The P-38 and Spitfire owned by Tom Blair and based in Kissimee have been sold to Tom Friedkin and moved to Texas. Sad to see these planes leave Florida.
XMAS gift ideas for a Warbird lovers
For those you looking to get someone who loves Warbirds a gift this holiday season, check out this two suggestions.
First, Warbirds Directory is now available in CD form and updated to the latest possible information. I still have the first paperback edition.
Ordering info is available here.
Second, Final Cut, the postwar history of the B-17 is covered in extreme detail. Ordering info is available here.
Current Fantasy of Flight restorations
Here is a list from various sources, like WIX, Kermit Week’s blog and other forums about the restoration of aircraft for the Fantasy of Flight museum. If you have any additional info or photos, let me know.
A-26 Invader “Whistler’s Mother”: Final stages of the restoration at Aero Trader. Waiting for the 2nd engine to arrive.
3 Boeing 100: A restoration of an original Boeing 100, that was damaged in the hangar collapse during Hurricane Andrew, by Roy Rehm in Nevada. Mr. Weeks has contracted for 2 additional Boeing 100’s to be configured as a Army P-12 C/D and a Navy F4B-2
Grumman Duck in Kansas
Corsair center section and Kingfisher in Australia
Stinson L-1: Being restored at the Fantasy of Flight shop. (photo credit to Joe Amend)
Seversky P-35: Being restored at the Fantasy of Flight shop. (photo credit to Joe Amend)
Grumman TBM Avenger: This was being restored at the Wings over Miami museum and it is still there now.
Hawker Tempest V: Undergoing restoration at Personal Plane Services (PPS) in England. This has been a slow restoration but a highly anticipated one. Latest photos available here and here.
updated with L-1 and P-35 photos, 27 Nov 08
Weeks to be inducted into Florida Aviation Hall of Fame
Kermit Weeks, along with Zack Mosley of CAP and Smilin’ Jack fame are going to be inducted into the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame on 12 Dec 08 at the Sun N Fun museum in Lakeland. Mr Weeks is the owner of the Fantasy of Flight museum. More details about the ceremony to follow.
SBD Dauntless coming to New Symnra on 6 Dec 08
According to the “Timeless Wings and Wheels Museum’s” website, a SBD Dauntless will be available for rides on 6 Dec at the New Symnra Airport. I am guessing the Dauntless will be the one assigned to the Dixie Wing of the CAF based out of the Atlanta area.
