Coutches Bearcat

[Samuel]

Would be neat to see this thing in the air again!

https://www.facebook.com/711745502301812/photos/gm.1548523068780810/711762772300085/?type=3&theater

[supercub]

Re: Coutches Bearcat

How long has it been since it last flew?

[wingman]

Re: Coutches Bearcat

Great photo of a very seldom seen bird. Thank you.

[Wild Bill Kelso]

Re: Coutches Bearcat

How long has it been since it last flew?

The last debated flight was in 1974 with John Crocker at the stick. Work on the rebuild will start next year after we get some work done on the second P-51H 44-64203. I've been through the airframe already and I'm happy to report that no corrosion was found. Next project will be removing the engine for IRAN and rebuilding all the systems. Everything with an o-ring/seal will need to be overhauled or replaced.

[Lon Moer]

Re: Coutches Bearcat

Please keep the paint job the way it is!!
There are enough blue Bearcats already.


ed; http://www.aafo.com/hangartalk/showt...ilian-Bearcats

[Wild Bill Kelso]

Re: Coutches Bearcat

Please keep the paint job the way it is!!
There are enough blue Bearcats already.


ed; http://www.aafo.com/hangartalk/showt...ilian-Bearcats

It will stay as is. The paint is in very good condition, and I've already started buffing that out.

[supercub]

Re: Coutches Bearcat

It will stay as is. The paint is in very good condition, and I've already started buffing that out.

Need any help ??

Brian

[Rigby]

Re: Coutches Bearcat

Glad to hear you are keeping it in "civilian" colors. I think some of the best looking warbirds ever were the ones painted in "civilian" colors. The first P-51 I ever saw fly was Bob Hoover's Rockwell Int. painted version. Yellow with black trim. That was almost 50 years ago and still can remember it like it was yesterday.

[T J Johansen]

Re: Coutches Bearcat

It will stay as is. The paint is in very good condition, and I've already started buffing that out.

That is good to hear. Kinda cool to see an F8F still in civilian clothes. I had the chance to look it over back in 1993. Too bad there's hardly a P-51 (racers not included) in anything besides red nosed, blue nosed and red/ yellow checkerboard uniform these days.

T J

[supercub]

Re: Coutches Bearcat

Why did they just stop flying her?

[Wild Bill Kelso]

Re: Coutches Bearcat

Why did they just stop flying her?

Direct quote from the old man.

"I got the H flying and the gas bill was cheaper"

[supercub]

Re: Coutches Bearcat

Thanks Wild Bill, I like the civilian paint job, glad to hear you're keeping it that way.
Brian