SPECIAL RESOURCE SECTION www.warbirddigest.com RESTORATION FACILITIES & AVIATION PARTS COMPANIES The Flying Finn PBY GoesPBY Dutch

Friends of Jenny & Triplanes 2014 Marinell A Combat Veteran P-51D Mustang LL restorations are worthy of praise, but every once in a while something pops up that makes you raise your eyebrows. During A the summer of 2014 a newly restored Hawker Hurricane emerged from the workshop of Phoenix Aero Services at Thruxton Airport, U.K., after a 12- year restoration. There are approximately 13 Hurricanes flying around the world today, so why is this one so special? Well, besides being very carefully rebuilt, it The Flying is unusual in that it carries the colors and markings of a Hurricane of the World War Two .

The Man Behind the Restoration The owner of this Hurricane project is Phillip surest ways to get it done.” The Hurricane is his Lawton, a very positive and generous gentleman. first step into historic aviation. Previous aviation He has an engineering background and ran a related experience involved touring aircraft and Story and Photography by Bjorn Hellenius successful company in the hydraulic and water modern aerobatic machines and he used to fly pump business together with his brother for many displays with an Extra 300. Before learning to fly Finn years. He decided to retire at 50, and the sale of his he also built plastic and radio controlled models. (main-photo) The basis of this fabulous Finnish Hur- business provided the funds to get involved in the “I still build plastic models for my children as well ricane was a Canadian Car & Foundry built Mk.XII Warbird industry. Phillip says with a smile, “You as R/C aircraft. It’s the only way I stay sane in the that served with the RCAF, but it also includes parts don’t make any money in this business, but if you winter in ; you need something to do,” he from the Finnish AF Museum in Tikkakoski. want to spend a small fortune, this is one of the says and smiles again.

10 WARBIRD DIGEST #58 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 WARBIRD DIGEST #58 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 11 (main-photo) Rob Davies flying Maurice Hammond’s P-51D over its wartime base at Fowlmere Airfield, August 13, 2014. It was seventy years to the day that this airplane and pilot Lt. Myer Winkleman were lost in action.

Marinell A Combat Veteran P-51D Mustang

Story and Photography by Richard Paver

HILE THERE are many fully restored, airworthy P-51D Mustangs flying in the United States, the type is also very popular in Europe, Walthough in smaller numbers. Examples that possess a traceable connection to actual combat are extremely rare; therefore, a combat veteran 3(inset-right) A memorial to the aircraft flying the skies above European soil would be quite unique. The history, 339th FG’s situated across the road from Fowlmere Airfield, restoration and current operation of one such combat veteran, P-51D 44-13521 where the group was based in Marinell, which was fully restored to airworthy condition by its owner, Maurice the final 12-months of the war. Hammond, is a story that needs to be told. 3(inset-left) In 1944, Captain Bradford V. Stevens of the 339th FG poses with his D-model First Stop Fowlmere Mustang, Marinell, which he named after a former sweetheart. The 339th Fighter Group (FG) was one of the final (RAF) as a satellite to Duxford, which was only Photo: 339th FGA 8th Air Force (AF) fighter groups formed during a few miles away. Fowlmere had a long history World War Two. The group became operational at with the RAF, having first been used for active Fowlmere airfield near Cambridge on April 30, operational flying in 1918. After the First World 1944. At that time Fowlmere was a small grass War the hangars were demolished and the field airfield that had been used by the returned to agriculture. During the rebuilding of the

20 WARBIRD DIGEST #58 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 WARBIRD DIGEST #58 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 21 Rolls-Royce Heritage Museum – Allison Branch AA HistoryHistory ofof FirstsFirsts inin AviationAviation Story and Photography by Stephanie Carlson

Rolls-Royce VIATION HISTORY took flight in 1903 when Orville Wright flew the first Heritage Museum power-driven airplane over a windy beach in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Allison Branch A Air-bound a mere 12 seconds for a distance of 120 feet, the home-built Rolls-Royce Meridian Center 450 South Meridian Street aircraft sparked the imaginations of inventors who dared to dream of flying. Once Indianapolis, IN 46225-1103 aviators got off the ground, significant advances in American airpower soared Phone: 317-230-4071 and progressed at a phenomenal speed. This catalyst to cultivating the aviation 4(op-left-top) Allison’s industry was further energized by the demands of two world wars. crew manufacture’s avia- tion parts in the 1920’s in James Allison adventured into aeronautics after Indiana. David Newill, President of Heritage the Plant 1 shop. (op-left- middle) The introduction establishing a small specialty machine shop in 1915. Trust explains that the mission of the museum is of machines run with Located near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to, “Locate, collect, preserve, protect, restore and electric motors created which he built in Speedway, Indiana, his business put on public display the legacy of the companies an organized workspace fabricated and supplied parts for race cars. A established as Rolls-Royce and the predecessor here on the factory floor. couple of years later, in support of the war effort, in Indy known as Allison.” The gallery has restored he converted the shop to subcontract for the United and sustained an extensive collection of artifacts, 4(op-bottom-left) Engine States government, hiring additional personnel to piston aircraft engines, gas turbines, and aerospace cutaways allow visitors to see the compressor inside manufacture tools, equipment and vehicles for use memorabilia, including the most recent turboprop, this J33 jet engine. in World War I, specifically making parts for Liberty turbofan, and turboshaft engines. aircraft engines. As the story goes, Allison continued to supply Historic contributions to aviation pioneered by and high-speed reduction gears to the the Allison Engine Company and its employees military after World War I. Meanwhile, engineers are chronicled at The Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust recognized the need for a geared engine. Subsequently, Museum — Allison Branch, based in Indianapolis, design teams generated a functional reduction gear

28 WARBIRD DIGEST #58 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 • GossHawk Unlimited, Inc. • Heritage Aero, Inc. SPECIAL RESOURCE SECTION • Aero Accessories, Inc. RESTORATION FACILITIES & • ACE Allisons AVIATION PARTS COMPANIES • Code 1 Aviation

Restoration Facilities and Aviation Parts Companies Introduction by Greg Morehead

ARBIRD DIGEST’S mission statement, “The magazine for serious These are the warbird enthusiasts,” aims precisely at its market. The warbird companies that Wcommunity comprises many thousands of people worldwide but ask can be counted a warbird person and they’ll tell you that their “warbird buddies” are a sort of on to “Keep second family. Another reality is that not only friendships but also business ‘em flying!” dealings are more intimate and firms that service the industry tend to be very specialized, with crafts people who have learned how to fulfil some service or skill, and companies that provide important products that contribute tangibly to the warbird creed, “Keep ‘em flying.”

Because this is a niche market, word of mouth our magazine is a perfect avenue for businesses represents a critical component to perceptions and and customers to connect. These special resources opinions about restoration shops, parts suppliers, sections aren’t simply advertising. To think so and every other conceivable organization that feeds would be short sighted. A high percentage of people the warbird world with conversation worthy content. who want and need the services of restoration shops Word of mouth marketing is simply people the act and parts companies are regular readers of Warbird of a person expressing their opinions, therefore Digest, so we proudly offer this special section as a the information that people ingest in order to feed valuable resource. their opinions largely relies on the effectiveness of a company’s marketing efforts. How do they reach These are the companies that can be counted on to their target market? At Warbird Digest we think “Keep ‘em flying!”

WARBIRD DIGEST #58 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 33 FLYING THE FORTRESS FORTRESSStory by Nathan Harnagel

Aluminum Overcast has been restored with a lot of original equipment and fittings. The 398th Bomb Group markings are of the aircraft flown by Col Hal Weekley in combat over Europe. Transparent hatch above the radio room is normally removed for ventilation in summertime flying.

HE NUMBER one quality desired by crew members for an aircraft used in battle is that it bring them home safely. In spite of horrific casualty rates Tduring early daylight bombing operations in World War Two, the B-17 Flying Fortress established a reputation for making it back to base after receiving phenomenal amounts of damage. Only a few B-17s survived the war and post-war mass scrapping to fly in civilian hands to the present day. I had the rare opportunity to train in Fortress N5017N named Aluminum Overcast and operated today by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). 5(above) Instructor pilot Bob Davis and Flight There are times when the choice of name for a new his way through flak and fighters every week with Engineer Michele Da- aircraft begins a myth that lasts for generations. engines shot out and wounded men onboard stirred vis congratulate Nathan The Flying Fortress name for the B-17 was the imagination of every kid and adult watching to Harnagel on B-17 Second- In-Command qualification. suggested by newspaper reports of the prototype think about what it would be like to bring home the The flight jacket is only and adopted by Boeing and the Army Air Corps for Piccadilly Lily on two engines to a safe landing at the for those who have flown the design. Armament and armor was added over fictitious Archbury base in England. aboard Aluminum Overcast the years to try and live up to the name, but the and the 50 mission crush Air Corps dogma that the modern would There aren’t many aircraft left flying on four engines cap is one that Harnagel be able to penetrate a modern air defense system so how does one ensure that those pilots needing collected in 1982 hoping to without fighter escort proved to be untrue in the type ratings in rare, historic aircraft can continue fly the Fortress someday. crucible of combat. to get training and check-outs? Under the National Designated Pilot Examiner Registry (NDPER) The post-war legend of the Fortress was enhanced program, select FAA Designated Pilot Examiners by a book, movie, and television series with the title with a wide range of experience in these vintage Twelve O’Clock High. Watching General Savage fight aircraft are authorized by the FAA to provide check

WARBIRD DIGEST #58 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 45 6(lower-right) Fighter Factory plane handlers await the signal to pull chocks on the pair of Fokker Driedeckers. Launching both aircraft require ground crews. The yellow nose Dr.I requires a power cart to start, while the red Tri- plane needs to be hand propped. Photo: Stephen Chapis

(main-photo) Newly minted Strutter pilot, and former F-22 Raptor pilot, Josh Wilson prepares to alight on MAM’s grass runway. This aircraft appeared in the 2006 movie Flyboys. Photo: Art Norfolk

MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM Biplanes & Triplanes 2014 Story by Stephen Chapis

HE MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM (MAM) marked the 100th Anniversary 5(lower-left) One of two Pre-World War One aircraft of the outbreak of World War One with its fourth Annual World War One on display was this 1909 Airshow on October 4-5, 2014. Dubbed “Biplanes and Triplanes”, this Bleriot XI replica. Acquired T from a group in Spain in unique airshow highlights MAM’s collection of original and replica aircraft from 2008, it is powered by an original 1910 Anzani The Great War period and Warbird Digest brings you a brief glimpse of this not- Y-Type three-cylinder oft covered collection of aircraft. engine, which makes 35hp. Photo: Stephen Chapis THE FIRST AIR WAR 5(lower-center) The MAM Fokker D.VIII wears World War One. The Great War. The War to End While seemingly shortsighted, these opinions did the markings of 31-kill All Wars. Throughout history the First World have foundation. In summer 1914, England had Ace and Pour le Mer- War has gone by many names, but to aviation just 12 aerodromes, none of which were owned ite recipient Gotthard enthusiasts it was the first air war. When World or operated by the military. On these aerodromes Sachsenberg. Dubbed War One began on July 28, 1914, the airplane was were some 30 partially Government subsidized “The Flying Razor”, the D.VIII scored the final Ger- a mere eleven years old. Prior to hostilities various civilian flying schools, which had trained about man victory of the war. armies had experimented with these newfangled, 660 officers. These officers paid their own tuition, Photo: Stephen Chapis fragile, flying contraptions, but only in the limited, which was refundable if they joined the Royal but vitally important role of reconnaissance. To Flying Corps. The situation in Germany, , military leaders infantry and cavalry would decide and was much the same, but the United the outcome of The Great War. States air arm was completely laughable.

WARBIRD DIGEST #58 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 51 PBY-5A BuNo 2459 was delivered to the USN on November 15, 1941, and saw action with VP-73 & 84 in the waters off Iceland where it sank three U-boats. It is believed to be the highest scoring Allied ASW aircraft of World War Two. Today, it represents a Catalina (16*218) that served with the Dutch Navy from 1942 to 1957.

In between its life as a World War Two com- bat veteran and Dutch warbird, appropriately PBY registered PH-PBY, the Catalina appeared in PBY the 1963 movie Flipper and spent decades as Goes a fire bomber in and South America. Dutch Story by Philipp Prinzing

4(op-bottom-left) After flying ARBIRD ENTHUSIASTS are fascinated by the glorious aircraft of the 92 operational sorties with VP-73 in Iceland, PH-PBY Second World War, like the Mustang, Spitfire, Me 109, Thunderbolt, was transferred to VP-84 FW-190, and Flying Fortress. These iconic have often and flew an additional 103 W sorties. When the war was gained as much fame as the heroic men and women who flew them during their over 2459 was credited with three U-boat kills (U-464, dangerous missions in every theater of the war. There were many other types, U-582, & U-194) and one including cargo, liaison, and patrol planes that never received public adoration but damaged (U-528). It was stricken from Navy inven- were flown by equally proud aviators. A perfect example of a combat workhorse tory on October 31, 1945. is the PBY Catalina. (For the record, P stands for Patrol, B equals Boat, and Y is 4(op-top-right) On the outside PH-PBY wears the manufacturer designation for Consolidated.) Undoubtedly the most famous the markings of a Dutch PBY Catalina was Strawberry 5, which spotted and reported the Japanese Fleet Navy Catalina that served in Ceylon as Y-83 dur- heading for Midway. Combat histories of PBY Catalinas and their crews include ing World War Two. many amazing tales of courage and ingenuity. 4(op-bottom-right) This photo was taken from our One of these unsung heroes of the air war is still this aircraft would become the top scoring Allied subject PBY during an flying strong. PBY-5A Bu.No. 2459 (C/N 300), antisubmarine aircraft of World War Two, a movie attack on a U-boat in 1943 while serving with VP-84. rolled off the assembly line on November 15, star, fire fighter, and still be flying in European During this deployment 1941. It was originally planned as a PBY-5, but skies seventy three years later. 2459 was coded 84-P-7. was modified on the assembly line to be adash 5A, so the airframe was completed using parts of Our subject Catalina was part of a batch of 33 each version. In 1941 no one could have known aircraft ordered in December 1939. Its first

56 WARBIRD DIGEST #58 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 Friends of

JennyStory by Lori Foote

Steve Sachs flying the Curtiss JN4H Jenny over fall foliage just outside of Winchester, TN. Photo: Greg Morehead

HE’S BEEN called many things: breathtaking, beautiful, clumsy, com- plicated, challenging, high maintenance, and even the “other woman.” SShe’s no lady. She’s Jenny, and she’s all that. The Curtiss JN-4 Jenny has a special place in the history of aviation. Nearly every American World War I aviator learned to fly in a Jenny, and it became America’s first mass-produced airplane. She paved the skyward road for barnstorming, wing-walking, charter service, U.S. Air Mail delivery and eventually commercial aviation. Dorian Walker atop the One of the most famous Jennies was 38262. On May Nearly 100 years later, a new 38262 has literally Curtiss Jenny after another 15, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson oversaw the come to life once again. It wasn’t an easy successful flight. An avia- first letter to be delivered by regularly scheduled Air resurrection. It all began in 2011 when filmmaker tion documentary venture led Walker to an Ohio Mail service, slated to travel from Washington, DC and aviation enthusiast Dorian Walker set out on based Curtiss Jenny proj- to New York. A stamp picturing Jenny 38262 was a mission to find someone with a Jenny rebuild ect that is now flown regu- issued to celebrate the event, but the aircraft was project with the intention of using footage in his larly to promote education accidentally printed upside down and 100 stamps film entitled Legends of the Sky: THE JENNY. A about the Jenny’s impor- were inadvertently sold before the error was corrected. nationwide search led him to Ohio. Walker shares, tance in aviation history. Today, that stamp is worth close to a million dollars. “I met a wonderful old gentleman who had been Photo: Greg Morehead

WARBIRD DIGEST #58 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 65 3(inset-bottom) Charlie Cartledge was humble about his role in planning the gather- ing of TBM Avengers and veterans, giv- AAVENGERSVENGERS ing thanks to all the veterans who traveled from near and far, and On the Lake to the volunteers who Story and Photography by Greg Morehead helped to make the event a success.

5(inset-top) The Four County Marine Color Guard provided an appropriate military reverence to the ceremony that honored the guests of honor.

(main-photo) Charlie S FAMILY and friends looked on, World War Two veterans either climbed Cartledge leads a three- ship echelon formation into or were helped into four Grumman TBM Avenger torpedo . over Lake Erie with Brad Cameras clicked, smiles mixed with tears, and hands waved as the old Deckert flying in the A number two position and veterans took off in the big U.S. Navy bombers once more. It was September 27, Tom Buck flying on the outside. Passengers on 2014, on the shores of Lake Erie in Port Clinton, Ohio, and it was a beautiful day this flight included VT-46 veteran Kenny Eltzroth for a reunion. What became a significant memory making event for hundreds of and event volunteers. people started with a smile and an offer the previous year.

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