+russouk2004 6,958 Posted November 17, 2007 60+ years on and a P-38 has been found intact,on a West Wales beach.....even still contains aviation fuel... link to story and pic here below... http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/1...html#cnnSTCText " Members of The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (Tighar) visited the site in October to carry out a full survey. They say the plane is arguably the oldest surviving aircraft of this type, and the only P-38 Lightning in its original condition. Lt Robert Elliot Lt Robert Elliot died in North Africa a few months after the crash Tighar has also trawled through WWII records to discover exactly how the aircraft came to be on a Gwynedd and beach. The plane was taking part in secret exercises when its engines cut out. Amazingly, the pilot, Second Lieutenant Robert Elliot, walked away from the crash uninjured. His nephew, Robert Elliott from Tennessee, recently uncovered details of the crash after researching his uncle's war diaries. "They were doing aerial gunner exercises and my uncle was towing a target," said Mr Elliot. "He had been airborne for around 55 minutes when his left engine quit. He decided to pass back over the fields, drop his target and come into land. "But as he turned the right engine went." Mr Elliot said a design fault on the plane meant that reserve fuel lines to the engines failed, but remarkably his uncle walked away from the crash unscathed. Unfortunately, the pilot was reported missing in action just three months later just weeks into the American's Tunisia campaign in North Africa." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest CW2. Wells Posted November 17, 2007 This is going to sound very jerkish (is that even a word?), but I really hope somebody with money takes control of this project so this bird will maybe take back to the skies someday. As happy as I am to at least see a aircraft in a museum, it makes me so much more happier to see an old war bird flying. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viggen 644 Posted November 17, 2007 This is going to sound very jerkish (is that even a word?), but I really hope somebody with money takes control of this project so this bird will maybe take back to the skies someday. As happy as I am to at least see a aircraft in a museum, it makes me so much more happier to see an old war bird flying. I would like to see this gal fly as well. What would they name her though? Glacier Girl got her name via the rescue, maybe Beech Bailer? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rambler 1-1 9 Posted November 18, 2007 The Dune Dweller? Sandy? Luau Lady? Just Beachy? I dunno. Imagine the beachcomber who found her! what a suprise! burried treasure of the first degree... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BUFF 8 Posted November 18, 2007 It's Welsh so probably Baa-rbara (jk Russ & others of the Welsh peruasion) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted November 19, 2007 Wouldn't the salt water corrosion preclude any hope of flying it again? This wasn't at the bottom of a lake or something, this was at the tide line. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TX3RN0BILL 3 Posted November 19, 2007 Yeah, that would be my question too, if this will ever be able to be restored to airworthyness... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankbuster17 0 Posted November 19, 2007 The money necessary to restore it in its condition would be astronomical. But seeing as there are so few P-38s in flying condition, someone may get ambitious. Who knows, maybe a donation fund will be set up? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest CW2. Wells Posted November 19, 2007 If there is still fuel in the tanks, then the corrosion might not be that bad. Even so, did you see the shape Glacier Girl was in when they found her? She didn't look like she could be saved, but she was. As for names, if this P-38 already was named by the pilot prior to the crash, then it should keep it's old name. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vikbell 0 Posted November 19, 2007 Just about anything can be done with right amount of money. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted November 20, 2007 Like build a totally new P-38 from scratch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Talos 0 Posted November 20, 2007 (edited) Worked for the Me-262. Edited November 20, 2007 by Talos Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest CW2. Wells Posted November 20, 2007 The B-25 too. There is a company out of Texas that can restore a B-25 to new. They have enough manufactured parts made for them all they need to build a B-25 is a fuselage. If the demand is high enough the product will produce it's self. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Jimbib 747 Posted November 21, 2007 There are only a few currently flying P-38's around the world. If this P-38 found on Gwynedd beach gets restored, it'll make a fourth, which could also be joined by a fifth in the future. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BUFF 8 Posted November 21, 2007 vikbell, never noticed before but I like your choice of avatar ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rambler 1-1 9 Posted November 28, 2007 wuh-oh... I sence avatar copyright issues.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Platinum Rogue 48 Posted December 5, 2007 Just about anything can be done with right amount of money. And a hammer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
