I have attached a link to photos and a brief article on the restoration and pending first flight of the XP-82 by Tom Reilly. If you go to their website, you can see a detailed, step-by-step history, recovery, and restoration of this very rare NAA fighter. The workmanship and labor expended on this project is incredible! At the same time, an F-82E, which is Allison-powered (unlike the XP-82 which is Merlin-powered) is being restored to flight in Minnesota. They will be the only two airworthy Twin Mustangs, as the Confederate Air Force P-82B was damaged many years ago in a landing accident, and the USAF took the airplane back and it is on static display at the AFM along with P-82B Betty Joe, the long distance record holder. Before you get too worked up, neither the 1/72 Monogram or Special Hobby kit can be built as a Merlin-powered P-82, as they are both F-82E's. Airwaves used to make a resin conversion cowling for the Monogram kit to make a P-82B/C/D, of which I have a pair, but they are OOP. I can't wait to see this one back in the air, as I remember seeing the CAF's airplane fly in Harlingen many years ago. Enjoy!
Mike
http://xp-82twinmustangproject.blogspot.com/