 2006 10:07 am
You guys are top notch!
I have updated the Delaware Locator...
http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/Locator.html#USA_DE
I have also added a Massey entry to the Maryland locator...
http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/Locator.html#USA_MD
...although this Locator is not ready for you guys to review just yet.
Mike
I have updated the Delaware Locator...
http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/Locator.html#USA_DE
I have also added a Massey entry to the Maryland locator...
http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/Locator.html#USA_MD
...although this Locator is not ready for you guys to review just yet.
Mike