Florida

I see PL344 now has its new rudder fitted, replacing the broad-chord version originally installed 🙂

Am I correct in assuming that you are talking about the “where do I paint the ocean grey” situation? Anyone know if this was a mistake, or if the guy wanted it done like that?

T J

This was originally done at a well known restoration shop at High Wycombe in the UK. They did the same on Kermit Weeks’ TE476 :confused: One would have thought that they would have known better, going on their track record with things like the Mosquito RS712 which looked superb before it departed to Florida and ML417 when it was restored originally. However that’s not to say that the then owner didn’t over-rule the desires of the restoration shop in their striving for authenticity, I’m sure someone knows the story.
Unfortunately it would seem when the IX changed owners in the U.S. they re-did the scheme as was and just changed the codes-in fact even they are wrong as they differ from one side to the other…TL-B and T-LB 🙁
You can rest assured the owner is well aware of this as he was over here last week and there is the possibility it may gain yet another scheme in the not too distant future. They may get some better advice from someone at DX I’m led to believe. 😉

the sea fury looks a bit shabby though :)[/QUOTE]

Your kidding… right???? 😀 Looks lovely to me 😀

Yes, the Stearman at FoF was a great trip for $199.

IMHO WA was the better trip – the vidcaps are good as well…thanks Chuck !

DC

Nice photos,I have just flown back (was at Fantasy of Flight on Sunday) mucho fun…will post a photo or two if anyone wants…the lovebugs were a pain, though I and the girlfriend enjoyed ourselves. For an all round museum, you cannot beat Kermits imaginitive museum.

Sadly Kermit could not fly as he was in New Zealand….ummmm?!

I saw those a few weeks ago, wondered what they were, the gates were open to that complex so i should have gone in and had a look, but was short of time.

Fantasy of Flight (again)

The previous post photo shows Kermit Weeks’ Off-site storage facility for the bits and pieces which won’t fit on the main FofF site.

I believe the two “fuselage-like” items are actually gondolas (gondolae?) off a couple of USN Airships, and they are actually being stored upside down.

Cheers

Paul F

I would reccommend that anyone who visits Florida seeks out some of the more unusual stuff that is lying around – there are lots of intesting strips and hulks about the place.

Such as these – laying in a field opposite the entrance to Fantasy of Flight

I would reccommend that anyone who visits Florida seeks out some of the more unusual stuff that is lying around – there are lots of intesting strips and hulks about the place.

As Chuck states, Fantasy of Flight has Stearman flights – And just $65.00 !

So if anyones off to Disney for a holiday don`t forget Kermit is just 20 mins away.
( Fantasy of Flight that is not the Frog ).

The VAC doesnt have rides anymore. The operation there closed down and is out of business.

Warbird Adventures can put you behind the controls of a Harvard and even take upside down if you like. Formation flights are our specialty.

The Flying Tigers Museum is closed now. The new owner is rebuilding the facility for a fighter museum. It will be a must see.

Fantasy of Flight has Stearman flights available if you want to fly with the wind in your face out over the country side. It’s great fun.

There is a lot of warbird activity here so stop by and see us.

Paul – Go up to Valiant Air Command – there was a warbird flight outfit there with a Stearman and Harvard . I would recommend a Stearman flight over anything!

Kissimmee etc

Hi Old Eagle

Visited FofF and Kissimmee area last year – as you say, it’s absolutely mind-numbing what Kermit has in the Polk City storage areas, let alone the “active” restoration hangar.

Daz- You simply cannot imagine the scale of the place!

I too was blown away by the “engine bay” – a whole wall full of inhibitted Allisons that only have manufacturers bench-test hours on them, plus misc other European engines too. It’s a gold mine out there.

Have tried to attach some of my photos from last year, but the manage attachment box doesn’t want to play ball at present 🙁 .

I assume Reilly Aviation Museum/restoration facility next to Warbird Adventures has now left Kissimmee Gateway Airport completely? That was another eye-opener, though not on the same scale as Kermit’s place, they had P51 and a P40(?) in rebuild last Easter.

Have just booked our return trip for next Easter, and am trying hard to persuade the other half that a flight in one of the Harvards is a must-do while we’re there, I started the “bidding” with a suggestion of a flight at Stallion 51 😀 , knowing full well that the Warbird Adventures option might then be seen as a suitable compromise 😉 . Am interested in how the Warbird Adventures experience went – will PM you with some questions.

Paul F

Thank goodness the man has a seemingly bottomless pit of money and the total desire to do it all correctly

Having worked on some of Kermits stuff I can tell you that he “has to” spend at least $6M a year on his *hobby* for tax purposes.

The standard of restoration and attention to detail ie 100% stock original is amazing, considering the amount of manufacturing required on some parts of some of the aircraft. Thank goodness the man has a seemingly bottomless pit of money and the total desire to do it all correctly.

Having seen the Tom Blair (ex-KW) Spit IX up close and personal, I can well believe it!

Daz, the American expression “awesome” doesn’t come anywhere near what the man has in storage – even apart from what has already been restored to flight and put on display. The standard of restoration and attention to detail ie 100% stock original is amazing, considering the amount of manufacturing required on some parts of some of the aircraft. Thank goodness the man has a seemingly bottomless pit of money and the total desire to do it all correctly

Crikey!

The phrase “Aladdin’s cave” doesn’t quite do that justice! 😮

I spy with my little eye a Bolingbroke – hope he get’s that beauty airworthy before too long!

Yes JDK, a great flight.
I’m sure you know that there is a real Wirraway in FL ?
Three pics from Kermits storage area – the Wirraway, with mouth watering others behind it, a part of his “engine spares stock” – I believe they are Allisons, I only photographed some of the engines, and then the Seversky
Sigh !

Of course, if it’s yours you can call it what you like and paint it as you will.

My views on ‘approximate’ warbird schemes have been aired, and the main thing about the Spitfire is it’s safe and airworthy. But the paint! So near and yet so far…

Still, paint’s paint, and its the flying that counts.

Am I correct in assuming that you are talking about the “where do I paint the ocean grey” situation? Anyone know if this was a mistake, or if the guy wanted it done like that?

T J