WIX Archives

Re: Data Plate restorations v. "original" a/c

Posted by Jim H on Thu Apr 18, 2002 01:26:01 PM

In reply top Re: Data Plate restorations v. "original" a/c posted by Elliott on Thu Apr 18, 2002 12:50:57 PM

Aircraft are built from consumables...metal, valves, rubber, and pilots. When one is wore out you either replace or rebuild the offending part (with the exception of pilots)There are warbirds flying with 3rd generation pilots and owners. If we want them to make it to 6th or 7th generation items such as the aforementioned consumables will have to be replaced.

I recently had the good fortune of having lunch with a gentleman that is having a P-51 restored. We discussed somewhat in depth this controversy. What it came down to was this. He bought what most would consider a 99% original P-51. When they pulled the skins off the stab there were pristine ribs, and ribs that you could nearly put your finger through due to corrosion. As he stated, "these are old ladys that need new metal no matter how overbuilt they were". Work conducted today is nothing that the Military wouldn't do in normal operating conditions. Sometimes the term "IRAN" can be taken to extremes...but that is what it takes to make these birds safe and airworthy. In all honesty I wish we all could admire aircraft that are in Museums such as Hendon and the USAFM for what they are...original...and enjoy the sights and sounds of warbirds that have been rebuilt as flying machines. All the controversy about whether Rib Station 3B is a replica is crap in my book. It flies...enjoy it! As I stated in one of my earlier posts...when your hands are on the stick none of that matters!

Jim Harley

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