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May 5, 2008
As most of you know, a tornado passed through the Stephens Country Airport on April 9th, 2008. Our hangar was one of those hit. The aircraft within our hangar survived the storm with nothing more than minor scratches and dents. Even though we still had most of our staff at the shop, no one was hurt. However, many of the hangars and aircraft on the field were damaged or completely destroyed. We are in the process of repairing damage to the P-38 and other planes that were in our hangar or in surrounding hangars. The building is being repaired at this time as well.
For those of you wondering about the P-38, she sustained minor damage to the elevator and right side tailboom. The cowlings and access panels were off the aircraft and placed on various storage racks for final inspections. Many of those were scattered about the hangar and will need minor repairs or repainting. The EJ-1, Sea Fury, and Corsair project that were in our hangar did not receive any damage.
After the storm, many have called and offered help while several just showed up and started helping to clean up. Our email was down for two weeks after the storm. Since we are online again, we have received many messages offering help, equipment, parts, and support since the storm. We apologize that we have not been able to respond to every message. However, we appreciate the outpouring of support from the West coast to the East coast, the North to the South, and around the world; and would like to let everyone know how much it is appreciated! May God bless each of you.
Sincerely,
The Ezell Aviation Team
December 21, 2007
We have performed the weight and balance, and taken the Flying Bulls P-38 out for a run up to check on some of the major electrical systems. All is well and she was again rolled out for a brief photo session with the crew before we left for the Christmas holidays. As much amusement as we have received from the speculation on the color scheme for the plane, we will go ahead and end the debate and show it off so you have something to discuss while we are out of the office until January 2nd. I hope you enjoy the pictures and we hope to have her airborne when the new year rolls around.
November 23, 2007
Our latest update is a detailed view of the various electrical components installed on the Flying Bulls P-38. We are also finishing up the numerous details on the airframe. Our next update will be posted after we perform the weight and balance on the P-38.
October 5, 2007
This update will again be showing some of our in house capabilities. This project was a marriage of sheet metal and machining work using some of todays newer machinery to assist in the process. Here are the header tanks for the P-38 being formed and machined.
September 28, 2007
These next two updates are going to showcase some of our machining projects. The thing about these old warbirds is you just cannot run down to Wal-Mart, the hardware store, or Lockheed Martin and pick up a new part. Sometimes we can find them in someone's surplus stock in new or serviceable condition. Then there are the times we search and search and still cannot find a suitable replacement. So we are thankful for the ability to be able to produce most of what we need in house. There are also times when we do a modification to an existing system or add something to the plane that we have to come up with from scratch. This is one of those items, and we hope that you enjoy seeing the work that went into it, as well as the finished product. So here are the oil filter mounts that were made in house for the Flying Bulls P-38. Notice the Fram oil filters that are used on NHRA dragsters and NASCAR Cup cars.
September 21, 2007
She lives! The Flying Bulls P-38 executes her first engine run, passing with flying colors. First the right engine was brought to life and then the left, before they were allowed to roar in unison. What a sound!
September 14, 2007
The Flying Bulls P-38 receives her props after they arrive fresh from San Antonio, TX.
September 7, 2007
With the fuel system completed and a first engine run pending, the Flying Bulls P-38 gets her first shot of Avgas. We were also checking the fuel bags for unused fuel measurements.
August 31, 2007
We installed the stress panels, and it was time to check her legs with a final gear retract test. Everything went perfectly and the P-38 will be sitting on her own wheels for the completion of the project.
August 24, 2007
This update covers the installation of the radiators and their cowlings. Take notice of the first picture. A symbol of the days when everyone supported the war effort.
August 17, 2007
Here are some pictures of the fabrication, fit, and installation of the exhaust system and cowling.
July 20, 2007
When the Ezells hired me just over six months ago, I was excited to be around these old Warbirds everyday. I would get to see the planes that I had only seen on television, in magazines, or on a calendar. But what we see as a beautiful flying machine restored to its former glory pales in comparison to watching the art that is involved in getting it back in the air. Some people are moved by a priceless work of art, some are moved by an epic play, and even some are moved by a well composed piece of music. Nelson Ezell is a modest man of extraordinary talent, and I have found that I am moved by the artful way in which he works metal. This particular project I started photographing for the site, but had no idea what it would become when it was finally done. It turned out to be a work of art no less spectacular than a Picasso painting, a Shakespearean play, or one of Beethoven’s symphonies. I am glad that I am able to bring you just a small glimpse into the art that not only Nelson, but the rest of the guys in the shop accomplish on a daily basis. So this week, I hope that you too will be moved by the work that goes into these planes as much as you are by their return to flight. Enjoy…
July 11, 2007
As we work toward running the engines, many systems will be completed and permanently installed. This week we have added the fabricating, fitting, and final product of the engine cowlings. We will try to keep the updates coming on a weekly basis through the completion of the project.
July 4, 2007
Happy 4th of July! Here is the work that went into the production of new nose doors for the Flying Bulls P-38.
June 20, 2007
Sorry for the delay in updates, but here is the fitting and installation of the empennage. There will be a few more updates that we will be able to put up very shortly.
April 11, 2007
Discover the photographic history of Miss Marilyn II through old black and white photos of the original, the breakdown of the plane that would provide her return, the restoration process, and the reunion of old friends.
March 22, 2007
The Flying Bulls P-38 finally gets to stretch her legs, catch a glimpse of direct sunlight and breathe the open air. She was towed out of the hangar to be repositioned for installation of the rebuilt empennage. John Muszala and his team at Pacific Fighters in Idaho Falls, Idaho completed the rebuild of the empennage. Thanks John and crew!
March 2, 2007
Jim & Pam Jeffries of Jeffries Airworks Co. stopped by to do the propeller balancing on some aircraft in the shop and on the field...
The crew installs the ailerons and works on fitting the numerous access panels, fairings and cowlings on the aircraft...
February 17, 2007
As requested, here are some detail shots. More updates coming shortly...
January 4, 2007
To bring in the new year we have a blast from the past courtesy of Phil Makanna, famous for his GHOSTS calendars and books. Thank you for the great shots Phil.
December 22, 2006 - Final Update of 2006
We just completed the installation of the left wing, and finished rebuilding the ailerons therefore acheiving the goals we set for this year. We will be taking a week off, and starting fresh come January 2, 2007.
This past week we also completed the first gear swing...
December 8, 2006
With the Holiday Season rapidly approaching, the crew strives to meet their end-of-year goal by installing two booms in as many days. Root rib structure on the left wing is being finished as we prepare it for installation...
December 5, 2006
The P-38 receives her right wing as work continues on preparing the left wing and booms for installation...
October 12, 2006
Added a few new photos of Fury.
We are giving Red Bull another pair of wings. Work continues throughout the plane with an eye on getting the wings finished. The left wing...
August 31, 2006
More systems are being tested and installed. Skinning and fitting continues on the gear doors. The cockpit is being test fit and pulley cables are...
July 27, 2006
This update shows Nelson Ezell forming new cowling. Stretching a sheet of alluminum, hand working it into shape, and finishing it out. Also...
June 21, 2006
Some new photos of the Double Vee T-6 taken with a B-2 bomber have been added to its project page.
In order to test clearances one of the Allison V12 powerplants has been mounted. The final skinning on the...
May 24, 2006
All hydraulics and other systems were removed from the gondola to prevent damage when riveting skins. The gondola was removed and...
April 19, 2006
Installation of hyrdaulic lines in the gondola is progressing so that skins can be shot on. All new lines and fittings are being installed. Work continues on...
March 29, 2006
Work on the gondola is continuing. A spare nose gear was installed to check for clearance and gaps with surrounding parts and gear door. Cables and pulleys are...
March 1, 2006
Work continues on the lower gondola. Small adjustments must be made to make the new parts align correctly with the original parts. The booms are...