WIX Archives
Re: NASM Policy Debate for the Weekend
Posted by Chris Martin on Tue Oct 16, 2001 12:55:22 PM
In reply top Re: NASM Policy Debate for the Weekend posted by Tim Savage on Tue Oct 16, 2001 11:48:23 AM
Thank God the Axis one-offs and sole survivors have been preserved. These aircraft (Ki-45, B6N, Gekko, Ju 388, Do 335, Ar 234...) were preserved nowhere else, and I cannot disagree with giving them high priority in restoration. Without the Garber collection, the public today might think the Japanese only flew Zeroes, Kates, and Vals.
As for the depth of restoration, I think there is some credence to going with preservation rather than restoration. These aircraft, although the years have not been the kindest, were never modified into firebombers, salvaged from the SOuth Pacific or Russian arctic, or rebuilt from a firewall. They are very original, and as long as corrosion can be contained or prevented, why not keep them that way? I know someone will disagree, but that's just my opinion.