What are the chances that a former Air Force pilot can be reunited with his P 38 that he once flew 72 years ago ? Unbelieveable ? Incredible ? That is exactly what happened when WWII pilot, 100 year old, Frank Royal (saluting his aircraft) visited Westpac Restoration and the National Museum of World War II Aviation, at Colorado Springs, Colorado. While conversing with Bill Klaers, the owner of Westpac, about his WWII experiences of flying a P 38 in the Pacific, Frank Royal was astonished to learn that the very aircraft he once flew stood right before his eyes.

Frank Royal's P 38F, # 42-12652, also known as "White 33", for her tail number, was constructed at Palmdale, California, then shipped to Brisbane, Australia on the carrier U.S.S. BARNES (CVE 20) on July, 1943.  From Australia "White 33" was transported to Papua New Guinea to serve in the 39th Fighter Squadron of the 5th Air Force. First flown by 1st Lt. Kenneth C. Sparks, "White 33" was credited with 9 Kills. Later, 1st Lt Frank Royal had the misfortune to be shot down in "White 33", parachuteing to safty as his plane crashed into the jungle to be forgotten.

In 1999, an Australian recovery group for vintage WWII aircraft found the wreckage of "White 33", which included the gondula, center wing section, both engine nacilles, while both tail booms were missing. The wreck was shipped to Melbourne, and in the years of 2003-2004, "White 33", arrived at Westpac Restorations at Rialto Airport, California. In 2006, the remains arrived in Colorado for the long restoration.

Most of the "White 33" is almost a new aircraft where 90% has been completed with modern parts into a flyable condition. Frank Royal too, has an interesting history. Born on a ranch in Colorado during World War I, Frank lived an idyllic life until the Great Depression wiped out the family fortune. Setting out on his own at age 16, Frank survived at various menial employment. In 1940 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps mainly to have "three meals a day, a bed to sleep on and a roof over his head". The military recognized his potential flying skill. After graduation from flight school, he was sent to New Guinea in early 1943. After the war ended, Frank continued with the Air Force for 30 years to retire as a Colonel. Along the way, he married his sweetheart Renee, the mother of his five children.

https://youtu.be/A6sAtIvKZLg

Click on to this U-tube video for the first testing of "White 33" engines in 2015.

Happy modeling   Crackers