Affordable WWII warbirds?

[cluttonfred]

Thanks Bob, that's an original take on a WWII warbird--a plane made to be shot down!--but is certainly and affordable option and looks like a lot of fun.

[FlyingRon]

P-38 for sale here: http://www.trade-a-plane.com/listing?id=1740958

[Floatsflyer]

Sorry Matthew, based on exactly what you say you want, affordable warbird is an oxymoron. Put on your best suit and go visit your bank manager. If s/he says yes, go to the websites of Courtesy Aircraft Sales and Warbird Connection. Bring Kleenex to wipe up the drool.

[cluttonfred]

I am thinking that shared ownership in something like an AT-6 might be as close as I can get, but I'll keep looking and dreaming.

[Floatsflyer]

I am thinking that shared ownership in something like an AT-6 might be as close as I can get, but I'll keep looking and dreaming.

Or a Harvard, RCAF version of the AT-6. Or look at a Yale, the fixed gear version of the Harvard. A partnership is a very economical and logical solution, especially when you think about the after purchase costs.

[Mayhemxpc]

If you're not hard-over on WWII, there's a post-war small aircraft with a documented combat record that would be affordable "Guns and Bombs" warbird: The O-200-powered Boekow/SAAB Bo-105. They were rigged up for ground support during the Biafran Civil War in the '60s.

THAT didn't end well, either.

These are available...had an EAA buddy here, once that had two of them. Anyway, a Dragonfly might make a pretty good replica.

Ron Wanttaja

Oooh, Biafra babies!!! I would have really liked one of those. (But my O-2 can carry more stuff.) Actually, although Biafra did not end well, but the Biafra Babies were very successful.

[Louis]

I am thinking that shared ownership in something like an AT-6 might be as close as I can get, but I'll keep looking and dreaming.

Just choose your partners carefully if you do that. I knew some guys who had a partnership in a T-6 and one of the partners flew it inverted and drained the oil out of the engine (at least that's the story I heard) The most important consideration is having the time and money to properly maintain and stay proficient in the airplane, whatever it is. You don't want a really cool airplane that scares you every time you take it up because you don't fly enough to be comfortable in it. ...Louis

[MAD]

A Max Holste 1521 Broussard is a nice affordable warbird to own but is post WWII. It is known as a French Beaver as it is very similar to a Beaver, P&W 985. I owned one for a few years and really enjoyed it. I am selling one now for a friend, if I can figure out how to attach pictures I will put one up here. There is an ad in Barnstormers if you are interested. Email me and I will give you all the details.