Think of how exciting the airshow scene would be if the Me-410 and Tempest were returned to airworthiness. Those two planes alone would make an amazing difference! I’ve always thought the 410 was a very attractive plane (definitely in terms of German twins of that era)!

The #86 “Whistling Death” Corsair is the red & white checkerboard cowl example now with the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. The #69 Corsair is the well known F4U-7 “Alberta Blue”.

The one which was completely destroyed is the Cavanaugh Corsair (F4U-4). I believe the remains have been sold to John.

The Cavenaugh plane (previously with Doug Arnold) now resides in a closed hangar at the airport in Breckenridge, Texas. It was one of three non-flying Corsairs purchased by Jim Frye back in 2002. The other two were Howard Pardue’s F4U-4 (BuNo.97302) which he crashed landed back in 1993, and the “F4U-4” reconstruction project from Reiley Aviation Kissimmee, Florida.

Mr. Frye’s original plan was to quickly restore the ex-Pardue F4U-4 to basic airworthy condition, then take the time to restore the Cavenaugh machine to 100% stock configuration. That plan has now changed, and the ex-Pardue Corsair restoration (which has been underway for a couple years now) will be receiving all of the extra attention and returned to stock config. I’m not sure where that leaves the ex-Cavenaugh Corsair in regard to its future return to flight status. The owner has kept the restoration efforts moving along at a snail’s pace, which is probably why one reason why the extra effort is now being stepped up on the ex-Pardue project.

The third (Kissimmee) plane was never truly a candidate for return to the skies. The previous work done to the plane was way out of spec, so it’s now been earmarked for use as the primary parts source for the other two planes.

Hmmm. I’ve never seen that 2nd generation paint scheme on the OFMC’s N240CA. Looks like they simply exchanged the star in the original insignia for a nonstandard RNFAA roundel, before eventually repainting the plane in RNZAF colors.

Any idea how long the plane operated in that configuration? Did it ever fly while those RNFAA roundels were applied?

Top stuff , If only there were more D.B.s around

Speaking of this, does anyone have the scoop on Flug Werk and their statement: “Along with the exclusive possibility to power the 109’s with all new DB 601 engines, Flug Werk has now the opportunity to revive another very important fighter aircraft of German WWII fame”?

I’m curious to know how many ‘new’ DB’s they might have located. Any chance of a substantial find?

Not sure about the configuration of the one in the photo. The various wartime photos I’ve seen of them have shown them to be a rather attractive machine. It would definitely make a nice flying model IMO.

That’s a priceless view over the nose of that bird! 😀 Excellent addition to the collection you mentioned. You’re a lucky fella 😉

What type of work did you have done to the plane while in Texas btw?

There’s a nice B-24 here at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana that could sure benefit from all the good intentions waiting to be showered on the dwindling US Liberator population 😉 😀

I’ve never see such a horrible display of vintage iron. All of the cowlings are missing. The control surfaces are being held together with duct tape, etc. The chicken wire stretched over all the openings and doors is a tasteful addition as well.

It’s a real pig of an outdoor display, and it’s been in that condition for at least 15+ years. I believe it’s a combat veteran as well. Some of the flak patches have been removed to display the damage near the cockpit.

I’m not sure about the previous condition of the Lackland Liberator, but anyone willing to step up to properly restore and house the plane should surely be given the opportunity to do so, regardless of its eventual destination (within the secure limits of the ‘civilized’ world of course).