just curious...which is the most authentic flying Corsair...

[Matt_in_NC]

I'm not trying to start any kind of feud or argument...was just wondering which Corsair currently airworthy (or soon to be airworthy...) was the most authentically restored. I know the VWC FG-1D was restored completely to stock...are there any others like that? Thanks in advance...

-Matt

[tex-fan]

Planes of Fame might be up there toward's the top, it's the oldest any way.

[RMAllnutt]

It would have to be Vintage Wings FG-1D, restored by John Lane... I can't think of another which has yet flown that is as authenticly restored.

However, if you are talking corsairs in general, then it would be KD631 at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton, England... it is in time capsule condition.

Cheers,
Richard

[Taigh Ramey]

I completely agree with Richard. For the most authentic Corsair in my book would be the Fleet Air Arm FG-1D in Yeovilton. She still carries her factory paint thanks to a Gentleman who removed several layers of paint from on top of the original finish by softening the paint with hydraulic fluid and rubbing it off by hand. Now that's real restoration!

For flying aircraft, just as Richard mentioned, The FG-1D BuNo 92106 that John Lane restored has to be the most authentic to date that I am aware of anyway. Ray Anderson, of Anderson Airmotive, built the R2800-8 for it with the fully operational 2 stage 2 speed blower. That engine has to be 1/3 longer than other R2800's as the induction air exits the engine for the intercooler and then comes back in for the final stage. The full intercooler system on this Corsair is operational which makes me wonder if this is the only one flying with a complete and authentic QEC or firewall forward. Many WWII Corsairs have been modified with different R2800's and a lot of them have CB series engines or other post war variants.

John Lane tells a great story about flying 92106 at high altitude and shifting the blower. How cool.