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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 3, 2008 10:31:21 GMT 12
Here are a couple of 1993 shots I took of the ex-Motat P-47D Thunderbolt when it arrived at Wigram for the RNZAF Musuem. It was a real mess, and not all of it was original - it included a few 2x4 timbers and some fibreglass to strengthen it. I wonder how much of this will be included in the 'restoration' when the aircraft is rolled out in Aussie? Not much I suspect.   |
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Post by corsair67 on Jan 3, 2008 10:34:58 GMT 12
Yes, it'll be great to see this Thunderbolt in the air again at some stage. I have to admit I prefer the bubble canopied later versions though!  |
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Post by beagle on Jan 3, 2008 15:33:21 GMT 12
they swapped this for the corsair ??
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 3, 2008 15:39:42 GMT 12
No, the P-47 was gifted to Wigram for their help in rebuilding the Mossie (as was the Vildebeest). They then swapped this to Aussie to get the Pup. I think I know who got the real 'pup'...
The Corsair was swapped to Aussie for the P-40E.
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Post by mumbles on Jan 3, 2008 20:29:34 GMT 12
I saw it at Motat in December 1985, and vividly remember the 2x4s that were nailed on to the tailplane to secure the elevators  Nice to see it went somewhere where it could be looked after a bit better. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 4, 2008 7:41:12 GMT 12
It shouldn't be too far away from flying now, surely? Anyone seen any recent updates on it?
I recall when at Motat it had a big metal bar between the undercarriage so it didn't collapse. It was a sad sight even then in the 1980's. It also had nothing inside it, no cockpit, as this was restored and returned to PNG apparently for their museum. I guess the current restorer only needed a dataplate.
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