I'm contemplating selling or trading the Super Cub for a war bird trainer for aerobatics and air shows. Budget is low at $125k so the T34 may be out which is unfortunate as it's probably the least expensive to insure and maintain. Anyway, I'm interested in hearing from current and past owners of all the above. Hangar space is not an issue so please take that off the table. Time to spend someone else's money.

Sorry no help, but I'm surprised to hear that the AT-6 and T-28 fall in that price range. That sounds like fun!

Chris,
Consider a Focke-wulf 149d if you can find one it will outperform the T-34 by a wide margin.

CJ6?

Had not heard of them before. A 4 seater, so more utility than just a smoke dispenser at air shows.

Here's one.... http://www.controller.com/listingsdetai ... 180471.htm

That one's been for sale for years. No wonder they're ready to deal. Nice flying airplane but be prepared for folks to ask you about your Navion.
Robin

Didn't know this type.
Front shot looks a bit Bo-ish....

Chris,

At Waukesha (KUES), there are 4 T6's, a P51, T34. Everyone deals exclusively with Sam Taber, owner of Tab Air. Maybe give Sam a call to ask general questions. Sam is the man for warbird maintenance.

TAB AIR
2085 COUNTY ROAD L
EAST TROY, WI 53120-9777
(262) 642-6255

Good luck,

Arnie

What's the history on the focke-wulf? I'm intrigued.

I had the real yen to buy one and looked at a couple.
I think the are one of the best built planes I have ever looked at and great utility.
It is a heavy plane so it's aerobatic box would be on a par with an aerobatic bonanza.
It was basic trainer with the Luftwaffe for many years.

Piaggio developed it and licensed the Germans to build them. The engines are BMW-built Lycoming geared plants. Used for aerobatic training, liaison, etc. I think it was a bulked up version of their 2/3-place 148, but with obvious borrowing from North American's Navion. No parts commonality, though, but lots of ramp confusion.
Robin

I've owned both a T28 (B model), and a couple of T6s. Still have a T6 (have had it 20 years as of this June). Flown a T34 a lot, but never owned one. (Had a mustang too, but I think that's out of your price range).


*my* opinions....

T-34...essentially a 2 seat Bonanza. Maintenance on one that has been properly kept up will be no worse than a Bo. I believe many have been re-engined to larger than original engines. Delightful to fly, lots of fun. You can do simple aerobatics, formation, or it's a reasonable X-C platform. You stay clean, can wear a clean crisp flight suit, and wear as many patches as you want.


T-28....essentially a jet with a piston up front. Originally designed for training pilots that will transition to a jet early in their career, it has a wonderful view. Most of my time is in the larger engine models (R-1820..."the only thing right about a Wright is the name and they spelled that wrong...(Connie Edwards)"). Great flying characteristics, lots of dihedral, gives the feeling of flying "with the big boys". Maintenance is more complex, simply due to the multiple "big airplane" systems. Example...the canopy opening/closing requires that multiple (11, IIRC) microswitches all work. Otherwise, it's dead. The emergency canopy system *must* be operable, even though I know of people who fly with only the "manual" portion working. The engine tends to not tolerate "sitting and not being flown" well. Lots of master rod bearing failures in T28s, although lots of guys have had good luck with them as well.


(T28 continued...) Figure 50-60 gph for normal operation, will get up around 180-190 kts true airspeed, although you can do better if you go higher. Nice, fun acro, lots of fun to fly formation (the speed brake is fun...). Lots of switches, levers, fun stuff like that....but very simple to fly (as far as stick and rudder is concerned). Buy a lot of black T shirts, as most examples drip oil everywhere....the "clean kit" improves that a lot, but they still drip quite a bit, seems to me...



T6----in my opinion, the best "bang for the buck" in warbirds. I think you'll find a better T6 for the kind of money you're talking than you will any of the other ones. Obviously my preference, since I still have one....

(T6 continued)....Airframe is much simpler than the 28. Parts are readily available, and and the 1340 is probably one of the most reliable engines ever built. If you get a good one, and take care of it, it just runs and runs....burns about 30-35 gph, unless you do a hard hour of acro where you are going up to about 45 gph. Oil changes will require about 12 gallons (not quarts) of oil. There are no complex electro-hydraulic systems. The gear is simple. Emergency extension is free fall, and works very well.


(T6...) Acro is delightful. The plane was known as the "pilot maker" during WWII, for good reason. It will absolutely let you know if you mess up. Runway handling is fine, if you know how to fly a tail-dragger. Accelerated stalls will impress you...but *don't do them down low, or until you have a good checkout*. I've flown mine out of 1200 ft strip with no problems. Lots of people around to fly formation with.


(T6)... Whatever you do, if you buy one, get a good checkout. Don't use an instructor unless he/she has several hundred hours of T6 time. Don't use one unless they'll explore the corners of the envelope with you at altitude. Sam Taber is the best mechanic in the upper midwest, IMO. There's a number of good ones around. Buy black T-shirts...you'll need them here, as well, although my experience is aT6 drools less than a 28.


T6 pilots are by far the manliest, if that helps you in any way.

T28 pilots are jet jock wannabes.\

T34 pilots are androgynous.


Good luck. You'll have fun. Join NATA, WOA, whatever you do.

"androgynous", I had to Google that one Stan, Funny as heck!

Excellent input Stan. Are you also a CFI amongst your other talents? I was leaning towards the T6 from the get go but your comments just about seal the deal. My insurance company quoted the AT6 at $4k with my current limits and a $125k hull. I have about a 100 hours in the last 3 years in the Super Cub. What can I expect with 200 hours in type? Seems like a great airplane for a partnership.

2 for sale here. Interesting. always learning on BT.

http://www.barnstormers.com/listing_ima ... ?id=919741

Then there are Yaks to think about as well.