Jim Moss Gee Bee QED II

[airtj]

Does any one know where this airplane is?

[JohnB]

You might know this...

It was for sale...but is listed as sold.
https://www.platinumfighters.com/invent ... ss-qed-ii/

As the photos show, it was on display at John Session's Historic Flight Foundation museum when it was in Everett, but that was a couple of years ago. Being there, some people made the incorrect assumption that it was part of the museum.

The HFF collection moved to Felts Field in 2019/20 and the Gee Bee is not there.
So, I can't tell you where it is, just where it is not...

[DH82EH]

I saw it listed for sale for $100K
That is unbelievable.
Somebody snapped up an incredible bargain.
I hope it gets flown, seen and appreciated by many

[marine air]

I was a little surprised Mr. Weeks didn't buy it since he has several Gee Bees and period racers. I think they initially were asking around $800K or so. The sellers turned down an offer at $400K and maybe should've taken it. I last saw it advertised at $250K.
The problem is MR. Moss passed away and didn't get to fly the aircraft, display it properly and get media attention it so deserves. An item can appraise for anything, however it's "only worth what someone will pay for it." This is why we don't have production lines building scores of replica aircraft. The cost to build exceeds what people are willing to pay. Hopefully we will see this bird at Oshkosh 2023!

[Warbird Kid]

This is why we don't have production lines building scores of replica aircraft.

Sigh... My dream of a short run new-build production run of B-24s and B-26s will never come to pass!

[GRNDP51]

For everyone's info, the FAA Document Index shows the registration transferring to Scott Glover (Mid America Flight Museum). Fits well in his collection!

[JimH]

I talked to one of the guys that flew it (QED) during one of our tour stops at Paine Field several years ago. His description of it's flying characteristics was 'sporty'. As far as production lines of repicas...choose your subject well. I think the P-12 series is a hit (although taking forever), the Me 262s have issues and are expensive to operate, the FW's have faired fairly well, the Oscars? nope, the F3F's yes, and several others that just don't have mass appeal. Mustangs, P-40's, and now Corsairs are being built from scratch in droves. There is a very short list of desirable airframes that could/should be built...it comes down to money and passion...which is quickly fading for this genre.

Jim

[Noha307]

This is why we don't have production lines building scores of replica aircraft.

Actually, when it comes to the Gee Bee, there's an additional wrinkle: the Granville Brothers didn't want anyone trying to build more of them - presumably because they were so dangerous and didn't want anyone else being killed. According to the New England Air Museum's old R-1 replica page:

The Granville's donated their plans to the New England Air Museum stating that they would be flattered if we saw fit to replicate their airplane, but stipulated that we never fly it and never loan the plans to anyone who wanted to build a flying replica.

[JohnB]

One reason it may have brought a low-ish price, a friend, a long time restorer was able to get a good look at it and said it had a few issues that needed attention if one wanted to continue flying it.

It's not exactly a "hop in and fly" type.

And since we are on the subject of replica racers, are the aircraft built for or used in "The Rocketeer" still around and flying?

[Dan K]

One reason it may have brought a low-ish price, a friend, a long time restorer was able to get a good look at it and said it had a few issues that needed attention if one wanted to continue flying it.

It's not exactly a "hop in and fly" type...

I don't think we need to beat around the bush; the following is still posted on Platinum's facebook page (Feb.19):

...Further inspection revealed that the main landing gear was cracked and will need to be re-engineered or different gear installed. Sold As Is, Where Is for $100,000...

https://www.facebook.com/platinumfightersales/

[C170BDan]

And since we are on the subject of replica racers, are the aircraft built for or used in "The Rocketeer" still around and flying?

The GeeBee Z flown in the Rocketeer has long been on display at the Seattle Museum of Flight. Other replicas are on display at museums in CA and the vintage airplanes from the ground scenes are scattered about and many still flying.

[Noha307]

Does any one know where this airplane is?

A quick follow up: According to the FAA, the aircraft, N14307, is now registered to the Mid America Flight Museum.

[kalamazookid]

Does any one know where this airplane is?

A quick follow up: According to the FAA, the aircraft, N14307, is now registered to the Mid America Flight Museum.

It is currently in Urbana, Ohio undergoing some restoration work.

[Thomas_Mac]

Dewey Davenport has an update video on the Gee Bee on his YouTube, visiting the restoration at the Urbana location of Mid America Flight Museum.