Wreck of a FW 190

[Christer Engdahl]

Franek,
that's what I thought you meant.

I actually blieve(d) that documenting the site of recovery as well as the aircraft was normal procedure. After recovery, even if it is not rebuilt to flying condition, an "overhaul" to secure its longtime survivability would also remove the originality, at least to some extent and something has to be done.

Thanks,
Christer

[bluebiggsey]

I agree with Franek. It does indeed seem a crime to make this machine flyable. Remember the plight of a certain unique Bristol Bulldog? I would have liked to seen it preserved using modern methods. But if its a choice between rotting forgotten in some forest or on the airshow circuit. Well I'll go for ripping the archaic systems out and tear off the skinning everytime.But please document what you do.

[DaveM2]

In this case the skins were taken of by the original owners and discarded, but Allen, to his credit, insisted that the original skins be used and all but two have been reinstalled. Not often this happens, only his wealth has allowed such 'indulgence'....more power to him!

Dave

[bluebiggsey]

I take it the photo showing the 190 in Dec 2005 is with it original skins on? If so its a pity the original paint has been lost. Hopefully the next airframe to be found intact will recive the same treatment as the the Fleet Air Arm Corsair restoration.

Even so I wish Pul Allen the best of luck and look forward to seeing it complete and in its element.

[DaveM2]

Yes, those are the original skins. Paint samples were taken from protected areas so the same camo will be reapplied as in service.

Dave

[aeroeng]

Incredible find. Makes you wonder when the next big find will show up.

[KrisJG3]

Wrack === Paul Rätz :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQpF-lk-okY&t=2s

[harrison987]

I was invlived in this restoration, and I can tell you that no skins that I know of were re-used.

Aluminum age-hardens over time, and as such, becomes NON-AIRWORTHY quite quickly. Yes, there is an "Experimental" classification in the USA...but using 80-year old aluminum for the airframe is not something anyone would ever do.

All skins were replaced with new by the time this was done.

The green paint used in the camo is Russian Green used for John Deere tractors.

John Deere tractors were sold to the Soviets as part of the Lend-Lease program. The original paint used on them was also sent to Russia.

When the Germans invaded the Soviet union and captured various facilities, they captured a huge amount of Russian Paint. That paint being John Deere Green.

That is the same green that was used in the paint scheme today.

[Revi16]

Originally Posted by harrison987

I was invlived in this restoration, and I can tell you that no skins that I know of were re-used.

Aluminum age-hardens over time, and as such, becomes NON-AIRWORTHY quite quickly. Yes, there is an "Experimental" classification in the USA...but using 80-year old aluminum for the airframe is not something anyone would ever do.

All skins were replaced with new by the time this was done.

Aluminum skins that are corroded or damaged will need replaced, otherwise they are fine to use. No requirement to replace skins based on age.

Just a few examples, there are hundreds of AT-6's still flying with their original 1940's skins, stringers and frames installed. The CAF's B-24 and B-29 retain the majority of their original aluminum airframe components.
The list goes on and on with many WWII aircraft. Sure some aircraft are 100% new builds, but most aren't.

[harrison987]

I was involved with the restoration...all skins were replaced.

The issue is that it was sitting outside in the elements for 50 years in a Russian forest.

AT-6's generally are not subject to that sort of treatment.

Mike

Originally Posted by Revi16

Aluminum skins that are corroded or damaged will need replaced, otherwise they are fine to use. No requirement to replace skins based on age.

Just a few examples, there are hundreds of AT-6's still flying with their original 1940's skins, stringers and frames installed. The CAF's B-24 and B-29 retain the majority of their original aluminum airframe components.
The list goes on and on with many WWII aircraft. Sure some aircraft are 100% new builds, but most aren't.