Hypothetical (and I stress hypothetical) dilemma

Shagbats aint sexy.

There’s quite a lot of airmen who’d disagree with you there – those who’d promised their firstborn if someone – anyone would pull them from the drink…

Among whom was a certain Wingo Duncan Smith father of a certain UK political leader…

I’d live to see an MB-5 (or -3) fly, but they didn’t achieve much – lots of potentioal. The Walrus achieved a helavalot on the service of several air forces – such is the fickle nature of fame.

I wonder if any 609 folks were rescued by Walrii? Snapper?

Exactly. Shagbats aint sexy.

MB5 different from Shagbat though – a) unique b) a fighter c) a potential air racer d) engines easier to source e) most right thinking males think she looks gorgeous…

Fight between American and British collectors’ chequebooks I imagine together with RAFM.

A brilliant quandry Jeepman – part of me would want to give it to the RAFM in an altruistic act, part of me to see her fly (what a risk though) and part of me would want to make a shed load of cash of of it….

So, i would make a deal with TFC, they can rebuild and fly her for 10 years after which she is retired to Hendon- TFC own a third share, i own a third, RAFM own a third – sort of a Black Six reverse kinda deal if you see what i mean – everyone wins…

TT

I don’t need a lot, and I reckon that’d be enough.

Besides, that’d set me and the girls up for life that would. And I could watch it fly afterwards.

You either have very modest needs or possibly an inflated idea of the value of such an airframe.

How much do you reckon it would sell for? Who’d be clamouring to buy it?

I know it’s unique and all that, but look at the trouble Dick Melton had getting shut of his Shagbat. Just because it’s unique doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a huge market for it.

(But I could be wrong 😉 )

Moggy

I’d buy it for the lowest sum I could, then sell it for the highest sum I could. It’s all very well to be noble, but do you honestly believe that warbirds aren’t big business? I’m sure they aren’t preserved for rose-tinted reasons.

Besides, that’d set me and the girls up for life that would. And I could watch it fly afterwards.

Put it on ebay and get shot of your mortgage.

I’d tell no one, phone a local scrap dealer, and take a holiday on the proceeds.

No one else would be any the wiser, I’d be happy and sun tanned.

I’d ask the owner what his plans are for it, maybe offer him a couple of grand to take it away…

Jay

I’d be obliged to let Setter take it to Australia for restoration 😀

I’d also ask if the owner had the much prettier MB-3 tucked away too.

Moggy’s partly right – Martin Baker lease / own Chalgrove Airfield (Oxon) and are (for Britain) a very historically minded company.

I’d talk to some people in historic aviation I’d trust and hand over to them.

What should I do, who should I tell?

Personally my first port of call would be the current Martin Baker company. Oxford and Kingston if I remember correctly.

Moggy

Hmm. Maybe I could hypothetically put it on to a commercial restoration group for a (substantial) finders fee. But could I take the hypothetical hate vibes directed at me when they sell it on to some wealthy wallet from across the Atlantic who subsequently rebuilds it as a replica Mustang…?
Truly a dilemma.

Flood

Jeepman, tell me this really is hypothetical, otherwise I shan’t sleep tonight :diablo:

Can we all please be under no illusion

read my lips

It is a hypothetical question – something that I have been mulling over for years. I know what I would do (and it wouldn’t be post something here!) but I am intrigued to see the range of options considered available

It’s a hypothetical question – it’s not for real – much as I would like it to be!

I would speak to the owner first and see what his intentions are for it. Then I would figure out what my own interest is in it. From there I would speak to a solicitor and draw up some kind of contract. Then I would discuss my plans with someone impartial in historic aviation who can give you some good advice.

Jeepman, tell me this really is hypothetical, otherwise I shan’t sleep tonight :diablo:

Never mind about the MB5, where are the jeep parts! (preferably a whole one!)

😮

Send me a PM ASAP.

And I’m serious.

AF (Ex BBMF)

Anyone and everyone, ASAP!