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Feinder -> RE: Restored aircraft from theatre. (8/19/2008 2:45:16 AM)
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I do belive that Kermit Weeks (Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida) has by far the largest private collection of vintage aircraft (and warbirds). Basically, he's got more a bunch of money to spend (oil), and spends his time buying up vintage aircraft in all states of (dis)repair. Then restores them -completely-, as in, just about everything in his 4 hangers is completely flyable (and he's the primary test pilot, not a bad deal!).
This is but a small list of what he's got (you can tour the museum). He's got everything from Blen IVs to Tigercats to Furys still in crates.
http://www.fantasyofflight.com/collection.htm
Yes, Daton is much bigger, but it helps to have the backing of the United States Airforce. Fantasy of Flight is certainly in the top 10 air museums in the US (better than 8th AF museum in Savanna, about as good as US Naval Museum of Avaition (or close to).
I'll also point out that the Wildcat in m10bob's post that is in the back (gray), is actually Week's FM-2 (you can see it on his list in the link, and I can tell you it's parked near to the B-26 [;)])
-F-
His museum is by a big lake. Besides the B-17 (wich is a display, not flyable), and B-24 (flyable), he's got a Suderland Flying Boat (among many other toys). It goes right out the hanger into the lake. And yes, it even flew over my house once (that was certianly cool, about as cool as when the B-25 & B-17 flew over on approach to Zepherhills).
[image]local://upfiles/7554/0B828D2F6EFB4197A134E888249FED98.jpg[/image]
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