Re: [MV] Fifi

From: Mike and Cheryl (mleaton@netins.net)
Date: Wed Jan 01 2003 - 20:24:25 PST


I have rode in FIFI and talked to some of the people who went to get her at
China Lake. No one ever said anything about having to fly it out (that I
heard).
In fact Government was mad because aircraft was made to fly it was only
suppose
to be for static display. I have been around some guys that recover
airplanes and
they would rather fly it to its new location than take it apart, just a
macho thing not
really safety minded.

It was my understanding that the B29 (kee bird) had a lot of magnesium in it
and
the fire could not be stopped with the extinguishers they had, they had no
choice but
to get out and watch. I am not sure how good the electrical system was in
the aircraft
and if aux generator was running after and engine was started. I now these
boys were
on a tight budget and had no one in rear of plane watching thing. I guess
with out the facts
I would assume every effort was used before (in duress) the lawn chairs came
out. Always
sad to see a warbird destroyed.

I have talked to the people on the first raising expedition of the P38's and
B17 parts
in Green land too, but that's another story.

If you don't consider Air planes a HMV then here is the mandatory content.
Does anyone
have the part number for the Superwinch lockouts for a M37.

Thanks
Mike in Iowa
mleaton@netins.net



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