It has been a while since we covered the restorations of these two significant airframes ( originall there were three aircraft being restored), but thanks to our good friend John Parker from WarbirdsOnline—who recently visited Historical Aircraft Restoration Ltd’s workshop in Albion Park, New South Wales, Australia—we are able to report on P-38G 42-12847, affectionately nicknamed “Dumbo,” and a second Lightning, P-38J-15-LO serial 43-28570, flown by Major Peyton S. Mathis, Jr. The workshop sits inside one of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society’s hangars and is run by world-renowned warbird recovery expert Rob Greinert.
By John Parker, Warbirds Online
In Albion Park, New South Wales, a dedicated team is breathing new life into one of World War II’s most iconic fighters: the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. Led by Robert Greinert at Warbird Restorations Pty Ltd, this Australian workshop has become a global hub for preserving these remarkable aircraft. Known as the “fork-tailed devil,” the Lightning’s unique twin-boom design and complex engineering make it a favorite among aviation enthusiasts—and a formidable challenge for restorers.
Dumbo Returns The first restoration to reach completion is P-38G 42-12847, affectionately nicknamed “Dumbo.” A veteran of the South West Pacific, “Dumbo” operated from Port Moresby during WWII. Now restored to museum-quality static condition, the aircraft has been shipped to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Arizona, where it awaits final assembly for public display. In the markings of the 35th Fighter Group, 39th Fighter Squadron from 1942, “Dumbo” honors its New Guinea operations while retaining a significant portion of its original wartime structure. The result is a rare, authentically preserved example of this legendary fighter.
A Second Lightning Takes Shape On my recent visit, I saw major progress on a second Lightning—P-38J-15-LO, serial 43-28570, flown by Major Peyton S. Mathis, Jr. Like “Dumbo,” it is being restored to museum-quality static condition and will return to the Solomon Islands War Memorial Museum for public display. The aircraft’s center section is nearing completion, with the Lightning’s massive proportions coming to life. The team at Warbird Restorations manufactures many components in-house, using advanced technology and specialized tooling. Remarkably, parts often fit perfectly to original wartime structures on the first attempt—a testament to the skill and precision of this team.
Complex Assemblies Progressing Quickly Throughout the workshop, every major section of the P-38 is moving toward completion. The tail assembly—one of the most challenging structures—is ready to join the booms, while the engine nacelles have been advanced and trial-fitted with Allison V-1710 engines. The outer wing panels are structurally finished and progressing through fit-out before final skinning, all built on precision jigs that are engineering masterpieces in themselves. The craftsmanship required to restore the Lightning remains extraordinary; even after 80 years, this aircraft’s design is a marvel.
Cockpit and Internal Detailing The cockpit “pod,” one of the P-38’s most intricate structures, is now in the jig for completion. Elsewhere in the workshop, the team is restoring landing gear, flaps, gear doors, gun bays, and internal systems. Even static displays receive full internal detailing, with pedal assemblies and throttle quadrants recreated from original drawings and patterns—no shortcuts, ever.
Supplying the Global P-38 Community Warbird Restorations Pty Ltd has become an international supplier of historic Lightning components. During my visit, I saw numerous parts headed overseas, including a massive center-section spar bound for the United States. The workshop’s capabilities extend beyond the P-38; other warbirds are also under restoration, cementing its status as a world-class resource for rare aircraft preservation.
Australia’s Flying Lightning Nears Completion The final aircraft in this trio is a flying P-38 for an Australian owner. Commissioned work has been completed, and the aircraft has been returned to its owner for completion. Aviation enthusiasts can look forward to seeing this magnificent fighter soaring over Australian skies at major warbird events. Warbirds Online and Vintage Aviation News will continue to follow these extraordinary restorations. My sincere thanks to Robert Greinert and the team at Warbird Restorations Pty Ltd, Albion Park, NSW, Australia, for their hospitality and expertise during my visit.
