I have been wondering about the unseen warbird scene. As far as I can see, there are about 150 airworthy Mustangs, 50 airworthy Spitfires and a range of other lovely aircraft still grazing the skies.
But what about those that never quite got airworthy again?
The ½ serious attempt to restore a Mustang somewhere in a surburban US city, or the stalled Spitfire project gathering dust in a disused barn.
I’m not talking about actual barnfinds here, but the aircraft that people still hope to get airborne again. I know about 5-6 HA-112 (bet most readers know them too), that are just sitting around waiting their turn.
There must be plenty of other aircraft, not currently being worked on and not part of a well known collection. Basically projects that are kinda stalled, or maybe never really got started.
Does anyone dare to guess about the numbers?
By: Mondariz - 11th August 2008 at 06:20
Reading the site mentioned above i came across this:
http://www.hawkertempest.se/mw376.htm
I think that pretty much sums up the spirit of this thread, as it seem to have been “lost” for a few years, before resurfacing in 2008.
Another place i find interesting is http://www.preservedaxisaircraft.com/ where you can find Stored aircraft mentioned, some in private storage.
Does anyone know about any “lost” Spitfires?
By: blurrkup - 10th August 2008 at 10:15
There is a Napier powered one being restored by PPS for Kermit Weeks.
By: bazv - 10th August 2008 at 10:13
thank you – wishful thinking on my part probably – I can imagine a Napier would be a nightmare to restore/operate even considering some of the incredible things people have managed to achieve in the restoration world….
Yes..as I have said before… you would have to question the sanity of any pilot willing to fly behind a Sabre…ghastly engines :rolleyes:
Centaurus a little better but still an engineering nightmare of far too many very important little parts :rolleyes:
cheers baz
By: BSG-75 - 10th August 2008 at 09:53
The french one was a Centaurus engined bird.
Bruce
thank you – wishful thinking on my part probably – I can imagine a Napier would be a nightmare to restore/operate even considering some of the incredible things people have managed to achieve in the restoration world….
By: Bruce - 10th August 2008 at 07:29
The french one was a Centaurus engined bird.
Bruce
By: BSG-75 - 9th August 2008 at 18:43
How about the various Tempests that seem to be in storage forever.
Cheers
Cees
have been getting my hopes up far too long on these…… even heard a while back of a Napier engined Tempest in France (?)
By: Cees Broere - 9th August 2008 at 18:37
How about the various Tempests that seem to be in storage forever.
Cheers
Cees
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August 9, 2008 at 6:04 pm