FHC's Hellcat rumbles to life today...

[Fight2FlyPhoto]

Flying Heritage Collection fired up their Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat today, having mostly completed its restoration. As always, I was on hand to catch the moment both with video and photos.

First the video, which is 14 minutes long. At the 10 minute-ish mark you get some good sound as Jim Martinelli runs the power up a bit.
http://youtu.be/a5hHSsJazyQ

Next, a couple photos:


IMG_6581-HDR(3) by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr


IMG_6443-HDR(3) by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr


IMG_6302-HDR(3)bw by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr


IMG_6323-HDR(3)c by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr

Whenever she goes up for her maiden, I hope to be there to cover it on video and in photos.

[Mike]

Great news. The Hellcat is a very rare beast these days, with only the CAF one really active, although I think the Lone Star one does still fly occasionally, and the Friedkin example makes rare appearances at Chino too.

[Dan K]

Thanks for posting, Jason.

The throttle up starting at 7:25 did it for me...like a Stradivarius for roundmotorheads.

[Mark Allen M]

The new scheme is going to look great!!! ...

Last edited by Mark Allen M on Sat Jan 26, 2013 4:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[The Inspector]

It sounds like the engine guys still have a bit of work as I hear that distinctive 'deadish hole' bloop chuff bloop'. It'll be a great addition to our local skies!

[Lynn Allen]

:supz: It sounds like the engine guys still have a bit of work as I hear that distinctive 'deadish hole' bloop chuff bloop'. It'll be a great addition to our local skies!

It's all in how you start one...

[The Inspector]

:supz: It sounds like the engine guys still have a bit of work as I hear that distinctive 'deadish hole' bloop chuff bloop'. It'll be a great addition to our local skies!

It's all in how you start one...

If you listen, you can hear it farting from one cylinder long after it's started and taken care of the mosquito problems.

[Fight2FlyPhoto]

Glad you guys like the photo and video. It is indeed great seeing it come to life. As far as starting, and the video is concerned, Jim isn't throwing his hands up in celebration that this plane has started for the first time in many years, it's the fact it FINALLY started. I cut out the previous 20 minutes of cranking, replacing the battery in the start cart, and waiting. lol

[CH2Tdriver]

In that third pic, the first b&W one, photoshop out Flying Heritage Collection FHC and it's Bethpage LI, NY 1945!!!

[Fight2FlyPhoto]

How's this?


IMG_6221-HDR(3)bw by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr

[Lynn Allen]

How's this?


IMG_6221-HDR(3)bw by fight2flyphoto, on Flickr

Nice nice HDR work... Well done...

[Lightjug]

Love it... thanks for sharing

[avenger2504]

Paint's too shiny................
Yes she will look great in that scheme, I've always liked the Hellcat its a great looking fighter!

[tom d. friedman]

purring like a kitten!!.... my bald head isn't as shiney as the hellcat!!

[SaxMan]

Music to my ears!

It's interesting to see these pics, watch the video and then compare to the TBM thread. The family resemblance between Avenger and Hellcat is more than just skin deep.