Hellcat Raised

Mark

Well…apart from the two obvious choices its a bit limited. “Britain at War” wouldn’t be interested as its not UK-related. The “other” mag might take it, though?

Not sure how “pay to view” might work.

However, I do have something for you. Contact me via PM or you have my e-mail address.

Book idea is interesting.

Andy

Hellcat article

Andy

Trying to find a UK Warbird magazine that will use at least 5 recovery photos, 2 wartime photos, profile and 1200 words – say 3 pages to make it a worthwhile story.

Any thoughts?

Might start publishing on line, set up recovery website and charging 25p to read it! (Has that been tried before!?)

regards

Mark

Either that or a book detailing 25 complete aircraft recoveries in the last 18 years with wartime photos, profiles and air to airs if completed. Would his be worth it?

Crap day – you might have guessed – not just warbird related!

All it needs is an hour with the pressure washer and a little tinkering………

News report!

Be careful of news reports where they have no idea what they are talking about. Daily Mail – 5th Jan 1944 – whole year out. Others stating 6th Hellcat raised – 1st and believe only Hellcat in Lake Michigan – though 4 in total ditched it is thought other three were in shallow water and recovered. Other report said pilot ejected!

Either static restoration or stablisation and no restoration! First recovery from State of Michigan waters and was a struggle – all I can say.

Airframe is in good condition. flaps elevators moved. With removal of locking pins, wing folded around. Port undercarriage leg rotated, retracted and locked in place.

Hopefully other parts might be located next year – wing sections and also the prop recovered?

Still tying in all the history and hopefully full article next month.

regards

Mark

Bit more on it, including interview with the pilot…

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1232327/I-remember-like-yesterday-WWII-fighter-pilots-Hellcat-pulled-Lake-Michigan-65-years-crash-landed.html

Very interesting!
Hope to see it to its former glory in a not too far future.

someones got to ask it…. Wil it be at Le…. oh never mind!!!

great work, it looks to be in remarkably good condition. Great work by all involved, well done.

Mark

Fascinating stuff and lucky you for being there.

Looking forward to an eventual article somewhere or other!

What are the long term intentions for the airframe? The basis for a flying re-build, restoration to static or preservation as-is?

Hellcat

…and a few photos.

Great day.

Lots of history – VF-38 at Espiritu/Guadalcanal/Mundu

Definatey with VF-38 – remains of emblem visible.

Coded White 2 on cowling

White 135 or 13 and 5 at different times.

DF over this – not idea what this means.

F-28 whilst at Glenview

Confirmation it is 25910

Time to catch a plane home

Thanks to Taras and A&T Recovery. Great day (and to Jeff for getting me here to Chicago!)

regards

Mark

..and news video here.

http://cbs2chicago.com/

Look top right.

Mark