Fantasy of Flight-FL

[comiso90]

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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[comiso90]

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

 

[comiso90]

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

 

[comiso90]

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

 

[comiso90]

!

 

[comiso90]

8)

 

[comiso90]

 

[comiso90]

 

[comiso90]

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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[comiso90]

Ramjet helicopter!

sounded good on paper!

 

[GrauGeist]

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!

 

[comiso90]

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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[vikingBerserker]

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

 

[GrauGeist]

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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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!

 

[Micdrow]

Awsome shots there many thanks!!!!

 

[ontos]

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.

 

[Gnomey]

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

 

[ToughOmbre]

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

 

[comiso90]

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

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

super clean...

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[comiso90]

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

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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