GRNDP51 wrote:
Coming in late, but everything said thus far is dead on. Good handful of projects on the way, and VERY well-done too. Might've missed it, but don't think anyone mentioned Collings Hellcat that's coming along? Ezell is restoring Rod's and if you saw the pictures they posted today of the Brewster, (and the F8F), the Hellcat will be phenomenal. Same with Allied Fighters, check out Dottie and apply that restoration to the Hellcat... Gorgeous!!!
In SoCal, CAF's Minsi gets around A LOT. I almost feel bad for the girl, the 3 other Hellcats are all flawless without any chips in the paint, etc... Both of CAF's 'Cats could use some love, but I guess that's what happens why you fly them every weekend! Watching Jason Somes put her through her paces at Redlands Hangar 24 was awesome!!! Plenty of more respect for the F6F after that. Much beefier sounding than the Goodyear FG-1s, similar to the Bearcat and Chance-Vought later models (-5, -7).
I think the other reason there isn't much love is that Hellcats don't seem to be a "casual" warbird pilot plane. Mustangs, Corsairs, Bearcats, a good amount of them are owned by individuals and who really wants a Hellcat when you could get any of those 3? (I know some of you would, but I would have to take a Bearcat too realistically....) Probably a good reason there aren't many around, none of them raced,.... etc... Similar to the F7F, but without the sexiness and power.
Minsi does get around quite a bit. I caught it at Beale this year and I'm pretty sure it was at Chino the following weekend.
The Hellcat isn't the best looking warbird out there. Its not a bad looking plane, but there is just something a little awkward about it. I also agree, its not a "casual" warbird. I enjoy seeing them fly, they have an important place in history. Its just that since there are other more attractive looking planes out there that cost the same to operate why buy the Hellcat unless you want to stand out in the crowd?
Will