FLYING UNDERWATER RECOVERIES

[Rob S]

Wixers, With all the amazing underwater recoveries in the last few years, how many are now actually flying?, or will be restored to flying condition?
Thanx, Rob

[Matt Gunsch]

2 Grumman F4F Wildcats that were recovered from Lake Michigan are flying. I saw the first one at Oshkosh where it was flying with it's original tires still mounted. 1 of the 2 Wildcats was rebuilt with the correct dash number engine, the other had a different dash engine installed.

[Elwyn]

Isn't the latest Grumman Duck restoration an underwater recovery?

[bearfan1]

I believe you are correct Elwyn









bf1

[Warbirdnerd]

There is a Corsair flying that spent some time underwater as well...

[HELLDIVERS]

HI I THINK THAT ONLY ONE OF THE LAKE MICHIGAN A/C ARE FLYING THE OTHER WAS FOUND TO HAVE CORROTION ISSUES WITH THE SPARS IF THIS IS WRONG PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANKS MIKE

[RMAllnutt]

I was told by the pilot of the currently airworthy F4F-3 that both of the Lake Michigan wildcats did fly. The one still flying had a complete strip down, and restoration. The other aircraft had a less severe strip-down, and as a consequence some corrosion eventually reared its ugly head. This particular aircraft is not currently flying, but I am unsure whether it is being repaired to fly again.

Cheers,
Richard

[Brad]

http://www.warbirdregistry.org/f4fregis ... 12260.html

http://www.warbirdregistry.org/f4fregis ... 12296.html

Both of the Lake Michigan Wildcats that were restored to flying condition have flown. Bu. 12296 is currently on loan to the Museum of Flight in Seattle but is definately flyable. It flew up to Seattle and will fly back out when the museum's own FM-2 is finished and put on display. When that day comes, it will involve about two days worth of work to get it de-pickeled, inspected and back in the air. I've done a lot of work on this plane in the past and it's in perfect condition. I can assure you that there is no corrosion in this airplane. Of the two flying F4F's I do believe it is the most original and in the best shape.



The second F4F is Bu. 12260. It's a beautiful plane as well. It has had a lot of attention from it's current owner. It's also a current flyer.

[bearfan1]

Was the work done on either of these 2 Wildcats done in Michigan, Pontiac to be specific? Don ? something, can't remember. I was at the Pontiac Airport sometime in the late 80's/early 90's and shot several pics of work being done on a Wildcat and think I remember being told it was one of the Lake Michigan Wildcats. The fuse was bare and they were media blasting the inside at the time. They had sevaral peices ready to, landing gear parts, head rest and parts of the instrument panel. Don, and like I said, I can't remember his name but I still think I have laying around somewhere, was pretty friendly and let us pester him and shoot pics for a couple of hours before we headed out. I'll do some scanning if there is any interest. ( yea, right ! )

bf1

[Rob S]

Yea right Bearfan1, Please post!

[michael luther]

The one Brad is talking about is the one restored at Pontiac MI.

[bearfan1]

Went thru the pics last night, 2 people shooting photos and most are crap, grainy and washed out but there are several good/decent ones and I'll do what I can with the crap. Thanks for the confirmation Michael.

I'll have them up later today.

bf1

[bearfan1]

Wish I had some of the entire aircraft but most we took that day were crap, and mine sat undeveloped for almost 10 years. Did the best I could with what I had to work with. I have a few more that are reallt not worth scanning but I will scan a few and see if there is anything I can do.

bf1

[bearfan1]

[bearfan1]