By Noah Stegman Rechtin
The Champaign Aviation Museum announced on Facebook recently that it has received a new engine for its B-25J, Champaign Gal, serial number 44-28866. Once the Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclone is installed in a few months, it will allow the museum to fly the airplane home to Urbana, Ohio.
Champaign Gal has been stranded at Madison Municipal Airport in Indiana since October 1st. The museum had been planning on attending the Wings N Wheels airshow at the Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport in Portsmouth, Ohio on the 7th, but was forced to cancel its appearance after metal shavings were found in the oil system of the right engine. It then began a fundraiser to raise the $135,000 necessary to purchase a new engine.
Despite the unfortunate news, a TBM-3 and TC-45H from the Tri-State Warbird Museum were still able to attend the airshow.
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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.
Thankfully the metal in the oil was found before it caused a loss of the aircraft. It’s heartbreaking when one of these warplanes crashes and is forever lost. The mere existence of them after 80 plus years sometimes gets taken for granted. Each time something tragic happens, there’s one less piece of history in the world.
I remember when they use to cost 80000. We had 2 R2800 at Wisconsin CAF that were rebuilt in Miami. I applaud you guys heartedly. Keep up the tough work
I wonder what the chances are of rebuilding the old one. Those Wright Cyclones are a bit unique these days.