WIX Archives

Re: NASM is't getting it

Posted by Richard Allnutt on Thu Jun 06, 2002 05:01:28 PM

In reply top NASM is't getting it posted by Rob Rohr on Wed Jun 05, 2002 05:21:31 PM

Hi Rob,
Not for certain, but I think that maybe your friend at USNM may have got his aeroplanes crossed. I can't say more about BW-372, as it isn't prudent at this time, but the plane your friend may have been referring to is the Douglas Devastator, which the USNM had been in a sparring match over with Doug Champlin. Because of all of the questionable legalities on USNM's part in claiming the aircraft (the one off the coast of Miami), and the continued lawsuits with Mr. Champlin, there was talk that they would be going after one of the aircraft lost in the Midway campaign which was discovered about 4 years ago in the Pacific (you remember the photographs of it in Flypast and other magazines?). It was, again, a sea-water wreck, but appeared largely intact and unbroken if I recall. Going after this aircraft would get rid of any debate over the other one, as the Navy could quietly stonewall, and not raise it (which would undoubtably lead to more, justified, attention from Mr. Champlin). Anyway, it would be interesting if indeed there is another Buffalo to go for out there, but these two stories bare distinct similarities, and could possibly be one and the same.
If the USNM does get BW-372, which I believe is already a done deal, then I am certain they will paint it as a USMC aircraft, as they have already stated pretty clearly that they will. There may be a possible concession on a half and half scheme, but I am pretty certain that this will not be the case. I totally agree with earlier postings though, that this aircraft absolutely belongs in Finland, or at least to be displayed in it's markings when shot down. The aircraft has a far greater and more significant history in Finland... after all, they achieved a 26-1 kill ratio with it... not even the Hellcat, at 19-1, could compete with that!

Cheers,
Richard

: Hi All,
:
: I talk with a friendf who works at Pensacola and he said t
: hat it is't coming as a matter of fact they are looking at
: trying to get one from Midway.
:
: That would be right for them to have a Midway bird. I gues
: s after the Battle their were three airframes that were le
: ft and they dumo them into the Lagoon their.
:
: Cheers Rob

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