F2G race 74

[Tim Adams]

It's a dam shame Ron keeps all his stuff so hidden and never has them fly to shows. His Mustang looks amazing too, but again, nobody gets to see it.

[JohnTerrell]

Ron's P-51D "Red Dog" was actually quite the attraction at a few fly-ins this past year, and last, in Casa Grande (I know, no where near being an 'airshow regular', but if you were able to attend these fly-ins you would have been able to have seen the aircraft and seen it flying besides).

Really looking forward to seeing the results to be of this reunion of Race 57 and 74!

[Steve T]

Mr Pratte's aircraft, Mr Pratte's choice where they do or don't go! Clearly they're being very well looked after; the F2G looks superb. I'm delighted to see the Cleland team duo reunion has happened. Look forward to seeing some of the resulting pix. Now all that's necessary is for someone to exhume enough of Race 94 at Cleveland to begin a reconstruction of that Corsair, then a full Cleland team reunion could occur...

S.

[jschillereff]

Hey guys,
Here is some video I shot of the Unlimited qualifications from this year, Bob really had race 74 on the power which was nice, I thought maybe since it was just “out of the box” he would hold back but he was there to race. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZw6XXLKrvQ
Jason

[Chris]

Ron Pratte generally keeps Red Dog and the C-45 which is equally as stunning flying regularly at local events. The Corsair has been down for paint for almost ten months as some other maintenance items were taken care of as well. Paul Allen keeps most of his stuff local as well as do most of the other owners unless amenities (fuel, hotels etc) are covered. Ron understands the historic value and significance of his "toys" and the inherent risks of constant displays. All his stuff is extremely well cared for in climate controlled enviroments and could be made airworthy or driveable in a minimum of time. All of his stuff should have no problem remaining in excellent condition for many years to come. I have read many times on this board where someone or group being hammered on for letting historical artifacts rot and begging someone to step in and do something to preserve them. Ron Pratte is doing just that. I'll post whatever pics I can get tomorrow but they'll all be on the ground. I'd love to get an air to air shot but that's not happening.

[Chris]

Here are some pics and vids from the F2Gs today. After everyone started up and taxied out, Bob Odegaard had to return after runup due to some fouled plugs. Some thrashing by Bob and his son Casey got "74" back up in 30 minutes. You'll here the backfires on the runup video and also some popping on the takeoff. As I said, I was groundbound but here ya go
http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/b ... =00003.mp4
http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/b ... =00004.mp4
http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/b ... =00005.mp4


Bob Odegaard in front of "74"

A comparison of the clipped tip on "74" and the standard tip on "57"

Tall rudder with extra tab versus F4U4 rudder



Wheel well area on "57"


Difference in scoops. I think "57" has a PV-2 scoop



Larry Perkins in front of "57"






Race "74" with Cripes a Mighty in the foreground

Bob and Casey changing out some plugs

[SaxMan]

Wow. Wow. Wow. Those pictures are simply awesome!

I really like the ones where the two F2Gs are parked nose to nose. I imagine the two of them have a lot to talk about since they last saw each other!

[C VEICH]

Bob's spark plug woes were to my advantage as they allowed me enough time to get to Falcon Field about 10 minutes or so before they launched for the second time. Simply awesome sight and sound is all I can say.

[lmritger]

That... that's incredible. Just utterly incredible.

Lynn

[StangStung]

Unbelievably cool. Another pic for the "I never thought I'd see that" file!

[John Kerr]

Which magazine will have the inflight photos?

[cooper9411]

Freaking awesome pictures. Thanks for the post

[John Kerr]

A couple of inflight photos here:

Click here: F2Gs. Yes. As in "multiple." - Aviation Airshow Air Race Photography Discussion

[mike furline]

A couple of inflight photos here:

Click here: F2Gs. Yes. As in "multiple." - Aviation Airshow Air Race Photography Discussion

http://aafo.com/hangartalk/showthread.php?t=9737

[tom d. friedman]

great pics....... like a family reunion!!