Sandbar Mitchell Project Update

February 6, 2014 Moreno Aguiari Warbird Restorations 0
Limited edition prints of Ron Cole's magnificent painting of the Sandbar Mitchell as she will appear once her restoration is completed are available for purchase from the Sandbar Mitchell's online store (click here for details). Proceeds will support the The Sandbar Mitchell project's endeavors.


Limited edition prints of Ron Cole's magnificent painting of the Sandbar Mitchell as she will appear once her restoration is completed are available for purchase from the Sandbar Mitchell's online store (click here for details). Proceeds will support the The Sandbar Mitchell project's endeavors.
Limited edition prints of Ron Cole’s magnificent painting of the Sandbar Mitchell as she will appear once her restoration is completed are available for purchase from the Sandbar Mitchell’s online store. Proceeds will support the The Sandbar Mitchell project’s endeavors.

Warbirds News has been keeping very close tabs on progress with the Sandbar Mitchell project. As readers will know, Patrick Mihalek and Todd Trainor’s team have made remarkable progress in a very short space of time since their recovery of the B-25’s center section from Alaska last summer. They have systematically inspected the aircraft’s core and proceeded with a studied disassembly plan to refurbish or replace all of the aircraft’s components as they move forward with the restoration. Here is a short photo essay on some of their accomplishments in January.

We removed the left outer auxiliary fuel cell by opening up the outer portion of the wing. We found minor corrosion on the rear spar webbing, which will need replacing. We also drilled out and removed both the upper nacelle and Hayes attach angle between the wing and fuselage. The center section and fuel cells are in amazing condition considering they have been exposed to the elements for 44 years. (Photo via Sandbar Mitchell Project)
We removed the left outer auxiliary fuel cell by opening up the outer portion of the wing. We found minor corrosion on the rear spar webbing, which will need replacing. We also drilled out and removed both the upper nacelle and Hayes attach angle between the wing and fuselage. The center section and fuel cells are in amazing condition considering they have been exposed to the elements for 44 years. (Photo via Sandbar Mitchell Project)

We have drilled out both the forward and aft upper wing panel rivets and removed the panels to expose the inner workings of the center section. We received 48 rolls of 35mm microfilm from the Smithsonian Archives containing all of the B-25's production engineering drawings. We still need to order the drawings for the late TB-25 Hayes modifications. We are hoping to convert the Microfilm into searchable PDF files. (photo via Sandbar Mitchell Project)
We have drilled out both the forward and aft upper wing panel rivets and removed the panels to expose the inner workings of the center section. We received 48 rolls of 35mm microfilm from the Smithsonian Archives containing all of the B-25’s production engineering drawings. We still need to order the drawings for the late TB-25 Hayes modifications. We are hoping to convert the Microfilm into searchable PDF files. (photo via Sandbar Mitchell Project)

We unbolted and removed the left nacelle from the center section in January. We also removed all the components from the lower center section wing panel including flap & landing gear castings, hydraulic actuators, plus both hydraulic and fuel lines. We then pulled both the front and rear auxiliary fuel bay panels and removed the fuel cells. In the picture above 15-year-old Logan is removing the oil tank sump assembly. (photo via Sandbar Mitchell Project)
We unbolted and removed the left nacelle from the center section in January. We also removed all the components from the lower center section wing panel including flap & landing gear castings, hydraulic actuators, plus both hydraulic and fuel lines. We then pulled both the front and rear auxiliary fuel bay panels and removed the fuel cells. In the picture above 15-year-old Logan is removing the oil tank sump assembly. (photo via Sandbar Mitchell Project)

In addition to their restoration work the Sandbar Mitchell team are continuing to acquire components and materiel for the project. Multi-faceted fundraising efforts are ongoing as well. Highly talented artist Ron Cole has created a beautiful print of the Sandbar Mitchell as she will appear once fully restored to flying condition. Limited to just two hundred copies, prints of Ron Cole’s painting are available through the Sandbar Mitchell’s online store. Also, FedEx is offering a small business grant via competition with a $25,000 grand prize and of course the Sandbar Mitchell team has applied. They really need our votes though, so please do vote each day you can at the following link. Smaller contributions can come in many different ways as well. For instance, if you have any unused Clecos they’d wish to donate to the cause, especially for sizes #5, and #6 the Sandbar Mitchell team would appreciate any you can spare. You can send them directly to the following address.

P.O. Box 345
Brighton, MI 48116
USA

Please visit the Sandbar Mitchell Team’s website to find out more about the aircraft’s history and how you too can help the project… Or join their Facebook page.

Please also visit Ron Cole’s Facebook page to have a closer look at his magnificent work.

Moreno-Aguiari
Moreno Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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About Moreno Aguiari 3374 Articles
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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