The MiG-23 has been fully assembled! The tail feathers have been installed, the wings mounted, the inspection panels screwed into place, and the jet lifted and welded into its final location on top of short stanchions to keep the weight off the wheels. The MiG also started
receiving touch up paint beginning with a new coat of white on the nose and its numbers. The MiG will continue to receive TLC as the museum improves its static display.
The 1945 Jeep restoration project received a new body/tub. The tub sits on top of the original frame and is ready
to be painted. The engine is in the process of being overhauled by museum members. The transmission and transfer
case have been shipped to a specialty company for further restoration and overhaul.
Tumbleweed, the museum’s Taylorcraft L-2M, is finally out of an extensive annual inspection. The test flights went well, and many museum pilots are enjoying flying the L-2M again. The L2-M received new brakes, which became a bigger ordeal than anticipated, as well as a new propeller and other necessary maintenance items.
The Stinson 10A restoration project is well under way. Master brake cylinders were difficult to track down, but they have been found
in New England and are in the process of being installed on the aircraft. The aircraft has also received an extensive rewiring of its electrical system with the help of some skilled volunteers.
Texas Air Museum Aircraft paid a visit to the Abilene Airshow on May 1st and the WASP Museum
Homecoming on May 8th. Both events were a joy for the museum members and aircraft that attended. If you have the chance and find yourself in Sweetwater, don’t miss the amazing WASP museum!