Fagen Fighter's Helldiver-Progress Photos!

[Warbirdnerd]

They posted these pics on Facebook today. I linked them here for those of you not on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FagenFightersW ... 3286972916

[JohnTerrell]

I assume that as of this summer this has now moved-up to be the main in-house restoration focus at Fagen Fighters/Warhawks Inc. With a reputation for producing the most authentic Curtiss P-40 restorations, I should expect the Helldiver will be spectacular when completed, with the Fagen/Warhawks Inc. touch.

[StCurry7]

If that was my airplane I would have it at Vultures Row Aviation along side the only other Helldiver currently under restoration. We have seen what they are doing and with all the fixtures and tooling already I can't believe it wouldn't be the most economical and quickest way to finish. My understanding from people and looking at the CAF one is that's one heck of a complicated airframe and full of widgets. Seems Vultures Rows Helldiver is much farther along.

[sdennison]

If that was my airplane I would have it at Vultures Row Aviation along side the only other Helldiver currently under restoration. We have seen what they are doing and with all the fixtures and tooling already I can't believe it wouldn't be the most economical and quickest way to finish. My understanding from people and looking at the CAF one is that's one heck of a complicated airframe and full of widgets. Seems Vultures Rows Helldiver is much farther along.

New Sales Manager position?

[C VEICH]

I would have it at Vultures Row Aviation along side the only other Helldiver currently under restoration.

Yanks Air Museum might be surprised to learn they are not restoring a Helldiver!

[Mike]

Are Yanks actively working on theirs? It doesn't seem to have moved in years.

[Deuelly]

It hasn't changed status in years. Even with the unfortunate passing of Terry Reynolds, had Fagen Fighters kept the Helldiver with Wichita Air Service to complete (they are the ones that have gotten the airframe this far), it would be flying right now.

When I stopped by and talked to Terry (after the plane had been removed and taken back to MN), he told me they would have had it flying if given another 16 - 24 months. That was years ago.

It "might" be to the point of flying right now if it had stayed in Wichita but there is no way it would have been done in 16 - 24 months. I think Chuck at Vultures Row would agree with that. You have to remember that it was years for them to get it to the point it is now.

[4RG.I.'S]

I believe that no matter where an aircraft is, with all of the extremely talented craftsmen and restorers we are lucky enough to have progress will continue.
Isn't it cool that there are so many choices of top notch shops around to do this amazing work to preserve our history?

[Tim Savage]

It hasn't changed status in years. Even with the unfortunate passing of Terry Reynolds, had Fagen Fighters kept the Helldiver with Wichita Air Service to complete (they are the ones that have gotten the airframe this far), it would be flying right now.

When I stopped by and talked to Terry (after the plane had been removed and taken back to MN), he told me they would have had it flying if given another 16 - 24 months. That was years ago.

It "might" be to the point of flying right now if it had stayed in Wichita but there is no way it would have been done in 16 - 24 months. I think Chuck at Vultures Row would agree with that. You have to remember that it was years for them to get it to the point it is now.

Sorry to disagree with you, but I stopped by Wichita Air Service several times during that period and can tell you that the pace (and quality) was amazing. The fixture for the fuselage was empty except for the firewall on one visit. The fuselage was completed to its current state and already removed (back to MN) in less than a year's time (acknowledging that they had been working on structure components for a while)

Sure, Terry may have been a bit enthusiastic with his statement, but I don't think by much. I understand your opinion differs. But I know the guys, saw what they were capable of, and therefore stand by my statement. (which is merely an extension of their statement)

In the end, it doesn't matter. I'm excited to see what will become of it. Whether that's at Vulture Row, Warhawks Inc., or whomever!

With all due respect, I am pretty sure Deuelly knows what he is talking about. After all, he is one of the main guys at Warhawks and is intimately involved with the restoration and has knowledge of why the airplane was pulled from WAS, etc.(whatever that might be...I have no idea and would never suggest I do.) I am confident his knowledge is deeper than "I stopped by Wichita Air Service several times."