Mr. Weeks is the luckiest man on the planet. Glad he wants to share his wealth of warbirds with us. Definitely a spark within me. Thanks Mr. Weeks. My Dad ignited the spark many years ago. He flew Mitchell's in WWII.
My dad was the quartermaster on the USS Long Island CVE-1. 1st operational escort carrier at the beginning of WWII. I was born in 51 and Dad educated me on every warbird in the Pacific theater. Of course my favorite was the F4U but in later years I studied Grumman and the aircraft they built. Turns out Dad was right. The F6F Hellcat was the best fighter that ever launched off the flight deck. On a historical note the CVE-1 was the 1st carrier to get down to Guadalcanal and launch a contingent of F4Fs and SBDs to Henderson field. In addition they qualified pilots in San Diego. One of those TBM pilots just happened to become President. I later enlisted in the ARMY for Vietnam. 82nd Airborne. Boy was Dad disappointed I didn't join the NAVY.
My grandfather did his second world war in CASU(F)51 on Tinian, Guam, Ulithi, Augar, Peleliu and perhaps Leyte. He was in command of a group of mechanics that repaired Wildcats and returned them to carrier service. He was an early aviator in Wyoming who flew an Alexander Eaglerock.
Visited your museum in the 90's with my kids from Europe x4, they finally figured out that Disney was not the the 'final destination.' We would go to FOF for one day of a 2 week Vacation every visit. Finally as they got older, I took all 4 boys and Wife up in the air from other outfits after visiting the FOF (AGAIN) ! > 3 of us went up in AT-6s Texans and my wife and other son in a Robertson Chopper, doors off ! Best day of my life ! Cost a fortune !! Never met Kermit but a huge fan. Wildcat - Dive and survive !
Great aircraft. Great flyer you are Kermit. Love your passion in life. Your place is great. Great respect for you and your aircraft and your care for them. Lots of history there. Keep em flying. Thanks Retired Air Force veteran.
A few years ago, I was out in SoCal, where they flew an SBD. I was a little surprised that it wasn't that crazy loud at idle, but when it taxi'd away a quarter mile for take off, it was so loud that it was deafening when it went to full power for take off.
I live in cali and im really jealous of your facility, i really need to experience your museum. Looks like i need to take a roadtrip out to you in my c7 z51 14’!
I just love this dude he knows history and he has some awesome air planes so awesome he has all these air planes so cool thank u mr kernit for doing this i love ww2 air planes and ww1 air planes i am also thankful that you and so many other historians have these planes to keep them alive god bless man
It would be interesting if Kermit could put the History/timeline of his planes together . I for 1 love discovering the life of an object being brought back to life.
Question: is the PBY in the background the same one used in Miami Vice, Season3, Episode13, Down for the Count, Part2, where Chris Elliott’s character Lives in the PBY?!?! Ahead of Hurricane Andrew, Mr Weeks got as many planes out of Tamiami as they could, but still lost stuff. Living in SoFlo then, was sad to see his museum at Tamiami close.
Fun fact for the aviation nerds out there. The original FM-2 Wildcats made use of a "Coffman Starter". What this is, is basically a shotgun that blasts hot gasses into a cylinder geared to rank the engine over. This drastically reduces the time needed to start the engine and get in the air, in the event of a scramble order. UA-camr Conrad has a video of the FM-2's Coffman Starter in action. Edit: Corrected the information.
Other footnotes on the FM-2. Improvements over the -3 & -4 included a more powerful engine. Move to go back 4 50 cal. machine guns (-3's had 4 where as -4's had 6) was for several reasons. Four guns were less likely to jam, could carry more ammo. and less weight meant better performance. Low landing speeds made them better for small escort carriers than newer Hellcats and had a smaller footprint especially with wings folded. The most famous fighter / test pilot Eric Brown (who will probably forever hold the record for types of aircraft flow) thought very highly of the earlier model of the Wildcat so a higher compliment for an aircraft would be hard to find.
Just after the war, Sweden developed the J29 a very rotund aircraft, it was named "The Flying Barrel", I think that should have been "The Flying Barrel II", the Wildcat was the original. After that the Airforce started to name any new aircraft so it got a "Proper name" instead of a nickname, so it was Lansen (The Lance), Draken (The Dragon), Viggen (The Thunderbolt) and the latest Gripen (The Griffin), Vampire, Venom and Hunter keep their original UK names.
Repost? This is the third time this video has been posted in the past few months. I did ask about the background for the unit insignia (VC-13 - Black Cats) on the cowl of the Wildcat. In EVERY other image and on all the patches you can buy, the background is blue. Why is the background white on this plane?
I need to get out to see Fantasy of Flight on my bucket list before Kermit retires, or I'm too old to travel. I wanted to make the trip in 2020 but covid hit stole 2 years out of my travel plans.
The large museum is closed completely and doesn’t appear it will ever open again. The small hanger is also closed almost all the damned time. What the hell?
Kermit always tells great stories so I wonder why he didn’t mention the rest of the story about Butch O’Hare’s father. Basically for his son’s respect he gave up Capone to the government allowing for Capone to be found guilty of tax evasion.
I wonder what plane Kermit absolutely hates...wouldn't have it in the collection for any reason! I know that question is sacrilege for aviators since all airplanes are awesome in some way...
The Wildcat was an underpowered pilot killer that does not deserve to be remembered. It wasn't until the Hellcat that we had a worthy opponent for the Zero.
True that the Hellcat was an improvement but the Wildcat was heavily armored with bulletproof front glass and armor plating on the back of the pilot's seat. The fuel tanks were self-sealing as well. It took a lot of lead to bring down a Wildcat. The Japanese Zero was a much better performing plane but it didn't take much to bring one down. The Japanese defense against a Wildcat on their tail was to go into a vertical climb and when the Wildcat stalled turn around and shoot the Wildcat before it could gain enough speed to get away. The Hellcat had a much more powerful engine that allowed it to out climb the Zeros. A lot of Zeros were shot down because they didn't know that the Hellcat could out climb them. Both were very successful planes but every 6 months or so the U.S. had a new and improved plane that they sent to the battlefields. The Japanese had to use the same models that they started the war with which meant that the Allies didn't have to learn the capabilities of new fighters every year like the Japanese did.
Mr. Weeks is the luckiest man on the planet. Glad he wants to share his wealth of warbirds with us. Definitely a spark within me. Thanks Mr. Weeks. My Dad ignited the spark many years ago. He flew Mitchell's in WWII.
The best there is , hope to go to the U.S next year , this will be my first point too view .
My dad was the quartermaster on the USS Long Island CVE-1. 1st operational escort carrier at the beginning of WWII. I was born in 51 and Dad educated me on every warbird in the Pacific theater. Of course my favorite was the F4U but in later years I studied Grumman and the aircraft they built. Turns out Dad was right. The F6F Hellcat was the best fighter that ever launched off the flight deck. On a historical note the CVE-1 was the 1st carrier to get down to Guadalcanal and launch a contingent of F4Fs and SBDs to Henderson field. In addition they qualified pilots in San Diego. One of those TBM pilots just happened to become President. I later enlisted in the ARMY for Vietnam. 82nd Airborne. Boy was Dad disappointed I didn't join the NAVY.
This is really sweet seeing Kermit's passion infect so many other folks.. so many smiles.
My grandfather did his second world war in CASU(F)51 on Tinian, Guam, Ulithi, Augar, Peleliu and perhaps Leyte. He was in command of a group of mechanics that repaired Wildcats and returned them to carrier service. He was an early aviator in Wyoming who flew an Alexander Eaglerock.
My granddad used to service these in Daytona Beach Florida during the war.
Visited your museum in the 90's with my kids from Europe x4, they finally figured out that Disney was not the the 'final destination.' We would go to FOF for one day of a 2 week Vacation every visit. Finally as they got older, I took all 4 boys and Wife up in the air from other outfits after visiting the FOF (AGAIN) !
> 3 of us went up in AT-6s Texans and my wife and other son in a Robertson Chopper, doors off ! Best day of my life ! Cost a fortune !!
Never met Kermit but a huge fan. Wildcat - Dive and survive !
Kermit is a national treasure.
Thanks
Great aircraft. Great flyer you are Kermit. Love your passion in life. Your place is great.
Great respect for you and your aircraft and your care for them. Lots of history there.
Keep em flying.
Thanks
Retired Air Force veteran.
Mr Weeks true Gentleman Always Living the Dream and keeping it alive.
What an awesome plane!! I would love to visit from England one day!
It’s a beautiful plane with a unique sounding engine
Kermit is an ambassador of flight. Love all of his videos.
Kermit what a cool dude. I built an Airfix Wildcat back in the '60. Wonderful to see it flying.
You can recognize that engine sound. Just like those those PW's on the DC 3's A distinct sound you can never forget.
Awesome! Also known as the Martlet in Royal Navy service. We have one flying here in the UK based at Imperial War Museum Duxford.
A few years ago, I was out in SoCal, where they flew an SBD. I was a little surprised that it wasn't that crazy loud at idle, but when it taxi'd away a quarter mile for take off, it was so loud that it was deafening when it went to full power for take off.
Love the Wildcat, enjoyed the talk and it’s great to see so many people enjoying themselves - thanks for giving us two videos this week!
Love how the motor sounds!
Love to see some 2022 material flying. Amazing plane
Gosh what a fine old warrior that is! She was top of the line tech once upon a time and is to honored.
I live in cali and im really jealous of your facility, i really need to experience your museum. Looks like i need to take a roadtrip out to you in my c7 z51 14’!
what's not to like about round sound. And screaming across the field at 200 knots lol. Beautiful aircraft.
What a beauty!!!!! I need to visit! - FO A320, former B737-800
I just love this dude he knows history and he has some awesome air planes so awesome he has all these air planes so cool thank u mr kernit for doing this i love ww2 air planes and ww1 air planes i am also thankful that you and so many other historians have these planes to keep them alive god bless man
Omg, what a beautiful plane! And the PB4 as well! Sounds great!
Thanks for the video Mr. Kermit, it was amazing............😊
Past present future... Just Mr. Weeks - and just GREAT !!! POINT
That engine has a tremendous lope!
You’re a good man Kermit Weeks!
Kermit weeks such a great guy!!
It would be interesting if Kermit could put the History/timeline of his planes together . I for 1 love discovering the life of an object being brought back to life.
I've enjoyed every single clip posted from KW Channel.
Wasn't this posted a few weeks back? Either way happy to see it again. Love that sound.
What a beauty!
Question: is the PBY in the background the same one used in Miami Vice, Season3, Episode13, Down for the Count, Part2, where Chris Elliott’s character Lives in the PBY?!?! Ahead of Hurricane Andrew, Mr Weeks got as many planes out of Tamiami as they could, but still lost stuff. Living in SoFlo then, was sad to see his museum at Tamiami close.
Sounds amazing! She looks good too!
Outstanding
Fun fact for the aviation nerds out there. The original FM-2 Wildcats made use of a "Coffman Starter". What this is, is basically a shotgun that blasts hot gasses into a cylinder geared to rank the engine over. This drastically reduces the time needed to start the engine and get in the air, in the event of a scramble order.
UA-camr Conrad has a video of the FM-2's Coffman Starter in action.
Edit: Corrected the information.
Other footnotes on the FM-2. Improvements over the -3 & -4 included a more powerful engine. Move to go back 4 50 cal. machine guns (-3's had 4 where as -4's had 6) was for several reasons. Four guns were less likely to jam, could carry more ammo. and less weight meant better performance. Low landing speeds made them better for small escort carriers than newer Hellcats and had a smaller footprint especially with wings folded. The most famous fighter / test pilot Eric Brown (who will probably forever hold the record for types of aircraft flow) thought very highly of the earlier model of the Wildcat so a higher compliment for an aircraft would be hard to find.
The Coffman starter actually uses a separate cylinder that the gasses are expanded into and is geared to crank the engine over.
@@jimgoff1170 I appreciate the correction.
Wow le son de cette avion me fait capoté!
Besides the amazing content, it's very well presented.
Just after the war, Sweden developed the J29 a very rotund aircraft, it was named "The Flying Barrel", I think that should have been "The Flying Barrel II", the Wildcat was the original. After that the Airforce started to name any new aircraft so it got a "Proper name" instead of a nickname, so it was Lansen (The Lance), Draken (The Dragon), Viggen (The Thunderbolt) and the latest Gripen (The Griffin), Vampire, Venom and Hunter keep their original UK names.
Awesome.
Repost? This is the third time this video has been posted in the past few months. I did ask about the background for the unit insignia (VC-13 - Black Cats) on the cowl of the Wildcat. In EVERY other image and on all the patches you can buy, the background is blue. Why is the background white on this plane?
Sparked!
I need to get out to see Fantasy of Flight on my bucket list before Kermit retires, or I'm too old to travel. I wanted to make the trip in 2020 but covid hit stole 2 years out of my travel plans.
The large museum is closed completely and doesn’t appear it will ever open again.
The small hanger is also closed almost all the damned time.
What the hell?
@@bocefusmurica4340 It will open again he's already stated that. They're pretty much rebuilding everything from scratch.
@@ChickenNugget-dk9hp I’ve been staying in Floriduh right down the street for 3 years. That’s great but disappointing for now.
It may be pugfugley to some, but I think its a great looking plane!
I wish I knew that 50 years ago.
Oh Kermie!
The FM-1 and -2 where made by General Motors and the FM-2 had a 1,350 hp engine the the tail was taller to take the extra hp.
It's a shame Kermit isn't passionate about airplanes.
😁
Light that spark.
There was a lot o cowl shake whet the engine was run up? Loose fasteners? Worn engine mounts?
None of the above. I'd explain but it takes too long.
My dream is to fly also some ww2 planes but idont know how i can get their
The FM-2 has so fat fuselage, what about aerodynamical drag it creates?
Someone please tell me about this paint scheme...... North Atlantic ? Alaska ?
Kermit always tells great stories so I wonder why he didn’t mention the rest of the story about Butch O’Hare’s father. Basically for his son’s respect he gave up Capone to the government allowing for Capone to be found guilty of tax evasion.
Hero
It sounds like spark plugs are missing. As in, someone forgot to install them!
I wonder what plane Kermit absolutely hates...wouldn't have it in the collection for any reason! I know that question is sacrilege for aviators since all airplanes are awesome in some way...
👍
Kermit l love your video's but you showed this only a few weeks back .
Thought FM-2 had 1350hp?
Funny , the engine sounds like its about to quite at any moment.
Hmm, when's this from? ..this Dane's getting a bit...
Yay! First like!
The remark about Capone was bit uncalled for. Everyone, no matter how offensive the accusation is entitled to an attorney.
Fruit
@@hulkhoganstights6596 it’s sorta in the Constitution.
The Wildcat was an underpowered pilot killer that does not deserve to be remembered. It wasn't until the Hellcat that we had a worthy opponent for the Zero.
True that the Hellcat was an improvement but the Wildcat was heavily armored with bulletproof front glass and armor plating on the back of the pilot's seat. The fuel tanks were self-sealing as well. It took a lot of lead to bring down a Wildcat. The Japanese Zero was a much better performing plane but it didn't take much to bring one down. The Japanese defense against a Wildcat on their tail was to go into a vertical climb and when the Wildcat stalled turn around and shoot the Wildcat before it could gain enough speed to get away. The Hellcat had a much more powerful engine that allowed it to out climb the Zeros. A lot of Zeros were shot down because they didn't know that the Hellcat could out climb them. Both were very successful planes but every 6 months or so the U.S. had a new and improved plane that they sent to the battlefields. The Japanese had to use the same models that they started the war with which meant that the Allies didn't have to learn the capabilities of new fighters every year like the Japanese did.
Easy mate. There are a few of us that remember.
There wasn't anything with more power when this thing first flew. 1000 hp was tops