Flying Heritage Collection Review (long)
Sat Jan 08, 2005 5:05 pm
I made some new friends today! The people at the FHC are the warmest bunch that you could ever ask to meet. But I am getting ahead of myself. Let me take a few steps back and tell you about my visit.
I was hoping to get a chance to visit the FHC while on my business trip to Seattle. After studying their website I discovered that you need to make your reservation by phone on Thursdays. As my bad luck would have it, I didn’t have a chance to get anywhere near a phone that I could use on Thursday (don’t ask). I worked all day Friday, but I had a window of opportunity to go for a drive this morning. I didn’t have a reservation, but I took a chance and headed north on the I-5 up through Seattle to Arlington.
I arrived and parked in the FHC parking lot around 9:30. There were no cars in sight. I was a worried that I may have driven all they way there for nothing, and the fact that I didn’t have a reservation didn’t put me at ease. I figured what the heck and I picked up my cell phone and called the office. A nice lady answered and indicated they did not have any docents scheduled since there were no reservations for that day. She was very helpful and indicated she would call one at home and see if he could come in, and when she got an answer she would come outside and let me know. A minute latter she approached the car and invited me in. The docent would not be able to make it since he had a cold but she would be happy to take me on a tour if I would like, and so Barb introduced herself.
Barb took me inside and turned on the lights in the two hangers. As the lights came up, slowly a Mitsubishi Zero was revealed out of the darkness. It is displayed un-restored. The center section and wings are mostly intact, but the aft fuselage is placed behind the center section. It is obvious major damage had been suffered in this section. I was told this airframe had be recovered from PNG, and it showed obvious signs of damage from vandals with what appeared to be axe cuts in the firewall mounted fuel tank. There was no engine displayed either.
Moving on Barb showed me the FHC’s JN-4 Jenny. This is one beautifully restored machine. It is quite impressive. I am not an expert, but certainly a high standard was applied when this airframe was restored.
Next was a Fiesler Storch. I don’t have the history of the airframes yet, so if anyone can share any info please do. I’ll have more details regarding markings when I get the scans back from the photo lab.
The next airframe I saw was an authentic V-1 Buzz Bomb. Apparently this one came out of the mountains in Germany (literally out of a tunnel manufacturing site). It appears to be in perfect condition. I was told that an original engine is being restored (Germany maybe I can’t quite remember). They are planning to do engine runs during public gatherings!!! (airshows, flyins, etc) That has to be worth the price of any admission right there!!!
Next down the line was the I-153 that had been purchased from New Zealand. Again I didn’t note the C/R but I think I got it in one of my photos. If anyone happens to remember the ID feel free to share.
Barb then guided me though a door into the next hanger. I was nose to nose with a P-40C. I haven’t had that feeling of awe for a while (like when I first started searching for warbirds), but I was hit with it again then. This P-40 was recovered in Russia and was restored in Chino. It was used in the filming of Pearl Harbor (stop that I can hear you groaning, no comments about the movie). It now calls the FHC home. It is still in it’s Pearl Harbor paint scheme, but there are plans to strip the paint. And give it a new paint job. I forgot what they told me the scheme would be.
Next was the Spitfire. I forget the exact mark, but this one was a high back with the single large radiator under the starboard wing and has the “C” wings with rounded tips.
Next was the Mustang. “Cessna of the warbird world” or not I bowed in praise of my favorite plane. This was one fine looking machine, and apparently it has been restored to the highest standards as well. I was told all the radios are original, right down to the vacuum tubes. Apparently Mr. Steve Hinton is their pilot, and makes use of a portable radio for communications.
The next plane that Barb took me to see was a B-17. Well actually pieces of a B-17 that have been restored so far. The majority of the vertical tail was on a display, along with the outboard section of one of the wings, and aft section of the fuselage (it looked to be the part just forward of the tail gunner), and a ball turret. This one had been used by Kenting Aviation in Canada as CF-ICB and later was used as a meat hauler. I was told that all of the bulkheads had been removed, and it was taking quite a bit of work to restore. The components that I viewed were impressive and looked as if they we ready to go to the Boeing Field production line back in the 1940s! This one of course was built at Boeing Field just south of Seattle, so it has come full circle. Quite appropriate I must say.
Next was the Ki-43. All that I know is that it was another PNG recovery. I don’t know much about it.
And last but not least was their Grumman F6F Hellcat. I forget where they airframe was obtained from. It looked to be in very good condition, and there was a C/R marking, but I have forgotten what it is. I know I got it in one of my pictures. Apparently it will be going into the restoration shops when others are completed, to undergo a complete teardown and rebuild. All of the FHC machines are restored with this level of attention, and all are original (no replicas).
The Po-2 was out for some work and wasn’t on display. As well there are about 10 other airframes undergoing restoration, and that didn’t include the newly acquired P-61. If I get the chance I will certainly have reason to go back.
They have what I consider to be a fair photo policy. You can take all the pictures that you want, but you need to be in the photo. This wasn’t a big problem for me as I was using a tripod anyway, and the shutter delay came in very handy. I got to take all of the pictures I wanted to so I was happy, and they were happy that I complied. I have been asked not to post the pictures are release them to any publications. It sounds like they are planning some publicity in the next year, something like preparation of a grand opening. Since Mr. Allen is going though all the trouble and expense to restore and preserve these fine airframes, I am more than willing to comply to his rules. Thanks to Mr. Allen for making these airframes available to the public!
Also while taking the pictures the docent with the sore throat came in, and I was introduced. His name is Art, and he told me he was a veteran of 50 combat missions in B-17s over Europe as both a tail and waist gunner. I was shaking the hand of another hero. It was an honor. I also got the chance to meet a second docent wearing a black Boeing leather jacket, but his name escapes me (I am really bad with names) Barb or Art… if you are reading this could you remind me of his name please!
I don’t have anything more to add. The volunteers at the FHC were the greatest people that you could possibly meet. They are also familiar with the Warbird Information Exchange so maybe we might hear from them here on WIX sometime.
Thanks to everyone at the FHC for the tour I was given today. It is very much appreciated.
Regards,
Mike Hennger
I was hoping to get a chance to visit the FHC while on my business trip to Seattle. After studying their website I discovered that you need to make your reservation by phone on Thursdays. As my bad luck would have it, I didn’t have a chance to get anywhere near a phone that I could use on Thursday (don’t ask). I worked all day Friday, but I had a window of opportunity to go for a drive this morning. I didn’t have a reservation, but I took a chance and headed north on the I-5 up through Seattle to Arlington.
I arrived and parked in the FHC parking lot around 9:30. There were no cars in sight. I was a worried that I may have driven all they way there for nothing, and the fact that I didn’t have a reservation didn’t put me at ease. I figured what the heck and I picked up my cell phone and called the office. A nice lady answered and indicated they did not have any docents scheduled since there were no reservations for that day. She was very helpful and indicated she would call one at home and see if he could come in, and when she got an answer she would come outside and let me know. A minute latter she approached the car and invited me in. The docent would not be able to make it since he had a cold but she would be happy to take me on a tour if I would like, and so Barb introduced herself.
Barb took me inside and turned on the lights in the two hangers. As the lights came up, slowly a Mitsubishi Zero was revealed out of the darkness. It is displayed un-restored. The center section and wings are mostly intact, but the aft fuselage is placed behind the center section. It is obvious major damage had been suffered in this section. I was told this airframe had be recovered from PNG, and it showed obvious signs of damage from vandals with what appeared to be axe cuts in the firewall mounted fuel tank. There was no engine displayed either.
Moving on Barb showed me the FHC’s JN-4 Jenny. This is one beautifully restored machine. It is quite impressive. I am not an expert, but certainly a high standard was applied when this airframe was restored.
Next was a Fiesler Storch. I don’t have the history of the airframes yet, so if anyone can share any info please do. I’ll have more details regarding markings when I get the scans back from the photo lab.
The next airframe I saw was an authentic V-1 Buzz Bomb. Apparently this one came out of the mountains in Germany (literally out of a tunnel manufacturing site). It appears to be in perfect condition. I was told that an original engine is being restored (Germany maybe I can’t quite remember). They are planning to do engine runs during public gatherings!!! (airshows, flyins, etc) That has to be worth the price of any admission right there!!!
Next down the line was the I-153 that had been purchased from New Zealand. Again I didn’t note the C/R but I think I got it in one of my photos. If anyone happens to remember the ID feel free to share.
Barb then guided me though a door into the next hanger. I was nose to nose with a P-40C. I haven’t had that feeling of awe for a while (like when I first started searching for warbirds), but I was hit with it again then. This P-40 was recovered in Russia and was restored in Chino. It was used in the filming of Pearl Harbor (stop that I can hear you groaning, no comments about the movie). It now calls the FHC home. It is still in it’s Pearl Harbor paint scheme, but there are plans to strip the paint. And give it a new paint job. I forgot what they told me the scheme would be.
Next was the Spitfire. I forget the exact mark, but this one was a high back with the single large radiator under the starboard wing and has the “C” wings with rounded tips.
Next was the Mustang. “Cessna of the warbird world” or not I bowed in praise of my favorite plane. This was one fine looking machine, and apparently it has been restored to the highest standards as well. I was told all the radios are original, right down to the vacuum tubes. Apparently Mr. Steve Hinton is their pilot, and makes use of a portable radio for communications.
The next plane that Barb took me to see was a B-17. Well actually pieces of a B-17 that have been restored so far. The majority of the vertical tail was on a display, along with the outboard section of one of the wings, and aft section of the fuselage (it looked to be the part just forward of the tail gunner), and a ball turret. This one had been used by Kenting Aviation in Canada as CF-ICB and later was used as a meat hauler. I was told that all of the bulkheads had been removed, and it was taking quite a bit of work to restore. The components that I viewed were impressive and looked as if they we ready to go to the Boeing Field production line back in the 1940s! This one of course was built at Boeing Field just south of Seattle, so it has come full circle. Quite appropriate I must say.
Next was the Ki-43. All that I know is that it was another PNG recovery. I don’t know much about it.
And last but not least was their Grumman F6F Hellcat. I forget where they airframe was obtained from. It looked to be in very good condition, and there was a C/R marking, but I have forgotten what it is. I know I got it in one of my pictures. Apparently it will be going into the restoration shops when others are completed, to undergo a complete teardown and rebuild. All of the FHC machines are restored with this level of attention, and all are original (no replicas).
The Po-2 was out for some work and wasn’t on display. As well there are about 10 other airframes undergoing restoration, and that didn’t include the newly acquired P-61. If I get the chance I will certainly have reason to go back.
They have what I consider to be a fair photo policy. You can take all the pictures that you want, but you need to be in the photo. This wasn’t a big problem for me as I was using a tripod anyway, and the shutter delay came in very handy. I got to take all of the pictures I wanted to so I was happy, and they were happy that I complied. I have been asked not to post the pictures are release them to any publications. It sounds like they are planning some publicity in the next year, something like preparation of a grand opening. Since Mr. Allen is going though all the trouble and expense to restore and preserve these fine airframes, I am more than willing to comply to his rules. Thanks to Mr. Allen for making these airframes available to the public!
Also while taking the pictures the docent with the sore throat came in, and I was introduced. His name is Art, and he told me he was a veteran of 50 combat missions in B-17s over Europe as both a tail and waist gunner. I was shaking the hand of another hero. It was an honor. I also got the chance to meet a second docent wearing a black Boeing leather jacket, but his name escapes me (I am really bad with names) Barb or Art… if you are reading this could you remind me of his name please!
I don’t have anything more to add. The volunteers at the FHC were the greatest people that you could possibly meet. They are also familiar with the Warbird Information Exchange so maybe we might hear from them here on WIX sometime.
Thanks to everyone at the FHC for the tour I was given today. It is very much appreciated.
Regards,
Mike Hennger
Sat Jan 08, 2005 5:39 pm
Mike,
Sounds like you had a great trip.
A couple of points, the P-40C wasn't used in the filming of Pearl Harbor. It was, as you said, recovered in Russia, spent a couple of years at Duxford, then went to Chino for restoration.
The Ki-43 came from Tim Wallis in New Zealand, before that it was in Australia, having been captured on Rabaul at the end of the war.
Did you see the Spitfire V?
Sounds like you had a great trip.
A couple of points, the P-40C wasn't used in the filming of Pearl Harbor. It was, as you said, recovered in Russia, spent a couple of years at Duxford, then went to Chino for restoration.
The Ki-43 came from Tim Wallis in New Zealand, before that it was in Australia, having been captured on Rabaul at the end of the war.
Did you see the Spitfire V?
Sat Jan 08, 2005 5:50 pm
thanks for the informative post Mike.
Sat Jan 08, 2005 6:26 pm
If the Hellcat was overall dark blue it came from Flying A Services at North Weald (UK)
Sat Jan 08, 2005 6:56 pm
I forgot to mention that the Me-262 is undergoing restoration to flying status as well. The critical part will be the Jumo engines, which when rebuilt will have and an expected serviceability of around 200 hours. I thought that was very cool. The Seattle really is THE place for 262 activity right now.
Mike
Mike
Sat Jan 08, 2005 7:01 pm
Mike
Is the 262 back there from the U.K. ? Not sure of the wisdom of flying an original aircraft with Jumos though
Dave
Is the 262 back there from the U.K. ? Not sure of the wisdom of flying an original aircraft with Jumos though
Dave
Last edited by DaveM2 on Sat Jan 08, 2005 7:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Sat Jan 08, 2005 7:12 pm
DaveM2 wrote:Is the 262 back there from the U.K. ? Not sure of the wisdom of flying an original aircraft with Jumos though
No the 262 is not on site. They also indicated that the Jumo rebuilt would involve some more modern metals for some parts. They did not go into details and I didn't pry. However, the money is there for the pit so to speak, so you can expect they are taking the appropriate design related precautions.
The impression I got from the museum is that they don't spend money left and right, but they do spend money to make sure things are done right, as in authentically as possible. I would assume that is limitted to within reason as far as the Jumos go. Perhaps (AND I AM JUST GUESSING HERE) they have done a design review of the engine and are doing a resigning on some parts (new materials) to ehance reliability.
Mike
Sat Jan 08, 2005 8:26 pm
Thanks for sharing Mike.
I'm not an expert. However, a bit as I understand it is the German W.W.II jet engines, apart from being early designs (which pre-supposes some design bugs) the major issue was the lack of high temp high quality metals - Nickel being one I think. If you could use non 1944 Nazi Reich metal, the TBTE* would go way up - for a guess. Still. I wouldn't trust 'em to fly with!
*Time Between Terminal Explosion
I'm not an expert. However, a bit as I understand it is the German W.W.II jet engines, apart from being early designs (which pre-supposes some design bugs) the major issue was the lack of high temp high quality metals - Nickel being one I think. If you could use non 1944 Nazi Reich metal, the TBTE* would go way up - for a guess. Still. I wouldn't trust 'em to fly with!
*Time Between Terminal Explosion
Sat Jan 08, 2005 8:53 pm
Regarding the V-1.
"engine runs"? That'll be interesting mixed with the 'todally authentic' bit. As the V-1 / Fi103 used a pulse jet which is a ramjet type engine, I'm very intreagued. The engine needs the air to be moving through before it will run - and it's designed to be running while the aircraft is moving forwards itself. Hence all the V-1 launches were from catapult ramps or air dropped from another aircraft - He111.
There was a group in England who had a manned V-1, which they 'engine ran' but it was a mockup flame setup, rather than the real thing.
Interesting. Stand well back after lighting the blue touchpaper.
[/i]
"engine runs"? That'll be interesting mixed with the 'todally authentic' bit. As the V-1 / Fi103 used a pulse jet which is a ramjet type engine, I'm very intreagued. The engine needs the air to be moving through before it will run - and it's designed to be running while the aircraft is moving forwards itself. Hence all the V-1 launches were from catapult ramps or air dropped from another aircraft - He111.
There was a group in England who had a manned V-1, which they 'engine ran' but it was a mockup flame setup, rather than the real thing.
Interesting. Stand well back after lighting the blue touchpaper.
[/i]
Sat Jan 08, 2005 9:03 pm
JDK wrote:The engine needs the air to be moving through before it will run - and it's designed to be running while the aircraft is moving forwards itself. Hence all the V-1 launches were from catapult ramps or air dropped from another aircraft - He111.
Hmmmm.... good point.
Mike
Sat Jan 08, 2005 9:48 pm
The other docent was Ralph. I expected you to call Thursday, so I didn't expect you today . I had a CAF meeting at Taildragers so I stopped in and Barb said you'd been there,maybe I'll get to meet you next time.
Sat Jan 08, 2005 11:07 pm
Flashonyrsix wrote:The other docent was Ralph. I expected you to call Thursday, so I didn't expect you today . I had a CAF meeting at Taildragers so I stopped in and Barb said you'd been there,maybe I'll get to meet you next time.
I honestly was too busy to get to a phone on Thursday. It was a long marathon day. I figured it was a long shot just going out there this morning, but it paid off. I am sorry I didn't get to meet you. I may get another chance to visit in the next few months.
Mike
Sat Jan 08, 2005 11:11 pm
Mike wrote:A couple of points, the P-40C wasn't used in the filming of Pearl Harbor.
I could have sworn it was. I seem to remember an article in an Air Classics or Warbirds about the ferry flight for it to be placed on a ship to go to Pearl for filming. FHC also indicated it was still in its movie paint.
I'll check up on this.
Mike
Pulse Jet
Sat Jan 08, 2005 11:17 pm
Hi,
You can push air through a pulse jet with something like a leaf blower. That's what most guys that are building their own pulse jets use.
http://www.aardvark.co.nz/pjet/starting.shtml
Cheers,
Brett
the engine needs the air to be moving through before it will run
You can push air through a pulse jet with something like a leaf blower. That's what most guys that are building their own pulse jets use.
http://www.aardvark.co.nz/pjet/starting.shtml
Cheers,
Brett
Sun Jan 09, 2005 12:07 am
Hi Mike--
If I remember right, the Spitfire at FHC is Mk.Vc AR614, which was owned for many years by Don Campbell of Kapuskasing, Ontario (who also had a Tiger Moth, an ex-RCAF Vampire F3, and what is now Bob Jens' DH Mosquito). Certainly your description fits a Vc. It went to the UK when Don parted with it and was completed there iirc.
S.
If I remember right, the Spitfire at FHC is Mk.Vc AR614, which was owned for many years by Don Campbell of Kapuskasing, Ontario (who also had a Tiger Moth, an ex-RCAF Vampire F3, and what is now Bob Jens' DH Mosquito). Certainly your description fits a Vc. It went to the UK when Don parted with it and was completed there iirc.
S.