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P-40 Identity in South Australia

Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 10:32 pm
by Derek77
Hi

I've been visiting this site for a while and have recently decided to register. I am a fan of the P-40 Kittyhawk and was hoping if someone on this forum could provide me with the details of owners and aircraft identities for P-40 projects in South Australia. I understand Graham Smith has one but not sure what the serial is for that and I understand another collector has a project on the go as well, but I have no other details about that one either. I've spoken to staff at the Classic Jets museum and they assure me they haven't a P-40 project on the racks or one stored for the future. One of the staff did suggest I speak to the owner of the Wirraway now based in the Museum but I have no details on this person either. I've also made inquiries at the SAAM but same response. Either this is a closely guarded secret or there simply isn't one. However, I have a friend who works as a LAME and he has told me the company he works for was asked to provide a quote for the 'fit out' of a P-40. Obviously the finer details of this inquiry have been kept very discreet but I would think that its a good indication of a project nearing the rebuild phase. I'd like to volunteer to help with anything that I could do if such a project was to be started here in South Australia, knowing its identity and history would be the icing on the cake.

hope someone could help

Derek

Re: P-40 Identity in South Australia

Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 5:44 pm
by dfboy
Hi Derek,
Not suggesting that aircraft restoration projects in Oz are cloak and dagger stuff, there just isn't a lot of reportage on warbird projects here. The two local journals, 'Flight Path' and 'Classic wings' are about all we have to go on, although 'Aero Australia' may be the new one to watch for info on warbirds.

The only P-40 restoration project I know of in SA is the one you mentioned, Graham Smith's P-40E which I believe is a composite re-build - fuselage and wings from two different aircraft.

May be best to try contacting Graham via his aviation components company - Precision Aeroform website http://aeroformaustralia.com/ as you could end up waiting for ages to get 'reports' on how these projects are proressing.

The problem with warbird restorations is that some are 'quick' taking only 2 - 3 years but others much longer with at least one Mustang restoration I know of still going after 20+ years!

Darryl

Re: P-40 Identity in South Australia

Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 5:05 am
by Derek77
Thanks for the link and additional information Daryl

I'll follow it up and see where it takes me


Derek

Re: P-40 Identity in South Australia

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 5:25 am
by GordyB2
For a "Scandanvian" Pilot who has substanial Aviation restorations and heritage history behind him. AA named him.

The wreck was dug up some years ago and brought to SA. Using the ID plate and very little else it will be a question of how much money is thrown in.

Here's some "extra" stuff on the wreck

P-40E A29-43 per USAAF# 41-5549 with Allison V1710-39 Eng#41-36054 to RAAF as A29-43 Mar 1942. Shot down in flames over Port Moresby 24/04/1942. Crs near Poredadn Village P/O Oswald John Channon 75Sqn (411386)killed Ref: RAAF Dispatch A938 Shot down over Porebada village, outside Port Moresby on April 24, 1942." Coded "P" whilst in 75 Sqn RAAF

Have a pic of her somewhere at home taken at Horn Island on the 5th April 42 when being ferried up nineteen day before. Hope to find it one day :(

Was with A29-48 USAAF #41-5535 Coded "Y" and named "Poison P"at the time and five others
That evening at 1732Hrs, these seven P-40E replacements flew into Port Moresby Strip.

Best
Gordy

Gordy