Category: Museums / Organizations

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Kermit Weeks Releases Part 2 of Stinson L-1 Video Series

Kermit Weeks has released the second video in his two part “Kermie Cam” series dealing with his 1941 Stinson L-1.

This particular example was delivered to the Army Air Corps in December 1941 and initially served with 112th Observation Squadron at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina before moving on to different locations on the East Coast. It was later used for rescue with the 11th Air Force in Alaska. Following its military service the aircraft was acquired by Paul Mantz and used as a camera platform in a number of movie productions including The Great Waldo Pepper. Weeks acquired the machine from the Movieland Air Collection in 1981 and used it to tow banners. It was damaged during Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and has since been completely restored.

While part 1 (available here) included a walk around, cockpit tour and start up, part 2 sees the machine take flight. Kermit points out some of the things he pays attention to when flying the L-1, performs a slow pass or two, and sees how she does overall. Click below to check it out.

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Kermit Weeks Shares August Update on Seversky P-35A Project

Kermit Weeks has posted a new update on the restoration of his extremely rare Seversky P-35A.

As previously reported, the machine was acquired years back in a trade with the USAF Museum and is reportedly one of only three remaining examples of the single seat fighter, which was introduced in the mid-1930s and saw limited action at the beginning of WW2. It came from the Swedish Air Force and was stored in underground bunkers during the war, which resulted in significant pitting and surface corrosion. Additional damage was sustained when Hurricane Andrew struck Kermit’s by Florida-based Fantasy of Flight attraction in 1992. When complete, this will be the only airworthy example of the type in the world.

The new update details work to the wings. Click below to check it out.

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Stinson L-1 Takes Center Stage in Latest Kermie Cam Video

The latest installment of Kermit Weeks’ “Kermie Cam” series focuses on Fantasy of Flight’s 1941 Stinson L-1.

This particular example was delivered to the Army Air Corps in December 1941 and initially served with 112th Observation Squadron at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina before moving on to different locations on the East Coast. It was later used for rescue with the 11th Air Force in Alaska. Following its military service the aircraft was acquired by Paul Mantz and used as a camera platform in a number of movie productions including The Great Waldo Pepper. Weeks acquired the machine from the Movieland Air Collection in 1981 and used it to tow banners. It was damaged during Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and has since been completely restored.

The video will be released in two parts. This newly released first part includes an overview of a problem sorted out with the engine, a walk around, a tour of the cockpit and start up. Click below to check it out, along with a bonus video of its first post-restoration flight in 2013.

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Kermit Weeks Shares Video Update on Sikorsky S-38 Project

For his latest installment of Kermit Cam, Fantasy of Flight owner Kermit Weeks visits Langer Aviation in Minnesota to check up on his Sikorsky S-38 project.

Langer is working hard to complete the example of the machine, which was introduced in 1928 and became Sikorsky’s first widely produced amphibious flying boat. Weeks hopes that the aircraft will be ready in time for involvement in what he describes as “a really big IMAX film project about Martin and Osa Johnson, that will shoot in Africa, and feature both my Sikorsky S-39 and this S-38.”

Click below to check out the newly released video.

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“The Flying Machine” Summer 2019 Edition Now Available!

Aerodynamic Media, LLC is proud to announce the release of the 12th issue of The Flying Machine: Early Aero Quarterly.

Issue #12 Contents:

36 Pages – Wright Tour Guide: Examining Sites and Artifacts Connected to the Wright Brothers and the Birth of Powered Flight (Part 4); Spotlight: Berg / Military Aviation Museum Fokker D.VII; Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre’s Sopwith F.1 Camel Reconstruction Project; News Briefs: Restored Fokker D.VII, SE.5a Displayed, KipAero Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter Update, South Australian Aviation Museum Cessna CC-1 Update; Products

The Flying Machine focuses exclusively on “aeroplanes” manufactured prior to 1920, as well as the current work of historians, builders, restorers, museums and collectors to preserve and promote interest in the early years of flight. Published in print and digital formats, The Flying Machine is offered on a pay-per-issue basis – no subscription required!

Join us as we pay tribute to early aircraft and the visionaries, geniuses and daredevils who conquered the air while producing some of the most fascinating, ingenious and beautiful machines in aviation’s short history.

Click here to purchase!

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Kermit Weeks Releases Part 2 of B-24 Liberator Video Tour

Kermit Weeks has released part 2 of his video tour through his B-24J Liberator based at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida.

This particular aircraft was one of four surplus Indian Air Force B-24 bombers acquired by collectors in the early 1970s before being purchased by Weeks and flown to Fantasy of Flight in the early 1990s. It will reportedly undergo a complete restoration before flying again.

The video consists of a walk-around and walk-through and includes an abundance of interesting details. Part 1 can be seen here. Click below to check out part 2.

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Kermit Weeks Films Tour of His B-24 Liberator [Video]

For his latest edition of “Kermie Cam” Fantasy of Flight owner Kermit Weeks conducted a video tour of his B-24J Liberator.

This particular aircraft was one of four surplus Indian Air Force B-24 bombers acquired by collectors in the early 1970s before being purchased by Weeks and flown to Fantasy of Flight in the early 1990s. It will reportedly undergo a complete restoration before flying again.

The video consists of a walk-around and walk-through and includes an abundance of interesting details. The tour will be covered in two parts, the first of which can be seen below.

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Kermit Weeks Films Tour of Blakey Engine Service Workshop [Video]

For his latest installment of “Kermie Cam,” Fantasy of Flight owner Kermit Weeks details his April 2019 visit with Jeff Blakey of Blakey Engine Service in Roanoke, Texas. Kermit states:

“Jeff and I go way way back, and through the years, he’s done a number of engines for quite a few of my vintage aircraft. He’s a great craftsman, one of the last of a dwindling breed, and he’s also one hell of a guy. Come on along with me and visit with Jeff, and check out his shop.”

The visit will be documented in two parts. Click below to check out part 1.

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CHAA Shares Update on Lancaster FM212 Restoration

The Canadian Historical Aircraft Association has shared an update on the restoration of Avro Lancaster Mk X FM212.

The team reports that the restoration of the cockpit is nearing completion and hope to have it ready by the end of the summer. Reattachment of the nose section and canopy will follow, making two sections of the aircraft fully restored.

Damage to the starboard wing has also been addressed and it is now ready to be reassembled. In addition, many smaller jobs are also said to be underway, including repairing instruments. Restoration is reportedly on track to be completed by 2024. Continue reading CHAA Shares Update on Lancaster FM212 Restoration

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“Extraordinary Collection” From Classic Jets Fighter Museum Set For Auction

The NZ Warbirds Association has reported that the owners of Classic Jets Fighter Museum in Adelaide are retiring and an auction of listed contents has been set for July 24 at 10:30 am.

The auction listing describes “An Extraordinary Collection of War Time & General Aviation to Incl, Vampire R.A,N Jet Plane, Pilot Less Jet Aircraft, Mirage Cockpit, Ejector Seats, Jet & Turbine Engines, Plane Components, Avionics, Paraphernalia, Uniforms, Sort After Memorabilia, Parts, Personal Items, Clothing, Art Work and more.”

Click here to check out the auction page. The announcement can be seen below.

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