Warbird Information Exchange

I'm looking for photos for the Fleet Air Arm version of the Grumman F6F-5N designated as the Hellcat NF Mk. II. I've had no luck so far and want to include some in a publication. Anybody have any idea where I could obtain them?

I have some lousy detail shots of the F6F at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton. Will this help? I may have more at work.





The radio panel with the IFF head and C-26 placard look like a bad replacement but the rest of the aircraft looks completely original and untouched

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Nice shots but I don't see the Radar indicator in the cockpit. What I'm looking for are those aircraft the FAA received between 1/45 and 5/45.

Definitely the Fleet Air Arm Museum Archive.

http://www.fleetairarm.com/en-GB/research.aspx

Best if you can hook up with a local researcher.

The Imperial War Museum archive would be where I'd try next. They may have pilot's manuals with photos of the equipment set up for use.

http://collections.iwm.org.uk/

The Fleet Air Arm Museum Grumman Hellcat is a straight F6F-5 / Mk.II, (Bu79779) KE209. No night fighter.

HTH!

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James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

Thanks!

I can't believe it! The Fleet Air Museum prices are crazy. Research and reproduction fees would make the cost for each image around $75.00 U.S. for each image. Do the people in these museums realize most writers can't afford such prices.

Unfortunately most archives charges for 'commercial'* reproduction, and the FAAM charges are not out of line for what I've found elsewhere in Canada, the UK NZ and Australia in similar museums. The excellent US access to public material is, globally, the exception, rather than the rule - surprising though this is for many researchers and the public in the USA.

I suggested you get a local researcher for several reasons - one main one is accuracy of what your trying to find, and most importantly, cost management. I've managed to use several FAAM images in my books without breaking the bank, but they certainly are carefully selected!

If the FAAM have an image of the Hellcat night-fighter, and no one else does, $75 is what it's worth.

Drop me a PM with a spec of what you are after, and I may be able to help further.

Regards,

*Which includes small-to-no-profit enthusiast publications.

_________________
James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com