I just found out a guy is restoring one of these 35 miles from my house. He even works where I do. Who'd a thunk it! This website has a bunch of history and pictures. I could spend hours in here. He started with three wrecks purchased from Canukia. The one he is rebuilding bellied in somewhere in Russia in 1943. He's been at it for 6 years so far. http://www.jneaircraftrestoration.com/index.html
Wow Spasso - great link! Thanks for posting this... Not unlike some of the MAJOR resto projects here at F-chat, or the 308>V12 by MK_E... great stuff. Jedi
Here is one that is ready to go http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch/2905266/Restored-warplane-likely-to-get-4-8m-at-auction Better be quick the auction is today. I16
It's amazing how many WW II aircraft types, either restorations or reproductions, are flying today compared with even 10 years ago. We've always had Mustangs, Corsairs, B-17s, etc, but now there are I-16s, Yak-9s, Bf 109s (with DB engines), Oscars, Me 262s and Fw 190s. I know of at least one Mosquito and one B-29 that are being restored to flying status, and somewhere in GA there's a guy working on an early P-40 Tomahawk.
Hurricane passed in at $A2.4 million Interesting that a non flying Spitfire Mk XVI sold at auction September 2008 for $NZ2.8
The only one I know of is FIFI go through a major re-engine program at the Commemorative Air Force, http://www.cafb29b24.org/
Steve Johnson of Napa, Ca had Fertle Mertle...the 29 thad dropped most of the X planes at Edwards, starting with Yeagers deal. Kermit Weeks now owns her and is having it restored somewhere. Got to fly that huge thing with Johnson on the Disney production of The Last Flight of Noas Ark filmed over So Cal h2o spring of 80. Big heavy to fly thing. Did some shots down low (100ft) with two engines feathered. Aerial filming done by Clay Lacy Aviation with a little Lear. Lots of fun.
