Researching Corsairs based at NAS Olathe Kansas

[Craig]

Does anyone have a list, or a website suggestion to identify the Corsairs based at Olathe post WWII, including the dash numbers, BuNos and serial numbers? We are specifically looking for information on N5222V/97330, but are also interested in the general history and use of the Corsair by the reserves at Olathe. Many thanks!

Craig

[RMAllnutt]

Hi Craig,
Sorry, I can't help you with this one, but Rob Mears might be able to. How is the corsair coming along by the way? It's been a long time since we've seen any updates. Hope all is well.

Cheers,
Richard

[Craig]

Hi Richard,

Rob just emailed me, thanks! He checked his history cards, but does not have an actual list. That is a bad sign... if Rob does not have the Corsair information....does anyone else?

The website is painfully out of date! We are working full time on the main beam and center section fixture, and just run out of hours in the day. We should have it updated in the next couple of weeks, but I said that already a couple of weeks ago!

I suppose I should post a topic when I finally get the new site up!

Take care,

Craig

[RMAllnutt]

That would be great! Sounds like you have made some real progress though. Are you saying that you have built a jig to put a center section in? When/how are planning on re-manufacturing the main spar, and are you working in cooperation with other teams? Wishing you all the best Craig.

Cheers,
Richard

[Versatile]

Am i right remembering that the Corsair called "The Star of New Zealand" was a Corsair that was originally stationed at that air station. The AC was found complete in a barn at Gardner Ks.

[Craig]

We are building one fixture, which will allow for the assembly of the main beam, (spar), and then the center section. We are rendering the main beam components in a 3D CAD program, including modeling and animation. We are reverse engineering from our original main beam from N5222V, and from the factory drawings. We are also laser scanning parts, and laser hole drilling and milling. The main beam is an elegant piece of engineering, and is one of the most fascinating parts of the Corsair, to me, anyhow. Connecticut Corsair is currently working alone on this part of the project, as far as other teams go. Since the Corsair's home state is Connecticut, and it is the Official State Aircraft, (Many thanks to Jerry O'Neill for his vision), we are having as many components fabricated here as possible.

We are not planning to do anything other than our own main beam as of this time, not to say we would not consider working with others in fixture loans, parts availability, etc. The first one is the hardest one, as they say! I hope I have answered all of your questions. Thanks for the words of encouragement!

Craig

[RMAllnutt]

Many thanks Craig, that does answer a lot of questions. I couldn't agree with you more about the corsair spar... a real work of art.

Cheers,
Richard

PS. I met a good friend of yours at the last Air Racing Historians Symposium last year, Bob Swanson, and his daughter Jill. Had a lovely time chatting with them over that weekend. They had a lot of very nice things to say about you.

[Warbird Kid]

Craig,

Good to hear! Cant wait to see the Corsair start to take shape!

Good ole' CT has got to start having a more healthy warbird population!

Chris