Fantasy of Flight-FL

• Jun 13, 2009

• #1

comiso90

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I've been to tons of museums in several countries but this weekend was special. I went to the "Fantasy of Flight" between Tampa and Orlando, Florida. Honestly, I expected no more than an opportunity to put a few more notches in my list of tangible close encounters.

My primary goal was to see a B26 (only one in flying condition) and their Sunderland (even though it's a civilian version).

Ha! It's not often that I have an experience that not just exceeds my expectations but rips them to shreds and leaves me with goose bumps and a honest grin on my mug.

Meet your new best friend, Kermit Weeks. He's a champion aerobatic pilot, aeronautical engineer, imagineer, businessman, and all around great guy with the enthusiasm of a 10 year old with the aviation bug.

Fantasy of Flight, World's Greatest Aircraft Collection

Kermit's Blog

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• Jun 13, 2009

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• #2

comiso90

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Some of the nuggets:


There is a complete Lancaster in a series of crates waiting to be assembled.
There is a B-24 in flying condition
The sweetest P-51 I've seen... razorback -- rare!
Two seat P-40
Only B26 ready to fly
JU-52 waiting to be assembled
Gloster Meteor Waiting to be assembled
Over 2 dozen Pratt and Whitney 2800 engines - NEW
Dozens of Allison engines
Lots of new vintage props in crates... for P-38, etc

 

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• Jun 13, 2009

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comiso90

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Cool beyond words... why did the rockets cantilever inward? seems like they should be fixed for a straight back blast?

 

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• Jun 13, 2009

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comiso90

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Is this what James Garner "stole" in the Great Escape?

 

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• Jun 13, 2009

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comiso90

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!

 

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• Jun 13, 2009

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• #6

comiso90

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8)

 

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• Jun 13, 2009

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comiso90

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• Jun 13, 2009

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comiso90

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• Jun 13, 2009

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• #9

comiso90

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One of the coolest parts about the day is that Kermit flew a Strorch!
He gave an explanation of the aircraft before he jumped in to fly..

I didnt realize that the Storch a movable leading edge on the wing that focused and accelerated the airflow to achieve astoundingly low flight speeds.

Massively cool!

.

 

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• Jun 13, 2009

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• #10

comiso90

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Ramjet helicopter!

sounded good on paper!

 

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• Jun 13, 2009

• #11

GrauGeist

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Holy sh!t, man!

You hit the mother-lode of coolness!

I can't beleive the diversity of machines (and parts) there...that's gonna have to go on the list of "places I must see"!

Thanks for posting the photos!

 

• Jun 13, 2009

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• #12

comiso90

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The truly astounding thing is the Sea-Land containers with warbirds waiting to be built in the back lot!

We all need to be thankful for the dude in charge... I know if I had the resources... i'd do the same!

It's 1.5 hours from my home... come visit bro.

Museums, fishing...

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• Jun 14, 2009

• #13

vikingBerserker

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God I would have died and gone to heaven! They really have a Lancaster awaiting assembly???

 

• Jun 14, 2009

• #14

GrauGeist

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comiso90 said:

The truly astounding thing is the Sea-Land containers with warbirds waiting to be built in the back lot!

We all need to be thankful for the dude in charge... I know if I had the resources... i'd do the same!

It's 1.5 hours from my home... come visit bro.

Museums, fishing...

.

Click to expand...

Wouldn't that be a dream job, working for that museum?

When I get a chance to get out to Florida, I'll definately hit ya' up on the offer!

 

• Jun 14, 2009

• #15

Micdrow

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Awsome shots there many thanks!!!!

 

• Jun 14, 2009

• #16

ontos

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Great shots mate, is that "Apache Princess" talking on her cell phone I have to get to Florida. You must have to make several trips to get all the pictures you want.

 

• Jun 14, 2009

• #17

Gnomey

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Lovely stuff comiso. That is a beautiful P-51. Thanks for sharing those.

 

• Jun 14, 2009

• #18

ToughOmbre

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Nice pics comiso. Got there myself a few years ago. Going to FL next week on Vacation. Just might have to get back to the FOF again.

TO

 

• Jun 15, 2009

• Thread starter
• #19

comiso90

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Gnomey said:

Lovely stuff comiso. That is a beautiful P-51. Thanks for sharing those.

Click to expand...

Thanks... according to the museum.. that is one of four P-51Cs on the planet and the only one flying..

super clean...

.

 

• Jun 15, 2009

• Thread starter
• #20

comiso90

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Dec 19, 2006

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ToughOmbre said:

Nice pics comiso. Got there myself a few years ago. Going to FL next week on Vacation. Just might have to get back to the FOF again.

TO

Click to expand...

Damn TO... if knew you were coming, i would have went week later...
I was impressed that they fly one warbird almost every day. They flew an original Storch when i was there..

I think next weekend is free admission and "Open Cockpit Days".

bring lots of sunscreen... it was nasty hot!

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