Glacier Girl upclose and personal

[Politically Incorrect]

Today was a great day too fly, but where too?
Middlesboro, KY to see the famous Glacier Girl P-38 Lightning!



The man with the white sweater in the far background was the leader of the recovery efforts in Iceland.







Before looking at the plane we watched a video about the recovery, restoration and first flight. And I'll be honest when they showed the bird take off I got choked up a little!
I plan on going back in july when they will be flying her, as you can see the hanger is rather cramped and good pictures weren't easy! They are building a new hanger just for it that will have catwalks so that visitors can view the cockpit! Can't wait for that!!
I also bought a piece of the P38 about the size of a postage stamp but a piece of history none the less! They have so many P38 related gifts I'm glad I didn't take allot of cash!

[Hagar]

Nice one Fret. Glad you finally made it.

I can't believe the condition of that bird. It looks like it just came off the production line.

[Politically Incorrect]

Yes! That was thier goal to restore her to "original" condition and a job well done I must say. These photos don't do justice to how beautyful she really is!!
They put allot of love into restoring a aircraft that spent 50 under 268' of ice!
They have planned about 25 hours of flight time for her this summer, going to various airshows. She has 19 hours on her now since she made her first flight in Oct, 2002.

[Jared]

Wow! You are one lucky man! :-)

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Thanks for sharing...that is wonderful

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[HawkerTempest5]

Great photos. They did a fantastic job restoring that plane. I remember TFC's P-38 that was based at Duxford for some years until it was lost. There were rumors of another P-38 coming to the UK last year but it looks to have come to nothing. Shame.

[Craig.]

stunning photos there mate.

[Politically Incorrect]

I can't get over how smooth the skin of that aircraft is

I would love to see one flying someday.

That was what I was in AWE! over. They spent allot of money and time and took great care in restoring her! Can't even tell she spent a half century  under 268' of ice can you?
I have to admit I have seen allot of plane restorations but this has to be the absolute best I have ever laid eyes on!!

Don't forget I have some more posted in this forum!!!!!

[Politically Incorrect]

Wow it was that one?

Yep that would be her!! Glacier Girl!
When you know her story and what she has been through it gives you a funny feeling standing next too her! It is almost like what you are witnessing is a dream! Hard too explain! But I'm going back when they fly her!! To see her in all her glory!

[SaVas]

Amazing what a lot of TLC, love of aircraft, and a lot of money can do!

Heres to hoping it she never meets a fate that wrecks her

[ozzy72]

Okay its official Fret, I'm jealous!!!
Oh and she is gorgeous

Ozzy

[Politically Incorrect]

Any chance of taking a few videos

That is my next investement, a camcorder!
I plan on attending a few air shows this year and want to have some action video as well as still shots.
New career? Nah!
Buy most definately want to get some footage of this beauty!!