When Great Race went through the midwest 2 years ago, we were all given die
cast models of 'Glacier Girl': the town was very proud to be associated with
that story. As a pilot myself, and a Lockheed fan in particular, I know that
the P-38 is one of the most difficult of all recips to restore or fly. It is
a very complex airframe, partly because of the advanced techniques used in
it's design. GM could knock out Grumman TBM's like Chevys, but only the
skilled staff in Burbank could create a P38. And since cockpit controls and
the Allisons are non standard, only experienced pilots dare try to fly one.
Hats off to any organization that can bring one of these beautiful birds back
to the skies: it's one hell of a project.
This brings the number of flyable P-38's up to 5. Considering the complexity
and costs involved, it's amazing any are flying. The tragic loss of Jeff
Ethell in a P-38 a few years ago underscores how serious it is to put one of
these planes up. Like racing old sports cars, the quality of the preparation
is a life and death kind of thing.
Steve & Janet Hedke
"Moss Motors Team Scrappy"
Great Race #45, 1957 Triumph TR3
britpac@aol.com
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