Air Force Museum L-2 Tail Wires

[M Towsley]

Just got back from the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio after spending a couple of days there.

Unfortunately they have all the L-birds hanging from the ceiling, including the L-2M as you just enter the WWII Gallery. Something I noticed this time, (because I really haven't paid that close of attention), was that the tail wires on the L-2M look to be made from streamline wire, not original round wire. The wire is very shiny and wide. I did not have a camera with a good enough zoom to check.

Granted the plane will never fly again so it is a moot point, but either the previous owner or the Museum made the wires and installed them.

As a side note, my wife and I were able to go to the restoration area and I noted another L-2M, wings off, covered in plastic. The lady volunteer had no clue what it was doing there and I couldn't find anyone to ask. It looked to be in great condition. I certainly hope someone didn't donate it, not knowing it will probably sit and deteriorate in storage.

[VanDy]

Re: Air Force Museum L-2 Tail Wires

I may be able to get some info on them for you if you'd like. But I'm not sure, since you were only 20 minutes drive from me and I didn't get the chance to say hello! I take my daughter there 4 or 5 times a year

Just got back from the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio after spending a couple of days there.

Unfortunately they have all the L-birds hanging from the ceiling, including the L-2M as you just enter the WWII Gallery. Something I noticed this time, (because I really haven't paid that close of attention), was that the tail wires on the L-2M look to be made from streamline wire, not original round wire. The wire is very shiny and wide. I did not have a camera with a good enough zoom to check.

Granted the plane will never fly again so it is a moot point, but either the previous owner or the Museum made the wires and installed them.

As a side note, my wife and I were able to go to the restoration area and I noted another L-2M, wings off, covered in plastic. The lady volunteer had no clue what it was doing there and I couldn't find anyone to ask. It looked to be in great condition. I certainly hope someone didn't donate it, not knowing it will probably sit and deteriorate in storage.

[M Towsley]

Re: Air Force Museum L-2 Tail Wires

It was a last minute decision, I would have liked to have met up.

The discussion on tail wires has been made before regarding the enormous amount of drag they create. Just curious as to why someone either at the museum, or previous owner, went about making them. Probably a lack of parts.

The guys they have doing restorations over there are fantastic. Very dedicated and the work on parts replication is awe inspiring.

[wyocubdriver]

Re: Air Force Museum L-2 Tail Wires

The NMUSAF has two L-2's. The one that is now in storage was the one that was on display for many years. The one that is displayed was donated in 2011.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Air Force Museum L-2 Tail Wires

Hello to wyocubdriver, and welcome!

(Yakima is a long way from Wyoming, eh?)

Rob

[M Towsley]

Re: Air Force Museum L-2 Tail Wires

I saw the one that was back in storage a couple of years ago. Sad that two, now, will never fly again. Someone is perusing some pretty old posts.

Welcome to the forum.

[Dick Smith]

Re: Air Force Museum L-2 Tail Wires

wyocubdriver... I saw in your profile, that you have an interest in L-2's. I saw this one down in the Tri-Cities several years ago...in a hangar at Cooper's Landing... during a grass strip flyin (Blue Grass, barbecue, etc) just below the Snake/Columbia river junction, on the west side. I don't know the current status of the project.

Dick

[M Towsley]

Re: Air Force Museum L-2 Tail Wires

Hey Max, I was wondering if that was you. Welcome to the forum!

[wyocubdriver]

Re: Air Force Museum L-2 Tail Wires

Hi All,

I am currently living in Yakima, WA but was born and raised in Wyoming. My forum handles are my last bastion of Wyoming identity!

My wife and I are in the process of purchasing an L-2A s/n 4282. It is currently in project form but is quite complete. Looking forward becoming more active in the forum as the project progresses!

Special thanks to Marty, he has been a great help in our search for an L-2.

-Max Platts

[N96337]

Re: Air Force Museum L-2 Tail Wires

I taught a paint class back at the AF museum in Dayton a few years ago. What a great bunch of guys and gals!! We got a very personalized tour from Geno....amazing the stuff that is there, catalogued and waiting....sadly, some will never probably see the light of day again, but some will.
John