I’m sure if you were to ask Mrs. SRP she would tell you that I’m pretty good at spending money on old aeroplanes. Well, I’m also not bad at spending other people’s money, so it seems to me that we need to spend a little “Hairy” money and buy a warbird. Now.
Oh yes, Mustangs are nice and Spitfires are great…but we need something NOW. While it’s cold outside and we’re all bored. We need something to rally behind until Spring arrives. We need a TBM!
Let’s think about it:
1. Excellent value for the money
2. An easy warbird to fly
3. WW2 combat history, as well as a British link with the FAA
4. Some good examples on the market today
5. Can operate easily at Old Warden
6. Looks good, with very straightforward systems and a solid engine
7. Wings fold, which is always cool
8. Wings fold, so you can get it in the hanger.
Courtesy currently has one for sale that used to belong to a friend of mine, Ron Maggard. Ron sadly passed away a few years ago from cancer, but during the early 1990s we had a blast with this airplane. It was sold to the Cavanaugh Air Museum where it went through a complete restoration, and last year it won “Best Bomber” at Oshkosh.
It’s a steal at around £140K
So, come on forumites…let’s get this deal done!
By: italian harvard - 6th January 2005 at 00:00
140 grand for an airworthy avenger????????????????????????????????????????????
Alex
By: mexicanbob - 5th January 2005 at 23:51
I’ve always loved TBM’s. My very first plane ride was in the turret of the one Howard Pardue owned. It was a long circle around the patch, but just about 20 years later I was photographed running the engine on one after doing some hydraulic work. This is N337GA up in Arlington Washington about two years back. I think they are the most practical warbirds to own, outside of the trainers. I don’t personally find it as nice as the Skyraider, but I do love it so!
By: Manonthefence - 5th January 2005 at 21:50
A cracking Idea.
I really like TH-T’s Aveneger when he brings it in to OW, but what gives me the frock factor on this one is the turret.
daga daga daga daga.
And loadsa room for beer and stuff in the bomb bay.
By: DazDaMan - 5th January 2005 at 21:47
Steve, sell the MiG! :p
By: srpatterson - 5th January 2005 at 21:44
If I wasn’t finishing the MiG-17F right now I’d buy this airplane. It’s a great airplane, and a fantastic buy.
By: alanl - 5th January 2005 at 21:44
£140k!Bargain Mr Patterson!
If Mr Hairyplane reads this,bags first place in the queue ,by the fence at o.w., for the post flight wash and polish!(see previous threads about people asking for flights,but nobody offering to get dirty for explanation!)
Alan.
By: galdri - 5th January 2005 at 21:39
Did the maths my self, and the price is correct! Unbelievable. An aircraft like that for 140K! It’s a real steal, alright
By: galdri - 5th January 2005 at 21:32
We need a TBM!
It’s a steal at around £140K
I can whole heartedly agree with this first comment. I WANT ONE 😀 😀
Are you sure there is not some decimal mistake in that price? 140K for a first class TBM? :confused:
By: DazDaMan - 5th January 2005 at 21:27
I’ll take two!
Can I sign this cheque for April 1st? 😉
Seriously, though, I have a bit of a soft-spot for the old Avenger, having got up close and personal to Tony Haig-Thomas’s aircraft at East Fortune a few years ago – seemed a mighty impressive aircraft, although I can’t recall seeing her fly then (but I did at White Waltham in ’96).
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January 5, 2005 at 9:23 pm