Mystery B-25

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ccheese

Member In Perpetuity
12,408
136
Jul 10, 2007
Virginia Beach, Va.
Had to drive to Franklin, Va. on Sunday, and on the way past Franklin Airport
I saw this B-25 just sitting on the ramp. Had the trusty Nikon D70 with me
so I pulled in. There was a man working in a hanger on a Navion, so I asked
him about the B-25. He said it hasn't moved in 10 years, and he hasn't seen
anyone working on it in five. The port engine is missing, but it looks in good
shape otherwise. I don't suppose anyone has any info on this, huh ??

Charles
 

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History:
Delivered to USAAF as 44-31508, 19??.
- Up for disposal at Olmstead AFB, PA, Jan. 1960.
Nathanial A. Kalt/Stinson Field Aircraft, San Antonio, TX, Jan. 1960.
- Registered as N6578D.
William P. Strube, Marietta, GA, Jan. 1960-1961.
Trans Calypso Inc, Miami, FL, Oct 1961-1965.
Leon H. Patin, Miami, FL, May 1965-1967.
John Hawke/Euramericair Inc/Airspeed International Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, FL, June 1967-1975.
- Modified for use as camera ship, Nov. 1967.
- Delivered to Bovington, UK, Dec. 15, 1967.
- Used as camera ship for Battle Of Britain movie, Spain UK, 1967-1968.
- Returned to USA, Jan. 10, 1969.
Reported as derelict Caldwell-Wright Field, NJ, 1969-1977.
Ten Plus One Inc, Mar. 1975-1977.
Tom Reilly, Kissimmee, FL, Apr. 1977-1979.
- Ferried from Caldwell to FL for rebuild, Feb. 3, 1979.
- Restoration to airworthy started in Caldwell, finished in Kissimee, 1979-1981.
- Flew as 431508/Chapter XI.
B-25 Bomber Group Inc, Ocalla, FL, Feb. 1979-1994.
Dan Powell, Fair Oaks Ranch, Boerne, TX, Aug. 1994-1999.
- Flew as Lucky Lady.
Rio Grande Aviation, McAllen, TX, June 16, 1999-2002.
- WFU, poor condition, Franklin, VA, 1998-2006.


warbirdregistry.org - A Warbirds Resource Group Site - B-25 Mitchell

same tail number and registry

- Used as camera ship for Battle Of Britain movie, Spain UK, 1967-1968.





.
 
This B-25 is sitting on the west end of the ramp at Franklin Airport.
According to commiso's info, it's been around, and seems to be heading
downhill. I emailed a friend in Franklin and asked her to call the airport
tomorrow to get whatever info the airport is willing to give. I also asked
her to inquire if the plane is for sale. I'll let you know what I find out.

Charles
 
Great find and pics Charles. It's a darn shame it's 'going downhill', even though it looks reasonable from the outside. I remember seeing this aircraft, in it's gaudi, multi coloured livery, when it was the camera ship for the Battle of Britain movie, fitted with an optically correct domed perspex nose; seem to recall it was used for other aerial work in the UK also. It would be great to see her back in the air, or even preserved on the ground - I like the idea of a Group Purchase!
 
Hey! If this becomes serious (which it could!), I'm in! I might not be able to donate much, but I'd rather miss a meal or a few pints than see that bird rot!
I suppose it's not unrealistiic to purchase it, but hangaring/restoration and display for static exhibition etc would be another thing. Unless there's a museum that could support the idea also?
 
I don't think it's really out of reason for us to all pitch in and purchase that bird. We have a number of folks here that are involved in aircraft restoration and know how to raise funding through various activities.
 
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