P-82, F-82 photo collection

[72modeler]

While looking for the current status of the restored XP-82 Twin Mustang, I found this photo collection of XP-82, P-82A/B, and F-82E/F Twin Mustangs. The Confederate Air Force P-82B that I saw fly back in the 70's is now painted to represent an F-82G at the Air Force Museum, alongside the P-82A 'Betty Joe.' that set a non-stop distance record.  That being said, does anybody have more recent photos/videos or news as to the current status of Tom Reilly's XP-82?

Mike

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_F-82_Twin_Mustang#/media/File:North_American_XP-82_Twin_Mustang_44-83887.Color.jpg

Edited January 28, 2020 by 72modeler
added text

[Space Ranger]

1 hour ago, 72modeler said:

 That being said, does anybody have more recent photos/videos or news as to the current status of Tom Reilly's XP-82?

 

There is an excellent article in the most recent issue of Smithsonian Air & Space magazine. Unfortunately, I do not have a copy (I read it at the library).

[Work In Progress]

Still trying to find a buyer at a price that covers the massive investment he has in it, I gather.

Which, morally, seems fair enough.

 

But the problem seems to be question of whether there really are potential buyers who have the technical and financial means to acquire and operate it at that sort of figure, combined with sufficient desire to do so, rather than some of the alternatives which become available with that level of commitment. Sadly it's not the sort of thing for which there is a ready market at all, not helped by its non-participation in WW2.

 

The Air & Space article is available free online here

https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/last-long-distance-escorts-180973974/

Edited January 28, 2020 by Work In Progress

[72modeler]

6 hours ago, Work In Progress said:

But the problem seems to be question of whether there really are potential buyers who have the technical and financial means to acquire and operate it

WIP,

 

I was thinking that maybe Rod Lewis, the late Paul Allen's group, or possibly Kermit Weeks would be the three U.S. contenders who have  deep enough pockets and the know-how to fly and maintain it...I don't see any rich sultan with too much oil money burning a hole in his pockets being interested- besides, they're too busy snapping up expensive restored muscle cars from us to get into vintage aircraft. After all that incredible work and money spent, it's almost too rare and priceless to fly, but by the same token, a shame all that went into making it airworthy might well be wasted. We Yanks aren't really into fast taxi's like you blokes are- at least not yet- maybe Lightning T5 XS422 might well have been the first in that category!

Mike

 

[Work In Progress]

Kermit seems to be cutting back these days and already has far too many aeroplanes to fly. 

[72modeler]

22 minutes ago, Work In Progress said:

Kermit seems to be cutting back these days and already has far too many aeroplanes to fly. 

I'd be happy to relieve him of that dreadful burden...I'm thinking either of the two Hawker Tempests he is restoring would be OK with me- don't even care if it's the Centaurus Mk II or the Mk V!

Mike