Team,

 

When I look at those pieces of #53 that the men of the museum had to work with, I am almost apologetic for complaining about the results. They tried to make the exhibit to looked like a transport that flew the Hump, not my concept to preserve every part of CNAC #53 although the end product would not necessarily look like it ever flew the Hump.

 

I consider I’m the last voice screaming to the world that the 4,000 dead crewmen, who died on the Hump, should be remembered by the preservation of the wreckage of the last known plane that flew the Hump. I don’t care what the assembled parts looked like as long as it was the best that could be done under the circumstances.

 

In recent years, when I visited wrecks on the Hump, I recalled what suffering they represented; the injured too broken up to walk out. Some trapped in the wreckage while the wild animals ate them until they died.

 

Now my concept has changed. Now I consider it reasonable to expect the exhibit to contain the following.  The right wing and right landing wheel should be installed. The landing light should be installed in the right wing. It should be lighted during the time the museum is open for visitors. The wrecked cockpit, if it can be found, would reveal the damage inflicted in the crash. It would be in contrast to the “ghost” plane. At least one side of the cabin should be attached to the frame. Four diagram drawings, like you made to identify every part and where it came from, would be installed on the floor around the plane.

 

I’m afraid that the left wing disappeared at the time the cargo was removed by the Was, as the was torn off completely in the crash. However, some one in Pianma may know where it is. Shuya might find it if he is given permission to interview the natives and the Burmese peasants who were paid to guard the wreck. Perhaps a Telefunken radio loop can be found and is installed. That was an important part of the plane in the beginning of the Hump.

 

The Chinese characters should not be painted on the Russian parts. The right wing will show the difference of the two wings. It is important to show the differences of the parts. Where is the identification plate that someone had that someone had tried to burn off #53? That should be installed if at all possible.

Christy