Texas Flying Legends aquires Avenger!!

[lmritger]

I am seriously digging the restrained, nearly anonymous markings on the Turkey. That's a very nice look.

Lynn

[JohnTerrell]

And they are the same exact markings that the aircraft had during WWII, being a WWII combat vet that was flown from the USS Wasp (VT-86). It really is a spectacularly authentic restoration inside and out (fitted out with all original WWII hardware, including the radar pod and associated internal equipment). The aircraft was even reunited with its original wartime pilot, Harry Badgerow in 1999, and then again in 2004, when he signed one of the propeller tips.

[Pat Carry]

Whats the Bu # for their Corsair?

[Mike]

Whats the Bu # for their Corsair?

92489

[JohnTerrell]

92489

Yep, it is the one that won grand champion at Oshkosh in 2010, immediately following the completion of restoration by John Lane/Airpower Unlimited for then owner John O'Connor. As I recall, it was one of the first aircraft purchased by the Texas Flying Legends museum, around late 2010/early 2011. Another spectacular restoration, and incredibly detailed and authentic throughout.

Edit: The November/December 2010 issue of Warbird Digest goes into good detail on the restoration of this aircraft.

[Pat Carry]

Whats the Bu # for their Corsair?

92489

Thanks for the fast resposes to this question. Now, how about a serial # for their Zero and for the P-40?

[DaveM2]

Zero was given '1498.' The story of its reconstruction is featured in CW #65

[Mark Allen M]

And they are the same exact markings that the aircraft had during WWII, being a WWII combat vet that was flown from the USS Wasp (VT-86). It really is a spectacularly authentic restoration inside and out (fitted out with all original WWII hardware, including the radar pod and associated internal equipment). The aircraft was even reunited with its original wartime pilot, Harry Badgerow in 1999, and then again in 2004, when he signed one of the propeller tips.

And here's a few of her close friends ...


USS Wasp Carrier Group Eighteen (CV 18) launch a TBM-3E from Torpedo Squadron Eighty-Six (VT-86) 1945


TBM-3E Avengers of Torpedo Squadron (VT-86) off of the USS Wasp (CV 18) in flight 1945

[Mark Allen M]

... and if your interested here's her boat ...


Aerial view of the aircraft carrier Wasp (CV 18) at sea 1945, I believe #308 is sitting four back from the first Avenger.


Damage to Wasp (CV 18) after she endured a 26 August 1945, typhoon off Japan 1945

... and a few of her other friends ...


F6F-5 Hellcat aircraft of VF-86 on the flight deck of USS Wasp (CV-18) 1945


F4U-1D Corsair aircraft of VBF-86 is the last CVG-86 launch from the deck of USS Wasp (CV-18) 1945


SB2C-4s of Bombing Squadron 86 (VB-86) off USS Wasp (CV-18) participate in mass fly by of Task Force 38 1945


F4U Corsair goes over the side after an errant landing on Wasp (CV 18) 1945, non-fatal


SB2C Helldiver pictured moments before crashing during flight operations on board Wasp (CV 18) 1945, non-fatal

[Pat Carry]

Great photos as always Mark!