Great news for FIFI

retroaviation · **Posted:** Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:10 pm

Well, most of y'all have probably heard...or at least heard rumors, but FIFI received a very generous donation this weekend. A man by the name of Joe Jamieson pledged $2 million to our re-engine project for FIFI! This is obviously hugely appreciated and will allow us to move forward with the program.

I enjoyed talking with everyone at the show and appreciate all of the kind words that were said.

I reckon now it's time for me to get to work, huh? :wink:

Gary Austin
Crew Chief, B-29/B-24 Squadron
Commemorative Air Force

John Beyl · **Posted:** Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:19 pm

That's great news Gary. You seem to have touch for fund raising. Can you spare some fund raising time for the C model Mustang? I'd love to see the C model flying cover for FiFi some day

How long do you think it will take to finish the re-engine project?

John

Dan K · **Posted:** Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:24 pm

Congratulations to you and your entire crew, Gary.

Any idea where Mr. Jamieson can be reached so that WIXers might express their appreciation for his generosity?

Former Member · **Joined:** Mon Aug 29, 2005 1:40 pm **Posts:** 1493

Great news Gary... glad to hear that somebody with some deep pockets was kind enough to help get this old bird back in the air where she belongs. Is this guy a warbird enthusiast??

John

Mike · **Joined:** Tue May 04, 2004 8:54 am **Posts:** 3331

Excellent, excellent news. I'm really looking forward to the chance to see her in the air - the last B-29 that I saw fly was Duxford's example arriving in early-1980.

retroaviation · **Posted:** Mon Oct 09, 2006 1:07 pm

Wow, lots of questions to answer here. :shock:

Let's see........I'll do what I can to help with the "C" model Mustang as well, even though it's got a Merlin on it. :wink:

I, too, would love to see it flying with FIFI someday.

Not sure at this point on the timeframe for getting FIFI airborne. Still need to work out details with our engine shops. This seems to be a popular question, so I'll try to have an answer for everyone when I can make a reasonable estimation. We're going to move methodically though, as we want this to be right and not a "hurry up" job.

I doubt Mr. Jaimeson would like for me to put his contact info out to the general public. However, I can certainly make sure he checks out the WIX site and reads everyone's comments. He's an "up and coming" Warbird enthusiast. One thing that impressed me about him is that when he doesn't know about a particular airplane that we would be looking at, he'd ask very good questions and not try to B.S. his way through it. I would imagine you'll be hearing more about him in the future.

Gary

Django · **Posted:** Mon Oct 09, 2006 1:13 pm

Great news!! God bless him.

John Beyl · **Posted:** Mon Oct 09, 2006 1:37 pm

retroaviation wrote:

Wow, lots of questions to answer here. :shock:

Let's see........I'll do what I can to help with the "C" model Mustang as well, even though it's got a Merlin on it. :wink:

I, too, would love to see it flying with FIFI someday.

Not sure at this point on the timeframe for getting FIFI airborne. Still need to work out details with our engine shops. This seems to be a popular question, so I'll try to have an answer for everyone when I can make a reasonable estimation. We're going to move methodically though, as we want this to be right and not a "hurry up" job.

I doubt Mr. Jaimeson would like for me to put his contact info out to the general public. However, I can certainly make sure he checks out the WIX site and reads everyone's comments. He's an "up and coming" Warbird enthusiast. One thing that impressed me about him is that when he doesn't know about a particular airplane that we would be looking at, he'd ask very good questions and not try to B.S. his way through it. I would imagine you'll be hearing more about him in the future.

Gary

Hmmm...A "C" model Mustang with a 3350? OK..maybe we'll stay with the hot water 12! Seriously though, any help or leads you can give us for Red Tail would be more than welcome. Please contact me off line if you want to discuss it further.

No matter how bad we all want to see the "Queen" back in the air, I think we are all in agreement with when you say "stay the methodical approach". When you get a lose idea of the time frame let us know. My dime has gone down on early spring 2009. Prove me wrong and you can have my dime!

Thanks,
John

Robbie Stuart · **Posted:** Mon Oct 09, 2006 1:49 pm

That is really good news Gary. Looking forward to seeing the ole gal back in operation!

Robbie

Randy Haskin · **Posted:** Mon Oct 09, 2006 1:59 pm

I'll 2nd or 3rd the request to find out some more info about FiFi's benefactor.

If he's a businessman, I'd sure like to show my appreciation by patronizing his business if possible.

If he does visit the WIX and read these posts. I hope he realizes how appreciated his contribution is by people outside CAF circles.

Thank you, sir!

TimAPNY · **Posted:** Mon Oct 09, 2006 2:04 pm

That is great new Gary!

And a VERY big thanks to Mr. Jaimeson for his very generous donation.

Tim

Mudge · **Posted:** Mon Oct 09, 2006 2:08 pm

That's great news, Gary. Ya' done good :!:

I was lucky enough to see FIFI fly (and get some pictures) when the CAF sent her up to Martinsburg. Don't remember if it was '04 or '05 though.
When ya' get to be my age, the memory is the second thing to go. :shock:

Mudge the geezer

APG85 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 09, 2006 3:45 pm

Mike wrote:

the last B-29 that I saw fly was Duxford's example arriving in early-1980.

Got any pictures of that event (It's Hawg Wild)?

Mike · **Joined:** Tue May 04, 2004 8:54 am **Posts:** 3331

APG85 wrote:

Mike wrote:

the last B-29 that I saw fly was Duxford's example arriving in early-1980.

Got any pictures of that event (It's Hawg Wild)?

Yep. I'll post a couple up tonight if I can find the scans on my home PC - all my photos are in storage in the Uk since I moved to the US earlier this year, but I'm sure I scanned in a couple.

bomberflight · **Posted:** Mon Oct 09, 2006 4:15 pm

Gary ~ Can I add a vote of congratulation from the UK too

The latest issue of Dispatches arrived here in England on Saturday and as I read the conclusion of your superb Fifi restoration article ~ I wondered will she ever fly again ......

Your news has cheered an otherwise dull Monday

Get her done ~ start selling rides and the Brits will come !!!!

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