Japanese Fighter in North Carolina???

Cubs2jets · **Joined:** Mon Jan 18, 2010 9:12 am **Posts:** 312

Looking at Google Earth "something" resembling an airplane shows up starting in July 2010. Almost looks like a P-40. By March of 2014, "something" looks like an Me-109. In Feb of 2019 the "something" sure looks like an Oscar.

I'll be interested to hear the story.

C2j

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Mon Mar 16, 2020 3:53 pm

Look up the historical imagery on Google Earth from 3/2014. Totally different look - almost looks like Bf-109 paint with yellow nose and wingtips and crosses and such.

Vagabond · **Posted:** Mon Mar 16, 2020 5:37 pm

Hey Guys,

I drove down today and met the man behind the mysteries!

I'll post my photos and details of the visit as soon as I can.

The Oscar replica is his THIRD replica project having built first, a P-40 and 2nd, an Me-109.

An amazing guy!

Michel Lemieux · **Posted:** Mon Mar 16, 2020 6:04 pm

That story reminds me of that place in Ontario Canada

http://www.modelaacres.com/tours.html

Vagabond · **Posted:** Mon Mar 16, 2020 6:30 pm

Whle speaking with Zeb today, he mentioned being featured in a segment of Tar Heel Traveler on WRAL.com.

Link to the video here:

https://www.wral.com/news/local/video/15408970/

Yes, the anchor refers to the P-40 as a "Jet Fighter" but the rest is fun. I loved Zeb - he's a hoot and an inspiration!

Vagabond · **Posted:** Mon Mar 16, 2020 6:35 pm

Gallery posted here:

https://www.vgbimages.com/AirMuseums/Os ... 0/n-MmSx36

The Man himself:

THANKS for an awesome adventure today WIXers!!!

Vagabond · **Posted:** Mon Mar 16, 2020 6:38 pm

DoraNineFan wrote:

Studying the plane a little more and it looks a little out of scale in relationship to nearby vehicles in the satellite photo. For reference I think the standard secondary paved highway width there is 32 feet. The wingspan for the Oscar is 35 feet 7 inches so it's close.

That looks like an old logging road just to the East, now with tracks from ATV riders. I see timber / logging property just to the South. Not many places to sneak in without stepping on a snake or other varmit.

He built it to an 11/12th scale. Chopped an inch off of every foot.

I drove down that logging road to sneak a peek before stopping by. Drove by a few times then stopped off and dropped a note in the mailbox. I drove off and got a call from Zeb a few minutes later, turned around and dropped in for a visit. Super cool guy!

Michel Lemieux · **Posted:** Mon Mar 16, 2020 7:13 pm

What a story!

Tks Vagabon.

BTW...I have the same prop spinner in my kitchen :-)

And the same cylinders at my local fast food restaurant are holding 100 oz Ketchup and sauce before .....being converter to AC engines.

Still I may be laughing....but the cockpit recreation is pretty convincing!!!!

Has he told you where the replicas are used?

Michel Lemieux · **Posted:** Mon Mar 16, 2020 7:24 pm

Just watched the video......what a story!!!

Lot's of work when you consider it is a one man shop.

Curious to see where is other creations ended.

Thank you again for sharing.

Edit
__________________________

Which I may add....made my day when you consider how crazy the day has been in regards of what is ahead.

Every smile counts...

Cheers

DoraNineFan · **Joined:** Fri Aug 12, 2005 3:37 pm **Posts:** 672

That's awesome. I'm glad that the visit worked out and you were able to get the story. Thanks for doing that.

marine air · **Posted:** Mon Mar 16, 2020 9:46 pm

It looks great and he finished it! Now to put a little engine in it that turns the prop.

Chris Brame · **Posted:** Mon Mar 16, 2020 11:26 pm

Great! Now do a P-43. :wink:

Vagabond · **Posted:** Tue Mar 17, 2020 10:03 am

I've uploaded a scan of a photo print from Zeb of his 109 Replica to the gallery.

Warbirdnerd · **Joined:** Fri Apr 30, 2004 7:34 pm **Posts:** 2923

I thought this location sounded familiar- Here is an old post about his P-40-
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=45041&hilit=North+Carolina

menards · **Joined:** Wed Jan 04, 2012 12:46 pm **Posts:** 543

A lot of misinformed people posting about deep south pit bulls and shot guns. Show up un-announced to a southern man's property in a respectful manner with a genuine interest in what they are doing, not only will they chat your ear off for as long as you are willing to let them, they just may also cook you a meal or two while you are there. Some of the nicest people you will every meet live down south off the beaten path. Key words...be respectful! It goes a long way!

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Japanese Fighter in North Carolina???

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