Warbird Information Exchange

F4U Folks:

Awhile ago, wixer Gman commented that some of the parts of "Blue Max" will be used for the full restoration of Buno 122179. (I).

Does anyone know if this airframe's still at Tom O'Really shop in S. Fla?? Will someone provide a pic of the current restoration? Included is a recent picture posted on Flypast forum of the poss airframe but no date was given. Photo Flypast Forum.

Any other details will be appreciated on this future warbird!!

Tom closed up his shop in Florida a few years back. Maybe he took the project with him when he relocated to Georgia?

_________________
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

Hi,

very interesting project.

Are you sure is a -5
For me not, when i see the end of the canopy.

Cheers
SPang

Spang:

No we are not! All that we know is that this particular airframe has a mix of components fm different aircraft. We suspect the center section is the original Buno 122179.

A good cockpit picture of the current restoration will help. Now, we now the airframe moved to poss Georgia or Ft. Myers, Fla.

We'll keep digging!! Tks

Find the thread for LTV restoration and go to page three. There are pictures of this airframe there.

Hi,

The Canopy seems to be a -4 one. The aft fuselage (just behind the armour plate of the seat) doesn't have the hump the -5 normally have.
Do you think that the aft fuselage comes from a -4 too?

ALU:

Good day!!

Tks for the data/info.

We do not know if the aft section belongs to a -4 aircraft. We hope that Wixer Gman comes to the surface with more pics or data of Buno 122179 in its current restoration phase. The pic above was taken c. 2002. Included is another shot previous c. 2002 of the same bird. Photo via Wix Forum.

Understand he moved up to Georgia after the hanger in Kissimmee, FL was damaged in 2004. Heard that all the planes went other places. I will check with a friend who is more aware of what has gone on. Once I know I will post what I know and have heard.

The aircraft left Florida in late 2002. From what I have been told, it is now is Dallas with LTV undergoing a restoration to static display.

This is the quickest link I could find. I know somebody could find something better There was a thread I believe on the roll out ceremony Its a done airplane.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11552&hilit=vought+retirees&start=30

The aircraft in the picture is a -4 corsair (unknown Bu.No.). It was bought by Jim Fry a number of years ago, and eventually found its way to the Vought Heritage in Dallas, who have completely restored her to static condition using the wings from another crashed -4 (either 97302 or 97280). Tom did have a -5 project, 122179, a burnt out wreck, which is now well on the way to flying again in France.

All the best,
Richard

_________________
Richard Mallory Allnutt - Photography - http://www.rmallnutt.com

Richard:

Good Day!

Tks for the info & data on Buno 122179. Now, off to France & maybe Alu & Spang can expand a bit on the subject.

Hi,

At this time, and know only 2 -5 in France.
One at the Ferté-Alais which finish his restauration fopr this year. It appears during the meeting last year. Future camo his during Korea War.

The other is on the south in France and in my memory he has the correct canopy.

Cheers
SPang

SPang:

Good day!

Tks for the info & data. Any other pics & link of this bird restoration history will be welcome. Photo Volker Hilpert via France Warbirds. According to the forum folks it will be ready for the skies c. Dec 2010!

Hi,

This is the -5N at the Ferté-Alais but it's not in the part of the Museum and impossible for the public to see it during restauration.
But i say that radar cone come back on the wing, he look like more a -5N.

The -5NL is my favorite fighter.

Cheers
SPang