Travesty...?

[speeddemon]

Re: Travesty...?

A P-38 flying is a P-38 flying....... with only what...2 currently flying (flying - not flyable) It's strange to me that people will bitch about it not being painted the same as before......It's always going to be known as Lefty's P-38 no matter what markings it wears. It will be a first class restoration and hopefully remain flying for years to come.

Amen.

I personally think it had MORE significance as an air race vehicle when it was owned by J.D. Reed and actually MODIFIED for racing. When Lefty had it, I always saw it more as a CAF 'flagwaver' that happened to race. But I also enjoyed it just as much watching the aerobatic routines and stuff.

It's always going to be White Lightnin in our hearts...but now it'll be going to a good home.

[JCP]

Re: Travesty...?

A P-38 flying is a P-38 flying....... with only what...2 currently flying (flying - not flyable) It's strange to me that people will bitch about it not being painted the same as before......It's always going to be known as Lefty's P-38 no matter what markings it wears. It will be a first class restoration and hopefully remain flying for years to come.

[Wild Bill Kelso]

Re: Travesty...?

Bill,

Some airplanes simply have a richer history as racers than they ever did as a "warbird".... White Lightnin' would surely be one of these airplanes.

In my opinion, and it is only my *opinion* Red Bull could have garnered much more interest in the airplane had they followed its *true* history as a racer, rather than a non-existent "history" as a warplane.

However limited the supply of P-38's is, in fact, this airplane only did battle on the race courses of the sport, not on the battlefields of its era...

While I don't dispute the fact that Lefty's airplane will be extremely well cared for, in this case, history is, apparently, in the eye of the beholder.

Thanks for the dissenting opinion, tis good to keep the air clear isn't it..

"Mr" Sagar..

I think this is how many of us feel. Keep the history alive. Also don't see an airplane with a huge Red Bull logo as warbirdish. Unless they had Red Bull in MRE's during the war. Red Bull also has a habit of being huge supporters of somthing to gain a market and then disappearing. It happend in skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and now it's aviations turn.

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Travesty...?

Bill,

Some airplanes simply have a richer history as racers than they ever did as a "warbird".... White Lightnin' would surely be one of these airplanes.

In my opinion, and it is only my *opinion* Red Bull could have garnered much more interest in the airplane had they followed its *true* history as a racer, rather than a non-existent "history" as a warplane.

However limited the supply of P-38's is, in fact, this airplane only did battle on the race courses of the sport, not on the battlefields of its era...

While I don't dispute the fact that Lefty's airplane will be extremely well cared for, in this case, history is, apparently, in the eye of the beholder.

Thanks for the dissenting opinion, tis good to keep the air clear isn't it..

"Mr" Sagar..

I read, with interest, the story on Dago Red. I'm dumbfounded how Mr. Sagar can call the P-38 restoration a "travesty."

This, plain and simple, is the BEST thing that has ever happened to that airframe.

Is it possible that a ground up restoration should have happened years and years ago? Would this have prevented the inflight fire and off-airport landing. Probably, but can't say for sure.

What is true is that the CAF, and Lefty Gardner by default, don't exactly have the best track record of aircraft maintenance / operations. Having said that, they are repsonsible for the saving of many rare warbirds.

Red Bull is responsible for this P-38 airframe that will now be around many more years - in top flying condition. This is what is best for the airplane, and people that are interested in warbirds and history. Many more people will see it now. Take out the emotion and take a look at reality.

I'd thank Red Bull for this, not label it a travesty.

Bill Meistein