During my Easter visit to Florida I was able to go to the Fantasy of Flight museum. They are in the process of building the first of 4 new hangars to hold their collection. This will release the current hangars to fill the restoration and maintenance role they were designed for.
I took the excellent back lot and restoration tours which showed off the current on-site restorations and those still awaiting work.
Whilst there I asked about plans for the Sunderland and was told they are in negotiations with a film company who are planning a film of the life of Howard Hughes. The use of the Sunderland in the film would help fund her restoration.
In addition there are plans to build a seaplane (and flying boat!) base on the lake.
Attached is a pic of a rare visitor that was there at the time.
By: --o-o-O-o-o-- - 22nd March 2008 at 02:24
Lovely pics. Did you photograph the Storch in the background of shot 10?
By: st170dw - 29th April 2004 at 23:20
They also had the covers off #1 and #2
By: crazymainer - 29th April 2004 at 23:07
Its a sham that Mariuce let her get this bad. A brief history on her she was build for Lufts. and expect for service as the West germans Air Force one hence the paint schem on the Nose section.
By looking at the #3 and #4 I’m guessing the Maine crew is up getting all the Yellow Tag items they robbed from the two Maine 1649s to get her flying. Also its nice to see that the Modified 1049 rudders stayed together for the flight.
By: st170dw - 29th April 2004 at 23:01
Here is a pic of the Connie
By: crazymainer - 29th April 2004 at 21:30
Great News about both planes from the Great Republic of Maine. I knew Kermit wanted the 1649 and the Gonney when he wants something he usually gets it.
How bad was the 1649, the last time I saw her she was still blowing oil out of the #3 and #1 and the main bus system was still on the frig.
I hope Kermit does buy her so we can start working on the other two 1649 up here in the Great White North. As for the Gonney a broke engine that sound like her everytime she goes somewhere she ends up crapping out an engine.
By: st170dw - 29th April 2004 at 13:38
According to the airport staff, Kermit was still in discussions regarding the price. I was surprised it had left. Discussions were also taking place regarding the Constellation.
By: crazymainer - 29th April 2004 at 13:31
So Kermit did’nt buy it their were rumors that he had. I know at one point he was up here in Maine looking at it and was trying to come up with a price. Max wanted million for it and Kermit just laught at him.
Do you know were she was heading to, I know she’s not comming back to Maine I talk to his Son on Sunday and he told me its not theirs anymore but won’t give the new owners name.
By: st170dw - 29th April 2004 at 13:19
It had apparently landed with an engine problem. It had moved by the following week.
By: crazymainer - 29th April 2004 at 12:29
Ah,
That were it end up. This is the ex-Folsom flying service DC-3 on floots us from North New England remember seeing this dropping in us at atol of Lakes.
Max Folsum found three sets of floots back in the early 80s restored them and put them on this DC which is actually one of the Glidders a DC with out the engines.
I remember the first time I saw her at an Air Show it was one of the Manchester NH show she arrived early Sat. morning coming out of the fog.
I tell you what shes a big one and what a Bitch to park. Most of her time up here in Maine she sat between the Folsum Hangers with a right blown engine but when she flew it was quite a site. I’ll dig thru my photos and see if I can find a pic or two of her in the air.
Sign In
April 29, 2004 at 10:15 am