From an original article by Chuck Cravens
Since the last update in January 2023 (HERE), significant changes have taken place in the P-51B MustangShillelagh restoration project conducted by AirCorps Aviation. The most notable development is the transfer of ownership from the Wings of the North Museum in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, to the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot, North Dakota. AirCorps Aviation has published a blog entry at this LINK.
During the transition, the project remained relatively dormant for a year, but restoration efforts have now resumed. One of the most remarkable aspects of this restoration is the use of numerous new, original, never-installed components—often referred to as “new-old-stock” (NOS) parts. While these components were not part of the original 102-106602 airframe flown by Captains O’Hara and Dahlberg over France, they are genuine North American Aviation-produced parts, ensuring historical accuracy and authenticity.
Some of the key NOS and original surplus assemblies incorporated into the restoration include the windshield, throttle quadrant, engine mount, forward air intake “smile,” exit duct and exit door, scoop, flap control linkage, rudder, one elevator, radiator cover skins, trim pedestal, doghouse, flaps, ailerons, landing gear, wheels and brakes, top and lower cowlings, cowl bows and formers, coolant and oil door, tailwheel assembly, vertical stabilizer, and nearly the entire induction system.
Before the temporary halt in restoration, the fuselage structural framework had been completed and painted. Since work resumed, most fuselage skins have been fabricated and riveted to the frame. The horizontal and vertical stabilizers have also been completed and attached to the tail section. Fixtures have been created or assembled, spars and ribs have been fabricated or restored, and all have been painted in preparation for the next major milestone—the assembly of Shillelagh’s wings. The wings are now taking shape, marking a significant step forward in bringing this historic aircraft back to life.
For more details and additional restoration photos, AirCorps Aviation has published an in-depth update by Chuck Cravens, which is available at THIS LINK.
