Isn't it amazing how world war 2 warbirds became modern day air racers? I haven't kept up with this much, but I wonder how many different examples there are of these there are?
too kjp45 and blewett76, the owners of these aircraft worked very hard to be able to afford to fly, maintain and modify these aircraft. when you have the means to do so you can say yay or nay on whether to modify and race. that said, doing so means ALOT of work and expense by the very best in aviation maintenance. to do all of this hard work and be told that you're wrong for doing so or that it must've been easy is a bit insulting. btw, cnc shops won't make parts for us because of liability.
@blewett76 I think it is admirable that they are prepared to experiment with these warbirds to let us see what could have been had jets not been invented. There are still original planes in existence for historical correctness.
@11dent Now that you say it like that, I suppose it's not as bad... but even the paint, younger children wouldn't even know that they actually were in the war, I think they should definitely keep the war decals.
@blewett76 WTF!!! chop em all and make em faster!! This is hot rodding at its purest. Run em till they start to come apart and then run em harder till they make a smokin' hole. then rebuild em and do it again. lighten up people - they're just airplanes.
@kjp45 It's not easy to just rebuild them, these parts are from the 1940's, they aren't made any more and rare is an understatement to call the ones that are left. Refurbishing war birds as it is costs tons of money, and money is something that, during this economy, not a lot of people have. They're not just airplanes; these things flew into history.
@blewett76 REBUTTAL: Point 1 -I'm pretty sure most mechanics don't find it too hard to work with aluminum and rivets.
Point 2 - Parts may be rare but thankfully CNC lathes are not.
Point 3 - No shit - well remind me to sell my Bearcat when I get laid off from the carwash because I'm not going to have enough money to both race planes and feed my 4 kids. I wonder why the other racers don't have that problem?
Point 4 - they're still making history! Except that F'ing wildcat - total POS!
It's a little more complicated than pop-rivets and tin snips. Thank fully there are a few people still practicing the art of metal work. The P-51 is the only aircraft to experience what might be considered an inventory of new parts (except engine) due to its popularity and number of flying examples. What may signal the end of big piston racing in Reno is the fact that the value of these warbirds is getting so high that they are more valuable in bone-stock condition than as a racer.
The Three Blade was the best sounding prop ever- However it was difficult for John or Lyle to fly as it produced an incredible amount of P-Factor- Kinda like Torque steer in layman's terms... It was changed out for the current four blade for better (safer??) handling around the course One way or the other ya gotta be there- Reno Baby! It's incredible!!
Seems that when Lyle owned it and had the three blade prop, it ran great...Wonder why the new owners don't see that. God knows they can afford it!!! I miss the old days.
The original team is gone but,with such a history of dedication and a vision of winning -------L. Shelton's RARE BEAR will never be forgotten,Anyone can buy into the race,there are only a few who can build a RARE BEAR.
I volunteered at the media trailer of the old Phoenix 500 air races checking media credentials for reporters and photogs, but the real perk was I got to escort the photogs out to the pylons. The Texans(T6) were fun because they flew so low to the pylons, but the real experience was Rare Bear . I will never forget the feeling of hearing and feeling the propwash of that plane seconds before seeing her. The ground literally shook when she flew by. She provided me with memories I will never forget.
I have kept track of the Rare Bear Air Race Team for many years,and have bought team gear in hopes that every few dollars helps.The story of the plane and team is a inspiration,and I think Dago Red cut a pylon out of respect for Mrs Sheltons resolve to continue-they had about $800 left when they went into the air the day of the race
I believe the bear now has a four blade prop....They must have done some major engine mods that would justify the additional weight and drag a fourth blade would bring.....
No, but they determined that the 3-blader is essentially better for straight-and-level speed, while the 4-blader is easier to manage on a closed course like Reno.
Great machine, the airframe even works well as a model RC plane as well.
stewjw 1 month ago
Isn't it amazing how world war 2 warbirds became modern day air racers? I haven't kept up with this much, but I wonder how many different examples there are of these there are?
rpsmith221 4 months ago
Prop is a modified p-3 orion prop.
check6ii 5 months ago
Why did they change from a 3 blade to a 4?
chubsmagoo 8 months ago
@chubsmagoo I think he said the weight of the prop was holding the plane down
moplin1 7 months ago
Giant butter knife prop blades.
chubsmagoo 1 year ago 3
Those planes make the most badass sounds ever
sneakytouchyourplace 1 year ago 8
too kjp45 and blewett76, the owners of these aircraft worked very hard to be able to afford to fly, maintain and modify these aircraft. when you have the means to do so you can say yay or nay on whether to modify and race. that said, doing so means ALOT of work and expense by the very best in aviation maintenance. to do all of this hard work and be told that you're wrong for doing so or that it must've been easy is a bit insulting. btw, cnc shops won't make parts for us because of liability.
vendetta81 1 year ago
That is the most awesome sound especially when its live.
jdhiner1 1 year ago
I kind of hate to see these pilots change up these warbirds so much, it bothers me a lot.
blewett76 1 year ago
@blewett76 I think it is admirable that they are prepared to experiment with these warbirds to let us see what could have been had jets not been invented. There are still original planes in existence for historical correctness.
11dent 1 year ago
@11dent Now that you say it like that, I suppose it's not as bad... but even the paint, younger children wouldn't even know that they actually were in the war, I think they should definitely keep the war decals.
blewett76 1 year ago
@blewett76 WTF!!! chop em all and make em faster!! This is hot rodding at its purest. Run em till they start to come apart and then run em harder till they make a smokin' hole. then rebuild em and do it again. lighten up people - they're just airplanes.
kjp45 1 year ago
@kjp45 It's not easy to just rebuild them, these parts are from the 1940's, they aren't made any more and rare is an understatement to call the ones that are left. Refurbishing war birds as it is costs tons of money, and money is something that, during this economy, not a lot of people have. They're not just airplanes; these things flew into history.
blewett76 1 year ago
@blewett76 REBUTTAL: Point 1 -I'm pretty sure most mechanics don't find it too hard to work with aluminum and rivets.
Point 2 - Parts may be rare but thankfully CNC lathes are not.
Point 3 - No shit - well remind me to sell my Bearcat when I get laid off from the carwash because I'm not going to have enough money to both race planes and feed my 4 kids. I wonder why the other racers don't have that problem?
Point 4 - they're still making history! Except that F'ing wildcat - total POS!
kjp45 1 year ago
@kjp45
It's a little more complicated than pop-rivets and tin snips. Thank fully there are a few people still practicing the art of metal work. The P-51 is the only aircraft to experience what might be considered an inventory of new parts (except engine) due to its popularity and number of flying examples. What may signal the end of big piston racing in Reno is the fact that the value of these warbirds is getting so high that they are more valuable in bone-stock condition than as a racer.
FiveCentsPlease 1 year ago
The Three Blade was the best sounding prop ever- However it was difficult for John or Lyle to fly as it produced an incredible amount of P-Factor- Kinda like Torque steer in layman's terms... It was changed out for the current four blade for better (safer??) handling around the course One way or the other ya gotta be there- Reno Baby! It's incredible!!
F8F77 1 year ago
Sound that plane made with the three blade prop at race speed was incredible.
jdhiner1 1 year ago
Seems that when Lyle owned it and had the three blade prop, it ran great...Wonder why the new owners don't see that. God knows they can afford it!!! I miss the old days.
testpilot51 2 years ago
The original team is gone but,with such a history of dedication and a vision of winning -------L. Shelton's RARE BEAR will never be forgotten,Anyone can buy into the race,there are only a few who can build a RARE BEAR.
TheRealInvaderZim 2 years ago
Amazing that he's able to fly that fast without the propeller tips breaking the sound barrier. That's one Bear with balls!
darkjedi74 3 years ago
John Penny is my uncle NOT KIDDING I wish he would do more racing or race full time again.
trainboy94 3 years ago
yeah and patty wagstaff is my mom.
stingerready87 2 years ago
where did they get that prop from???
mww88 3 years ago
a P-3 Orion! Highly modified.
juzzi07 3 years ago
I volunteered at the media trailer of the old Phoenix 500 air races checking media credentials for reporters and photogs, but the real perk was I got to escort the photogs out to the pylons. The Texans(T6) were fun because they flew so low to the pylons, but the real experience was Rare Bear . I will never forget the feeling of hearing and feeling the propwash of that plane seconds before seeing her. The ground literally shook when she flew by. She provided me with memories I will never forget.
BAWDYSCOT 4 years ago
I love the sounds of that roaring engine when she flying low... so cool!
armanmisdar 4 years ago
I have kept track of the Rare Bear Air Race Team for many years,and have bought team gear in hopes that every few dollars helps.The story of the plane and team is a inspiration,and I think Dago Red cut a pylon out of respect for Mrs Sheltons resolve to continue-they had about $800 left when they went into the air the day of the race
TheRealInvaderZim 4 years ago
If you thought about who was flying Dago Red at that moment, you'd know for sure that despite the romanticism of your idea, it's simply not possible.
badbadm 4 years ago
Only three blades, ha? But what blades, man !
chinagilb 4 years ago
I believe the bear now has a four blade prop....They must have done some major engine mods that would justify the additional weight and drag a fourth blade would bring.....
skyshiptrooper 4 years ago
No, but they determined that the 3-blader is essentially better for straight-and-level speed, while the 4-blader is easier to manage on a closed course like Reno.
badbadm 4 years ago
I miss the three blade prop... there is no better sound
flight100 4 years ago
John penny the man who flies the rare bear is my uncle GO UNCLE JOHNNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
trainboy94 4 years ago
reno rocks i just got back from the races 2007
bayfire66 4 years ago
A very rare bear indeed, fastest bear in the world for some time
whylie74 4 years ago
I got nothing but love 4 the Bear but Dago will always be KING at Reno...Merlins all the way ;)
ontos 4 years ago
Wicked sounding radial. Love it
Seria17hri11er 4 years ago
Rare bear is da shit
johnnybravo234 4 years ago