WIX Archives
Re: Was: Beware parts consolidation
Posted by Steve Young on Wed Nov 21, 2001 09:30:25 AM
In reply top Re: Was: Beware parts consolidation posted by Paul Stewart on Tue Nov 20, 2001 09:56:00 AM
Another interesting and lively debate! I've got a couple of views on this
First of all, someone (sorry, I can't remember exactly who) made a point about the removal of potentially airworthy parts from static airframes, and how this subtracts from the static aircraft's individual history. I think this is a good point in principle, but sometimes the co-operation between static and airworthy restorers can be very helpful towards an airworthy restoration. Obviously, it's got to be considered on a case by case basis, and all the instances I've heard of first hand have involved the trade of airworthy parts for similar but non-airworthy parts, and they've all been quite minor bits. Totally different scenario from say, trading an airworthy wing for a non airworthy tailfin for example, which I have to say I'd be dead against!
I don't know enough about the centre section / data plate debate to give an informed comment, but suffice to say that I feel that the centre section of the original aircraft should form the identity of the restoration. In the case of ours, the outer wings, rear fuselage and tail were removed many years ago, and probably no longer exist, so we have to acquire these parts from elsewhere and therefore other aircraft, but the finished aircraft will still be X7688.