http://www.warbirdsnews.com/warbird-restorations/messerschmitt-bf-109-restoration-update.html

So, an Allison powered Buchon……in a 109 profile:very_drunk: cheers!

WarbirdsNews talked recently with Pacific Fighter’s John Muszalla II about these efforts, and he related the following…

“We have been working on the engine mount and are taking all the proper steps with the engineers and FAA to ensure a safe and proper engine mount installation. We have also made progress on the propeller and spinner, as well as tracking down cowling blue prints and what ever parts we can. The goal of a completely stock outside appearance is really coming together nicely. Exhaust, guns, spinner, carb induction, engine placement and thrust line are all where they should be.

We have also been working on the tail [ed. which is slightly different on the Buchon]. We have addressed the issues with the Spanish tail and from there have moved on to the taller G-10 vertical and rudder. The wings are also coming along nicely… We are using the proper RLM colors throughout the plane, and I can tell you that the cockpit will be as authentic as possible. The goal is to have something that can be taken out and flown on a regular basis without the worry of an entire crew or timing out your very rare DB 605 after 150 hours, but also have the look and feel of a Bf-109.”

A more contemporary view (2009)

Just across the Thames opposite the hotel is a grassy meadow where Lysanders and other STOL machines would set down, and the film would be taken across by rowing boat for development

In 35 years of flying for a living I have had three.

In rough figures, what is your forced landing / medal ratio ?

Got to love the Daily Mail comments section, a rare source of wisdom…….

THIS was a take on the incident that had not occurred to me

”I’ve watched this video a couple of times now and to be honest it looks a bit of a soft landing. I would have expecting most American pilots to have been able to land this plane properly causing no damage to the plane whatsoever. This makes me slightly suspicious that the pilot may have made the landing more spectacular than it should have been just to grab some attention. I may be wrong but I don’t think so” :p

Hand the medal back, the game is up !

Hi Jez,

No apologies needed, and thanks for taking the time to register, and letting us know your connection to this sad event

I do not have any contact to help you, I am afraid, but this forum is widely read, and may well come up with some answers.

The location of this aeroplane is the nearest crash site my home I think, and I have a special affinity with it. I pass the site often, and always pause to remember the crew who so nearly made it through the war, just another 8 weeks to VE Day.

Thanks again, and best wishes

Andy Smith

On the one hand, it’s sad to see all of those aircraft being scrapped or left to rot, but what else could they have done
with them ? Without the gift of foresight .

In 1960 the end of the war was 15 years distant, the same as 2000 is to us, ie not exactly recent, but not that long ago either.

With the country nearly bankrupt and many of the cities still badly scarred from the conflict, one could imagine how people would feel weary and sick of the war, and its weapons, and so preservation was hardly a pressing concern.

It is actually quite astonishing just how many aircraft from the era are still with us.