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Re: History Channel Lost Squadron repeats tonight

Posted by John Parker on Tue Jul 01, 2003 09:22:46 PM

In reply top Re: History Channel Lost Squadron repeats tonight posted by Pat Carry on Tue Jul 01, 2003 12:53:42 PM

: and how much further down in the ice are the remaining P-3
: 8's? There probably would be alot more ice to bore throug
: h by this time.

Thanks for the comments I agree with most of the points made. However I think if you look at the costs associated with a whole lot of aircraft restoration projects then the business case would definatly not stack up - as you both point out it is the adventure for some people that makes it worth it.

Another point well made by Rob is that the P38 is worth more because of it's originality. To me as an observer this is very important in that it goes back to that old chestnut of historical originality. Largely it IS the original aircraft not a facamile and from a HISTORICAL perspective that is so much the more important feature. I understand the importance of the need to construct what are largly replicas so that a type can be kept in the air safely and I agree with that but isn't it also important to hold onto and protect historically signifigant airframes even if they can't always be kept airworthy - I think so and so does everybody who troops through various museums around the world.

Try looking at it like this - The greatest cricket player ever to step on a pitch was Don Bradman. His cap from the 1948 "invincable" series (like the world series in baseball for the Yanks in the audience )sold last week for $400,000.00 - How much do you pay for a replica or how far would you go to see a replica - looks the same and does the same job but it isn't the real thing is it.

To sum up the value in raising the Glacier wrecks or the B17E or the Battle from Greenland or any of hundreds of other projects is not just a matter of money it is also a lot of other intangables like history, provinance and heritage. I still get goosebumps watching a replica Spitfire going through a routine but I also enjoy looking at the real thing in the AWM in Canberra.

Regards
John p

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