Model aircraft - In the larger scale

[dhermann1]

1941 Buick

Here's an example of a terrific restoration blog. This one is a 1941 Buick Century, but it's wonderfully well written, full of great technical detail, and good pics.
http://blog.eastwood.com/default.asp
http://www.harwoodperformance.bizland.com/1941buick/index.html

 

[Spitfire]

How's the project getting along, Flieger?

 

[green papaya]

they would look nice on special stands so they could be positioned as if they were in flight, like some static displays on air bases.

http://migluver.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/mig17v2monument.jpg

 

[dhermann1]

I once a long time ago got involved in a small plane restoration project. It never got off the ground, in more ways than one.
The huge amount of time and effort involved in a project like this is almost unimaginable, staggering.

 

[Flieger]

Hi Guys!

Here's the latest photo from the project. You might think there's not much new done to the airframe but I can asure you, there is.

The grey roundel is the base coat for the SwAF blue and yellow "Triple Crown". The grey "21" denoting the air wing where this Mustang operated from will be yellow. We are waiting for a couple of cans of paint arriving this week. The armor behind the pilot seat has been fitted and behind it, the radio eq. The shelf that's visible in the rear canopy was a SwAF customization. It held a sack where the pilot could put his personal gear. Beneath the airframe, below the "21" you can see the bulge that covers the camera. There's also a few stencils painted, "26084" being the aircraft number (S/J 26 #084).

WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR RIMS! If you happen to know someone, something... PLEASE let us know.

Thanks for looking!

/Flieger

 

[Spitfire]

Amazing, Fliger. Just amazing!:eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Django]

I am amazed at what has been accomplished from that "mess" of parts.

 

[zetwal]

Really coming along. Fantastic!

 

[GallatinHatMan]

This is a fantastic project. Thank you for these updates.

 

[Flieger]

I'm thrilled you guys like this thread and i'll keep on posting when ever there is something new to show. Thanks for your support!

/Flieger

 

[Django]

I posted a WTB ad in the parts area of WIX for you on the wheel search. Hopefully it will turn something up for you.

 

[Flieger]

Thanks Django! Really appreciate that. :eusa_clap

/F

 

[Django]

Does this help?

Chad, I may be very wrong, but I can't imagine why BT-13 or T-6 27" rims wouldn't work for a static Mustang. The story always goes that North American used T-6 wheels to get the first XP-51 flyable in time.

Jay Wisler offers rims cheap:

http://www.warbird-parts.com/invent/bt-13.htm

 

[Flieger]

Well, I'm no expert but I think the P-51D had 8-spoke rims and the BT-13 and T-6 used 6-spoke rims. However, I'll put the suggestion to the man in charge to see what he says.

Thanks,
/F

 

[Story]

Good article on the source of many skeleton warbirds

U.S., wreck hunters race to find WWII planes

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/30/MN8817QP09.DTL


A decade ago, a World War II fighter plane could be purchased for a few hundred thousand dollars at most. Now, the price for a restored P-51 Mustang, a sleek single-engine fighter called the "Cadillac of the Sky," is increasing by tens of thousands of dollars a month; one was offered last summer for $2.7 million, according to Trade-A-Plane, a listing of aircraft sales.

 

[Django]

Any updates?

 

[Django]

Any updates?

 

[Spitfire]

Maybe they just finished it and flew away...

 

[Stearmen]

New Blood

Speaking from experience, restoration of WWII aircraft is a rollercoaster ride of emotions! They may just be in that Blue Funk stage right now. This usually changes with a found much needed part, or some times some new blood in the restoration! New Blood can be either figuratively or literally.

 

[Flieger]

Hi guys!

Glad to find this thread still on the front page. :eusa_clap

Work on the P-51 is still very much active but it's been a lot of wings-riveting and such, that don't look very interesting on camera. Two wheels have been secured from the 16th Wing in Upsala, the engine block is being welded together by a guy in Norway and new engine mounts are currently being manufactured from the original blueprints.
If things go as planned, this bird will stand on her own legs again sometime this coming winter.

I'll update you again when I have something more to report.
Cheers,
/Flieger