The Photograph of a P-38 Instrument Panel shown on page 75 of this issue, describes the panel, ” P-38J instrument panel” . I was not born when this photograph was taken, however I believe that the description given is incorrect. My research suggests this Instrument Panel was installed in P-38G-15-LO 43-2335, Lockheed Constructors Number 3444 and was taken at Burbank, California on December 23rd, 1942. I have personally handled the Instrument Panels from P-38G-15-LO 43-2195 and 43-2201, their panels were exactly the same layout as that depicted on page 75. Given the huge variation in panel layouts between model changes, I have no doubt what so ever that the panel depicted on page 75 is NOT a P-38J instrument panel.

Without consulting my records, I doubt the 90th BG B-24 served in Europe before redeployment to the Pacific. More likely the Vet just kept a photo of the aircraft type rather than the actual aircraft he flew in. The 90th deployed to Australia in October/November 1942, they flew their aircraft from San Francisco. Upon arrival the B-24s went into modification at the 81st ADG in Brisbane(strengthening of the nose gear). To the best of my knowledge replacement B-24s were factory new ferried into the 4th ADG at Townsville.

He must be popular.

Can I get my donation back? I have lost faith in the FAAM.

There is a flying P-38 currently listed for sale in the USA and an airworthy P-38 restoration project listed for sale in Australia. A non airworthy museum quality P-38 was very recently imported into the UK. The maid of Harlech is not an historically significant P-38 and is not deserving of the massive amount of funds required for recovery, treatment and preservation.
Viewing the recent photos and it’s proximity to civilsation, I am very surprised I haven’t seen components for sale on ebay. At least then, indivduals who want it and are prepared to reach into their pocket will make productive use of it.

Unusual to see Japanese fighter parts other than instruments. Bit pricey though.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WW2-Japanese-Aircraft-Part-Ki-43-Rudder-Pedal-/331389500716?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d285a7d2c

Hope I’m not taking the previous post out of context, but classifying your restoration project as “ËXPERIMENTAL” is a means of getting around the current throw away mentality. And as most flying warbirds today are not strictly as per their original manufacture model designations(ie V-1710-111 instead of V-1710-85, etc…) it is very reasonable to consider them experimental.

General fireproof were more famous for making pilot seats.