F8F-1 Bearcat wreck off Pt Loma, California (follow-up)

[beldridg]

After my last post (F8F-1 Bearcat found in Point Loma (San Diego, CA)), I thought I would give a quick follow-up since some interesting activity has taken place.

I did make another dive on the Bearcat in late 2022. I wanted to get more pictures to build a more accurate photogrammetry model of the wreck. There is a prestigious underwater photo contest (Underwater Photographer of the Year) that I wanted to submit screen captures of a model. I am very honored that I won the contest in the Wrecks category.

I thought people on this forum would enjoy seeing the model that I created. I am biased, but I think that it is very good. It is at:

F8F Bearcat - Redux (Low Res / Mobile Version) - 3D model by Brett Eldridge (@beldridg)

This model is based upon photos taken during my second dive in Dec 2022 on the Bearcat (the first dive was June 2022). The F8F Bearcat is a relatively rare airplane (only 1000 were built) and to find one almost completely intact is very rare. It is in 230 feet of water off Pt. Loma...

sketchfab.com

Information on the UPY contest is at:

2023 Winners - Underwater Photographer of the Year

Welcome to the Underwater Photographer of the Year winner's collection 2023.

underwaterphotographeroftheyear.com

We are still finding and documenting new airplane wrecks off Southern California. You can signup to receive updates as I post them at: Wrecked in my rEvo.

I've also attached a low res screen capture of the photo that won the award below.

Regards,

- brett

 

[Snautzer01]

Now. Howabout making it fly again. Most parts seem to be there

 

[Prop Duster]

Congratulations on your photography and award.

 

[beldridg]

Congratulations on your photography and award.

Thanks!

- brett

 

[Kiwiwreckdiver]

man thats cool as is your page, i notice the I1 sub is that the very same one off Guadalcanal that the New zealand Navy mine sweeper rammed and sunk ??

 

[beldridg]

man thats cool as is your page, i notice the I1 sub is that the very same one off Guadalcanal that the New zealand Navy mine sweeper rammed and sunk ??

Thanks for the feedback.

Yes, it is is the I-1 Submarine that the Kiwi rammed. I have a bunch of the history on my site at:

I-1 Submarine & Admiral Yamamoto’s Demise (Solomon Islands — 90 fsw)

Introduction On Thursday, April 18 1943, during Operation Vengeance, United States P-38 aircraft launched from the Solomon Islands shot down the aircraft carrying the Commander-in-Chief of the comb…

wreckedinmyrevo.com

They got some critical cipher information from the I-1 during that event.

- brett

 

[SaparotRob]

I'm reminded of the scene from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
I think we used a little too much dynamite.

 

[beldridg]

I'm reminded of the scene from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
I think we used a little too much dynamite.

Yeah. If you like that story, maybe check out the story of the PC-815 which has a crazy history:

PC-815 aka the “jinxed sub-chaser” (San Diego — 90 fsw)

Intro After spending most of the day looking at targets south of Pt Loma and finding a sailboat, an anchor, and some other miscellaneous debris, Tyler and I decided to go dive the PC-815. The visib…

wreckedinmyrevo.com

- brett