OT-Update on National Museum of WWII Aviation
02-22-2018, 10:51 PM
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OT-Update on National Museum of WWII Aviation
Just wanted to give you guys interested in aircraft an update on the museum and what I’ve been working on. In December, Congress officially recognized the museum in Colorado Springs with the “National” designator and was also signed by President Trump. There are no federal dollars provided to the museum, but typically donations increase with the designation.
I’ve been working on a PT-19 trainer which is now almost completely disassembled. The staff wasn’t sure if it would be restored as a static display or to flyable status, but after disassembly, they have determined it is airworthy! Next week the frame goes out to media blasting and powder coating. I have been dissembling, media blasting and cleaning numerous smaller parts getting ready to start reassembly once the frame comes back.
I know it isn’t a warbird, but many pilots trained in this prior to flying the warbirds.
Mark
I’ve been working on a PT-19 trainer which is now almost completely disassembled. The staff wasn’t sure if it would be restored as a static display or to flyable status, but after disassembly, they have determined it is airworthy! Next week the frame goes out to media blasting and powder coating. I have been dissembling, media blasting and cleaning numerous smaller parts getting ready to start reassembly once the frame comes back.
I know it isn’t a warbird, but many pilots trained in this prior to flying the warbirds.
Mark
02-22-2018, 10:54 PM
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Totally cool, combat warbird or not.
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warrenmj (02-23-2018)
02-22-2018, 11:26 PM
#3
Instructor
Just wanted to give you guys interested in aircraft an update on the museum and what I’ve been working on. In December, Congress officially recognized the museum in Colorado Springs with the “National” designator and was also signed by President Trump. There are no federal dollars provided to the museum, but typically donations increase with the designation.
I’ve been working on a PT-19 trainer which is now almost completely disassembled. The staff wasn’t sure if it would be restored as a static display or to flyable status, but after disassembly, they have determined it is airworthy! Next week the frame goes out to media blasting and powder coating. I have been dissembling, media blasting and cleaning numerous smaller parts getting ready to start reassembly once the frame comes back.
I know it isn’t a warbird, but many pilots trained in this prior to flying the warbirds.
Mark
I’ve been working on a PT-19 trainer which is now almost completely disassembled. The staff wasn’t sure if it would be restored as a static display or to flyable status, but after disassembly, they have determined it is airworthy! Next week the frame goes out to media blasting and powder coating. I have been dissembling, media blasting and cleaning numerous smaller parts getting ready to start reassembly once the frame comes back.
I know it isn’t a warbird, but many pilots trained in this prior to flying the warbirds.
Mark
just a thought, consider not using the powder coat on the structural tube frame parts. I have seen a number that corrode from the inside out and you never see a trace until it fails or fails apart. Use a light color epoxy and then when it corrodes you see a stain in the paint and can investigate and repair as required.. just a thought...
take care
jcw
Last edited by Early66L72; 02-22-2018 at 11:27 PM. Reason: additional info
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warrenmj (02-23-2018)
02-22-2018, 11:35 PM
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Mark
just a thought, consider not using the powder coat on the structural tube frame parts. I have seen a number that corrode from the inside out and you never see a trace until it fails or fails apart. Use a light color epoxy and then when it corrodes you see a stain in the paint and can investigate and repair as required.. just a thought...
take care
jcw
just a thought, consider not using the powder coat on the structural tube frame parts. I have seen a number that corrode from the inside out and you never see a trace until it fails or fails apart. Use a light color epoxy and then when it corrodes you see a stain in the paint and can investigate and repair as required.. just a thought...
take care
jcw
02-23-2018, 08:28 PM
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I agree, I specialise in antique/ vintage Harley Davidson frame repair and restoration. I always tell my customer NOT to powder coat their frames when I am finished. Makes it very difficult to see and repair any cracks that may show up in the future.
That's a cool project to be working on ! Good luck with it and keep us posted.
That's a cool project to be working on ! Good luck with it and keep us posted.
02-23-2018, 10:50 PM
#6
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Just because it's not a War Bird doesn't mean it's not a part of history. It's great to see these old trainers being restored and made air worthy.
Please keep the pictures coming.
Please keep the pictures coming.
02-24-2018, 11:55 AM
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This frame is 75-80 years old and has 1 or 2 small cracks found so far. After it gets media blasted, it will be inspected again and any/all cracks repaired by airframe experts.
They may have chosen powder coating based on the great condition of the frame even though it is old. It will also spend most of its life in a climate controlled hanger in Colorado Springs where we have a very dry climate where rust should not be an issue.
However, I will pass along your concerns and recommendations to the decision makers. Thanks
They may have chosen powder coating based on the great condition of the frame even though it is old. It will also spend most of its life in a climate controlled hanger in Colorado Springs where we have a very dry climate where rust should not be an issue.
However, I will pass along your concerns and recommendations to the decision makers. Thanks