FM-2 Wildcats!

[fighter_ace06]

I will admit I was giggling like a little girl playing around at 8000 feet. I kept checking the mirror for zeros, and even though no one was shooting at me, all that armor plate made me feel pretty safe. This has been a long time coming and I am soaking up every minute of it. I was very lucky to be dropped in this position and non of this would be possible without the support of my awesome father... whom is next in line to tame the Wildcat.

[Chunks]

Your dad must be very proud. You and your team have done great work here, and it's great to read how much you appreciate and enjoy what you've accomplished. Enjoy it, you'll never forget this time.

Chunks

[Pogo]

To clarify, the original part was glued together to use as a pattern for building a new one.

Just for the record, you stated so clearly in a previous post, and I understood what you meant -- I've had to fashion my own replacement parts a time or two. Thanks again for posting all this stuff, you're way way up there in all-time great WIX threads. I look forward to saying howdy in person sometime when I'm in Uvalde and everyone has time.

[marine air]

The finished product looks fantastic! So much hard work and expertise. Hope the aircraft and team get all the credit they deserve.

[John Kerr]

Thanks for the pictures Craig.

[bluesky23]

No problem John, and you're welcome!

[RyanShort1]

Having seen this bird in person now, I can say it is a beautiful restoration!



Ryan

[bluesky23]

Hi Ryan, Did you talk to Conrad and does he have any plans to fly the Wildcat this week? I would like to get a few pics of the finished paint scheme before he leaves for Oshkosh. Any help there? Thanks.

[RyanShort1]

Hi Ryan, Did you talk to Conrad and does he have any plans to fly the Wildcat this week? I would like to get a few pics of the finished paint scheme before he leaves for Oshkosh. Any help there? Thanks.

I don't know. Didn't ask him that stuff. Here's another pic.

and another:


Ryan

[bluesky23]

Good pics Ryan and Thanks. I hope you didn't mind my questions. After all, perseverance can sometimes pay off!

Thanks Again!

[mustanglover]

There are flights planned for the next couple of days, but as Conrad will confirm everyone is pretty busy with getting the final things required for the Limited airworthiness done so he can leave for Oshkosh................ so bear with everyone during this time.

[bluesky23]

Hello Mustanglover, and Thank You for opening the door of silence. I understand that the folks in Uvalde are very busy prepping the Wildcat and getting the obligatory FAA permission slips before Conrad may depart for Oshkosh. I have no intention of interfering with that process. At best, I had hoped to view and photograph the completed FM-2 from a distance and using a telephoto lens as needed. There's no monetary gain to be made or sought. Not looking for air-to-air ops or celebratory drinks, etc. On a journey such as this, it is serious work for both me and Conrad. It would take me a total of five hours driving roundtrip to Uvalde plus layovers for gas and food if needed. I just did not want to go on a wild goose chase or travel on a 'maybe'. I hope folks and fellow WIX'ers will understand where I'm coming from and that I'm not much different from other aviation enthusiasts. Anyway, it's easier to ask forgiveness than to get permission! Conrad, if you happen to read this, have a safe journey wherever you may fly, and best of luck at Oshkosh!

Cheers,
Bluesky23

[mustanglover]

Hello Mustanglover, and Thank You for opening the door of silence. I understand that the folks in Uvalde are very busy prepping the Wildcat and getting the obligatory FAA permission slips before Conrad may depart for Oshkosh. I have no intention of interfering with that process. At best, I had hoped to view and photograph the completed FM-2 from a distance and using a telephoto lens as needed. There's no monetary gain to be made or sought. Not looking for air-to-air ops or celebratory drinks, etc. On a journey such as this, it is serious work for both me and Conrad. It would take me a total of five hours driving roundtrip to Uvalde plus layovers for gas and food if needed. I just did not want to go on a wild goose chase or travel on a 'maybe'. I hope folks and fellow WIX'ers will understand where I'm coming from and that I'm not much different from other aviation enthusiasts. Anyway, it's easier to ask forgiveness than to get permission! Conrad, if you happen to read this, have a safe journey wherever you may fly, and best of luck at Oshkosh!

Cheers,
Bluesky23

No intention of keeping those who want to see the process happening from being here, it is just that schedules are hard to set and things are going at a rapid pace.

She did fly today with the drop tanks installed and fuel was sipping as prescribed.

Anyone is invited to visit and take pictures, just knock on the door and say hello as you enter.

[Anthony Svihlik]

For those who are interested, here is video of Mike Gillian's Wildcat from the first day of the Gathering of Eagles Air Show earlier this month:

2013 Gathering of Eagles Air Show FM-2 Saturday flight

Watching it in high-definition provides the best quality, so be sure to select the 1080p HD Video Playback Quality option, turn up the volume and enjoy!

Anthony

[bluesky23]

Congratulations Conrad! Great job that you and your crew did on the FM-2. You won the Reserve Grand Champion-World War II Fighter award given by the EAA, for the wonderful restoration of your FM-2, N774FM. Well deserved and the competition was very tough. Now, you have a baseline from which to proceed with future endeavors. As they say, 'Ya did good! :