Fantasy of Flight

[Taigh Ramey]

I stopped by Kermit's place for a brief visit. I was hoping to get a look at his AT-11 which was recently brought in from Wichita.

I had a chance to buy this Beech many years ago when she was still in Alaska. After looking at her for the first time up close I am even sadder that I lost the chance to get her.

Paul was kind enough to let me take a close look and she is amazing. I used to say that my AT-11 project was the most original one around. Well now I am forced to say that my project is the second most original AT-11 as Kermit’s takes the prize. She still has bomb doors installed and retains most of her original fittings inside. Too cool!



Paul also gave me a wonderful tour of this magnificent facility on his lunch break. Thank you for your time Paul!









Here is Paul's current project:







































Anybody need a new old stock Allison?

















Kermit you certainly have a magnificent facility.

Thanks again Paul.

[muddyboots]

Man oh Man! That man should receive a medal for preserving all those wings! Thanks so much for posting this thread- I've heard his named mentioned over and over in the same way little boys mention the stash of playboys in their cousin's best friend's closet. Someone saw it, and we all believe they're really thehre. But seeing is believing!

[mustangdriver]

Thanks for posting those pics. I need to get down there once again. How did the B-26 look?

[N3Njeff]

Thanks Taigh for posting the pics. Esp the N3N, I see that there is still no foreward movement to flt with her. Tho I am glad that the B-24 is inside. Was the PBY still there?

[Curtis Block]

When I stopped by, I made the coment that they should restore the N3N in the camo makinings it wears now. More than a few people agreed it would be cool to see somthing other than a yellow N3N.

[Taigh Ramey]

The Martin B-26 looks amazing, how could she look otherwise? Her paint is quite faded though. What a rare bird. We can thank the late Mr. Tallichet for saving the Martin B-26 along with Kermit’s B-24.

The PBY is sitting outside on the ramp. I didn't get a chance to look close up.

They are having an event soon called Roar and Soar. Paul said that they were going to be antique boats and cars as well as aircraft flying. They were working feverously on the Duck to get her ready for the show.

[N3Njeff]

When I stopped by, I made the coment that they should restore the N3N in the camo makinings it wears now. More than a few people agreed it would be cool to see somthing other than a yellow N3N.

I hope your kidding!!! Never enough yellow N3N's!!! What there is to many of is those Blue and Yellow thingys!!!!!

[Curtis Block]

Don't get me wrong, I was "crew chief," on the old (yellow) OFM N3N. I just thought that South American camo was pretty cool. You can't tell me it wouldn't be unique.

I'm not sure, but I think Kermit is going to put it on floats so he can get some use out of that seaplane ramp.

[N3Njeff]

I was there a couple of years ago and I "cornered" him about the N and he said that yes it will be on floats. Dont know if he has a set for it tho. N3N floats dont grow on trees.

[Iclo]

Hello,
I'have 2 "neewbie questions"

What's the condition of the B-24 ? What would be needed to bring her in the air ?

For the Allison engine, after a so long storage, what is needed before use them safely ?

Have a good day.

[Chuck Gardner]

Taigh,
I wished you had stopped by to see me. I am right up I-4 about 30 minutes away at the Kissimmee airport. There are many warbirds to see there too.

[Obergrafeter]

The AT-11 is sitting the same place I saw it at the first "Gathering". Does it go inside every night? If not thats a lot of sunshine and weather on it.

[JDK]

Great photos.

For the Allison engine, after a so long storage, what is needed before use them safely ?

A full overhaul. However, you can presume you are starting with a complete engine which has parts that are all compatible, and no nasties like a cracked block, although there may be other issues. So it's neither 'fuel up and go' or a junk collection!

[b29driver]

If you want to see a perfect AT-11 go to Lone Star Flight Museum in Galveston, TX. Theirs has guns, lights, bombays, bombs, bombsight, and it's flyable, although not being flown at the present time.

[APG85]

Nice to see the B-24 inside the hangar. Are they working on it?