Need help finding a Bearcat...

[retroaviation]

I just found these two gun port covers somewhat buried out on the property at the CAF, which have some stamped letters & numbers on the inside. I know it’s a little tough to see in the pictures, but they say “F8FK20R.” And one also has a “KK” stamped on the opposite end. I would imagine this isn’t something the factory would’ve done, but maybe “K20” was the buzz number on the airplane, with “R” meaning the right wing? I've found a picture of a -1 Bearcat with "K23" on the side of it, but no info whatsoever on a "K20." I was just wondering if any WIXers knew where this airplane might be today. It would be kind of cool to reunite these parts with it.






Thanks in advance,
Gary

[Matt Gunsch]

Hey Gary,
Keep digging, the rest of the plane has to be under there somewhere.

[retroaviation]

I wish!

[Obergrafeter]

Hey Lynn, if Gary finds the rest of the Bearcat under there you reckon I could run up there and get my checkout in the F8F? Still got my letter somewnere.

[Jack Cook]

Nice boondockers there Gary

[Second Air Force]

Nice boondockers there Gary

They could use a coat of paint, judging from the toes.

[Lynn Allen]

Hey Lynn, if Gary finds the rest of the Bearcat under there you reckon I could run up there and get my checkout in the F8F? Still got my letter somewnere.

You still have that tail wheel? Make sure its the right color and no d-day stripes, etc....

Lynn

[Obergrafeter]

Two gun ports, a tail wheel, Gary should be able to come up with an airplane from that many parts. Get one of Jacks $5 dataplates and were in business.

[Forgotten Field]

Gary,
If you need F8F parts, just ask. You shouldn't be embarassed by your "restoration" addiction and try to smoke out parts by using this technique. I know I have a Bearcat control stick boot available- so just say the word, and I'll mainline it down to you for your "fix."

Best Regards,
Forgotten Field, surrounded by crack dealers in Baltimore and now using their proven sales techniques...

[retroaviation]

Well, since you asked....

I could use a complete fuselage, tail section, engine assembly, outer wing panels, and center section (minus the gun port covers).

Gary

[retroaviation]

Got this e-mail a few minutes ago. Where is this airplane now? Maybe it's K23???

WELL, IF THEY’RE FROM THE CAF JUNK, THEY’RE PROBABLY FROM THE BEARCAT THAT LLOYD NOLAN WRECKED AND THAT WAS PURCHASED BY STEPHEN GRAY AND TRADED TO HINTON FOR RESTORATION WORK ON A P-38.

I reckon I could just call Steve, but I figured someone on WIX might be able to find these kinds of details.

Gary

Last edited by retroaviation on Fri Jul 04, 2008 10:24 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Swiss Mustangs]

so it could be this one

http://www.warbirdregistry.org/f8fregis ... 21614.html

photo of N7957C in 1968:




Martin

[retroaviation]

Could be, Martin. Anyone have the military history of this bird?

Gary

[Robbie Roberts]

Could be, Martin. Anyone have the military history of this bird?

Gary

Bought by a nation run by little old ladies, and only flown to war on Sundays...

Robbie