Mystery B-25 .... Mystery solved !

[ccheese]

Do you guys remember the B-25 "Mitchell" bomber that sat at Franklin Airport, in Franklin, Va.
that I reported on quite a few years ago ? Well, I was in Franklin two weeks ago, and made it
a point to stop at Franklin Airport. It was gone !! No one I talked to knew anything about it.

I just found out today that the plane, altho tangled up in legal red-tape, was finally purchased
by a collector in Australia (no name given).

The B-25 was dis-mantled where it sat, in April of this year, and shipped off to it's new owner.
The experts at Aero Trader say the aircraft has extensive corrosion damage, so restoring it will
be both time consuming and expensive.

The new owner already has an A-26 "Invader" in his collection, so the B-25 will be in good company.

Maybe Wayne can find something out ???

Charles

 

[fubar57]

Thanks for the update Charles and great to see you again.





Geo

 

[GrauGeist]

Great news, Charles!

Thanks for keeping us updated!

 

[Wurger]

With all here.

 

[Wildcat]

Hi Charles. She is now owned by Reevers Pastoral.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reevers-Warbirds-Roundup-News/422369271274607
Reevers Warbirds | Pastoral Services

 

[Shinpachi]

Awesome research, Charles and Wildcat.

 

[Crimea_River]

Nice to keep track of these old birds.

 

[vikingBerserker]

Awesome!

 

[Gnomey]

Thanks for the update Charles! Be interesting to see what happens to it Down Under...

 

[Wayne Little]

Thanks for the update Charles! Be interesting to see what happens to it Down Under...

It will be mounted upside down of course!

 

[Wildcat]

I have read somewhere they intend on restoring it in 18(NEI)sqn colours which would be cool. If it was mine though I would paint it as one of the top two..

 

[ccheese]

There is good news to be had about the Franklin B-25. On April 17, 2017 Reevers Warbirds is holding an open house, where they will have this B-25 (former Lucky Lady) on display, in the colors of a Dutch squadron. More info here: Reevers Warbirds's B-25 "Lucky Lady" Update.

I don't usually donate to the preservation of a warbird, but I am happy to say I helped buy the paint for this restoration.

Maybe Wayne can give us some more info.

Charles

 

[Robert Porter]

Such a shame she was left to rot, twice! Does not sound like they are doing a restore to flight restoration on her this time. Sounds more like a static display, but as long as she is well cared for.

 

[vikingBerserker]

Awesome Charles!!!!

 

[ccheese]

The Reevers Warbird organization, in Adelaide, Australia, purchased the Franklin B-25, from Rio Grande Aviation, in Texas, some time ago. I am happy to report she has been restored to static condition and was put on display at their facility last week-end. She has been done up in Dutch colours as a tribute to the 18th Squadron of Dutchmen who operated out of Australia during the war . Plans are in the works to restore the B-25 to flying condition in five years. I'm 83..... I really hope I live to see it. As an aside, I made a monetary contribution some time ago, and I was informed that I helped pay for the paint.

Charles

 

[ccheese]

The Reevers Warbird organization, in Adelaide, Australia, purchased the Franklin B-25, from Rio Grande Aviation, in Texas, some time ago. I am happy to report she has been restored to static condition and was put on display at their facility last week-end. She has been done up in Dutch colours as a tribute to the 18th Squadron of Dutchmen who operated out of Australia during the war . Plans are in the works to restore the B-25 to flying condition in five years. I'm 83..... I really hope I live to see it. As an aside, I made a monetary contribution some time ago, and I was informed that I helped pay for the paint.

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Charles

 

[Wurger]

 

[Airframes]

Great !

 

[T Bolt]

Wonderfull news Charles

 

[Old Wizard]