The sim won't include the interactive accumulation of inaccurate construction, set up & tuning problems that exist in the real thing, let alone accurately portray gusty, swirling, variable winds & temperature effects, plus first-flight nerves that just ain't there on the sim. I can fly a 747 on a sim, but I sure can't fly the real bird.

Sims are great for basics & practicing aerobatic routines. However, I sure wouldn't rely on sim experience alone before I launched an expensive & very unforgiving warbird. I would practice like hell on the sim, plus get an experienced WARBIRD pilot on a buddy cord to help me out, if I was in your shoes.

If you are not too proud to buddy-cord again, then you will probably be able to do it.