Man some people get all the cool jobs.

Curious; That appears to be a "H" model '86. The Last Of The Sports models!! A true hot rod...
I'm insanely jelous! As Don Adams used to say on "Get Smart", I missed flying the "H" by"This Much". Do have some time in the F-100, the mighty "Hun"...

Old Dawg

Actually, it's a Mark VI fuselage and engine (Orenda 14) mated to a Mark V wing (6:3 hard wing, no slats). The Orenda 14 was the biggest engine they ever put in the -86 airframe, at 7275 lbs of thrust. If we had to make a comparison to the U.S. version, it would be equivalent to the F-86E. Look closely at the H...the engine inlet is quite a bit larger, much like the FJ-4B Fury. It's a rocket, no doubt. On rotation, the gear and flaps have to be put up almost simultaneously, as their limitations are both 185 kts, and you are through that in almost no time.

What are you using to strip the paint and what is your method of getting it done that fast. Man I dont know how you got that job but i wish i had it that looks awesome

We are using several different strippers. D'solve is being used as a first coat. It works quite slowly, usually we paint it on overnight, show up the next day, and start scraping. Once the initial layer is scraped off, we are using Napa stripper and Aircraft stripper from Carquest for the majority of removal. Once we are down to the finishing stage, with only very little paint and zinc chromate left, we use MEK to finish and clean the aluminum. Believe me, it's anything but quick. This paint is almost 30 years old, which means that it has more or less neutralized chemically. It's a LOT of work to get the paint off right now, especially in areas that are sun baked.

Some of you may be wondering why the plane is still intact...it is intentional. We are taking our checkrides in it in a few weeks, and want to keep the plane functional (albeit ugly). After that, the drops, flight controls, most of the paneling, the gear doors, speedbrakes, canopy, etc will all be coming off. We just wanted to get a head start on the not-so-fun part of playing with these things.

Also, just a quick note...this isn't a job for me. I run the flight dept. for one of the ski resorts up here for my day job. The fighters, well...they're for fun. It's very much a volunteer effort, as it should be, in my opinion.

Do you work for Flight Systems or is that just who you guys got the airplanes from?

Flight Systems sold the planes. I'm not an employee there...although I think it would be a pretty cool place to work!

Farm subsidies being put to good use.

Awesome photos!

A little photo update for you guys.

The wings are more or less done, a little MEK will finish the job. The drop tanks are done, and we are starting on aft fuselage. I'll let the pics speak for themselves.



We've changed tactics...3000 psi pressure washer, seems to be working a lot better.



Why can't it ALL come off in pieces like this?!?



This was the number on the plane back in it's South African days. A little trivia...382 was the second to last F-86 imported from South Africa.



Starting on the tail...



Still working...



Right wing, almost done. That green stuff is zinc chromate, and it's a buggar to remove.



Right side of the tail, ready for MEK.



Left drop tank is done.



Right drop tank is almost done.



We've removed the winch pod, the winch will be removed later.

That's about it, sports fans. I'll post more pics as we progress. As always, if anyone is in the area and would like to take a peek, just PM me, and I'll make sure it happens.

How much for a ride when it is done? Yes, I am serious.
Jeff

flying low over the island of eshima in japan in a 33 while 101s lock on and run a fire sequence yes i remember those days well

This is soooo cool. Thanks Dave.

was wondering what happened to our sabers. still a few around here in south africa, mostly in air force museums around the country, but dont think any are still flying.
still think its the best looking jet ever.

winch pod?

Looks like it's coming along great!

Originally Posted by Gus155

was wondering what happened to our sabers. still a few around here in south africa, mostly in air force museums around the country, but dont think any are still flying.
still think its the best looking jet ever.

There's a couple flying around in airshows around here.