WIX Archives

Re: Karens photos

Posted by bdk on Thu Jan 03, 2002 05:39:29 PM

In reply top For Tony or Scott posted by Karen on Thu Jan 03, 2002 09:10:46 AM

Karen,

I've just had a look at the photos you uploaded of the recovered parts.

I own a T-6, which was constructed by the same manufacturer as the P-51. I think that the tag you have is from a sub-assembly, rather than the main data plate. Control surfaces (flaps, ailerons, elevators, and the rudder) for instance, have data tags indicating the basic part number and part configuration.

Does anyone have a copy of the P-51B IPB (Illustrated Parts Breakdown) handy? This may allow you to identify what part this tag came from (part number 102-14034-1; you have the plaque in hand, but it looked like 14034 to me, not 14054). A dash one (-1) normally indicates a left hand (or a non-handed part), while a dash two (-2) indicates a right hand part. The left aileron would be a -1, the right aileron would be a -2 for instance. Each manufacturer used a unique part numbering scheme, but some elements are consistent from manufacturer to manufacturer in the US.

Looking at the parts recovered and the fact that people were able to find parts with their feet, it seems as though most of the significant remaining parts have been found. This would lead me to believe that extensive salvaging was done in 1947 since only a few scattered parts were found, and most of those were either quite small, or likely to be located outside the main debris field (prop, radiator, etc.). The only significant piece of airframe I see looks to be a portion of wing skin.

Brandon

: I have found two very good pictures of the pieces of
: wreckage we have been discussing the sale of on ebay. I wo
: uld be happy to put them here, if you would like them, and
: if you tell me how. They give a better idea of just how e
: xtensive the damage really was. Thank you.
: Karen

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