Quote Originally Posted by jmoore View Post
Apparently the CAF SBD has dramas. Just now got done looking at it. Looks like major oil leak coating the rear flight surfaces. Ailerons and some fairings are off. If it's in for repaint it'll be a little sad as it has a nice weathered appearance right now.
Are you talking about the oil in this photo? All these radials spew oil constantly and have to be wiped down after every flight. It looks like someone started to wipe it off after it's last flight, but didn't do much. You need to put a big pan under the engine as soon as you stop flying to catch all the residual oil that drips out. Not usual to have a quart or so in the pan all the time. Each cylinder is on it's own in a radial motor and they just leak constantly. You chase the worse leaks, but really worry when it stops leaking (because you're out of oil)

Cowlings come off routinely - They're under constant maintenance and they were always like that, even when new.

Are you talking about the dive breaks? (Do you have more photos?) I just checked the Dixie Wing Schedule and the SBD is still on schedule for appearances through the next few weeks.

It's not likely it'll be repainted any time soon. They did a major livery change to the tri color early scheme about ten years ago and it should remain that way for years. It costs a small fortune to repaint and it isn't usually done unless it's completely worn out.