Yanks Air Museum Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat "White 19" ...

[Mark Allen M]

Looks Great!!!

Detailed Article here:
https://vintageaviationnews.com/warbird ... ation.html

Below per Air Classic:

YANKS ROLLS OUT HELLCAT

"There is still detail painting to be done on Hellcat #19 and that includes the top left wing national insignia. What you see in the photograph is merely initial placement for the national insignia. Today, many Warbird restorations utilize large computer-generated decals for national insignia markings but Yanks is doing it the “old” way — by hand.

On 28 April, Yanks Air Museum rolled out their Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat restoration. This aircraft had been flown by famed US Navy ace Alex Vraciu. “We still have some detail painting to complete and then we will do engine runs,” stated Yanks founder Charles Nichols. “This aircraft has been a multi-year project that shows the dedication and talent of our restoration team and is part of our continuing goal of placing many of our aircraft in flying condition.” The -3 Hellcat is a rare variant."

[Mark Allen M]

Anyone know when and where the last (or first) F6F Hellcat airshow gathering was?. Assuming Planes of Fame Chino at some time. I was most likely there but didn’t realize it. I believe I’ve seen three at one time.

[k5083]

You have a good memory. In 2006 at Chino the Pond, Friedkin, and CAF Hellcats were all present. Quite a while ago. I don't know if 3 have been together since then.

August

[old iron]

What is interesting to me about this restoration is that it is to a specific point in time during the flyer's career. Restoration is marked for 9 kills (as is the photo included), rather than the ultimate 19 kills that Vraciu achieved.

Maybe the markings refer to the specific time when that aircraft flew with Vraciu as pilot? If so ... very nice!

[old iron]

Maybe there are three or more in close proximity in the Great Lakes?

[Mark Allen M]

You have a good memory. In 2006 at Chino the Pond, Friedkin, and CAF Hellcats were all present. Quite a while ago. I don't know if 3 have been together since then.

August

I now believe there were four (4) F6F Hellcats at that show. The older Yanks F6F that was static at the time was outside on display as well if I recall.

[Mark Allen M]

Most times US Navy carrier pilots would not be assigned their own individual aircraft.

[Matt Gunsch]

I was at Chino when we had the Planes of Fame F6F, Pond's F6F that had just been restored, and Yanks Hellcat were all there. Yanks did not fly, Pond's flew until it flipped on landing and hit it's tail on a piece of farm equipment.

[k5083]

You have a good memory. In 2006 at Chino the Pond, Friedkin, and CAF Hellcats were all present. Quite a while ago. I don't know if 3 have been together since then.

August

I now believe there were four (4) F6F Hellcats at that show. The older Yanks F6F that was static at the time was outside on display as well if I recall.

I don't think so, not that year. No way I would have missed getting a pic of that. That was during the period when POF and Yanks were not getting along and Yanks did not participate. I know they pulled out some statics back in the 80s, and of course more recently.

August

[Mark Allen M]

Yeah, I heard there was some friction between the two groups for a while. Not sure what it was about, but I guess from a location standpoint there were indeed four Hellcats close by. The Yanks was inside their hangar/museum. I was perhaps thinking about more recent shows when Yanks would pull out a plane or two for static display (P-47 & P-38)

[JohnB]

Tanks does beautiful work.
I think they often don't get the recognition they deserve.

I have mentioned this in the distant past, but on a visit to Chino, I was given a personal tour of Yanks by Mr. Nichols. A first rate operation.

[JohnH]

The loss of museum principal Frank Wright in the Electra last weekend is a huge blow to the museum, which is temporarily closed. His son Casey has been working on the F6F. Met Frank a few times this year, super nice guy. I'm on the airport most Saturdays and thankfully was out of town when the crash happened.

[bdk]

The overhauled Yanks P-51A engine was test run this past week. Should be the next plane to get finished up after the Hellcat I presume.

[Mark Allen M]

Any idea if Yanks is still throwing around the idea of moving out of Chino? Last I heard the Museum was considering moving to Central California. And with possibly the complete move of POF to Santa Maria, that could place both groups somewhat closer together again.

[JohnB]

They have been discussing a facility to Greenfield, California for the last 10 years.
It will have a 5000 ft runway so aircraft can operate from it.
It has been delayed a couple of times, but doing a internet search, the city is still looking forward to it.
Some work apparently has been done.