WIX Archives

Re: Longest Grounding of a Warbird

Posted by Steve T on Mon Jan 06, 2003 10:27:50 PM

In reply top Longest Grounding of a Warbird posted by Dan on Mon Jan 06, 2003 05:35:03 PM

Hi Dan et al--

Interesting thread. Depending on the criteria, quite a few magnificent "wallflowers" could be cited. Four come to mind here in Canada, of which one fits the concept precisely--that is, it entered civilian ownership, spent decades on the ground, then after an epic rebuild returned triumphantly to the air. That would be Bob Spence's ex-Ernie Simmons Swordfish. (Or the SAM one, come to that). The other three haven't reflown yet (that I know of), but...Canso CF-NJL stored since the 60s at Gananoque; Hurricane XII 5418 restored by the Reynolds at Wetaskiwin AB; and Kittyhawk 1034, owned continuously by the Maudes in BC since 1946.

Possibly a better example still would be Bob Jens' Spitfire XIVe, TZ138, which did not fly between 1950 or so and the mid-1990s despite frequently being an intended flyer.

Other notable candidates would be any "escapees" from Walt Soplata's collection (which, unless this is a different Dan entirely, would include the Valiant in the initial post!). Walt's F-82, his O-52 Owl and one of his Mitchells have all become potential flying projects along with the Valiant.

Cheers

S.

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