@88pie88 I dunno, I almost think the historical significance is greater in the condition it's in...just as it was shot down back in WWII, the same stick that the pilot guided it in to belly-land with, the same bullet holes. I guess I'd be happy either way, but I'd like to see it just the way it is. I mean how many intact, as-is shot-down WWII fighters exist, and of those, how many are still it the spot they came to rest 70 years ago? It'd be nice to see a canopy over it, or something though.
they told me somebody did offer to guy it, but they wouldnt sell. if you make an offer they always think something is worth more. A friend on mine offered s$3000.00 for one of the Japanese guns. The next year they told me he had offered them s$300,000.00!
Wildcats are such a rarity these days, especially flying ones, I'm surprised that someone hasn't purchased and refurbished this one. Looks like an F4F-3 or F4F-3A, due to only 4 .50 cal. Sure it would take a lot of work, but the "Grumman Iron Works" did their job well and I bet with some TLC this baby could soar again! It would be interesting to check the serial number and find out which squadron this one flew with.
these prics better sell this plane to a collector, and not let it rot there.
88pie88 9 months ago
@88pie88 I dunno, I almost think the historical significance is greater in the condition it's in...just as it was shot down back in WWII, the same stick that the pilot guided it in to belly-land with, the same bullet holes. I guess I'd be happy either way, but I'd like to see it just the way it is. I mean how many intact, as-is shot-down WWII fighters exist, and of those, how many are still it the spot they came to rest 70 years ago? It'd be nice to see a canopy over it, or something though.
justforever96 6 months ago
@88pie88
Why not build a roof over it?
DoctorBohr 3 months ago
Jim,
they told me somebody did offer to guy it, but they wouldnt sell. if you make an offer they always think something is worth more. A friend on mine offered s$3000.00 for one of the Japanese guns. The next year they told me he had offered them s$300,000.00!
Peter (Canal4295)
canal4295 9 months ago
Wildcats are such a rarity these days, especially flying ones, I'm surprised that someone hasn't purchased and refurbished this one. Looks like an F4F-3 or F4F-3A, due to only 4 .50 cal. Sure it would take a lot of work, but the "Grumman Iron Works" did their job well and I bet with some TLC this baby could soar again! It would be interesting to check the serial number and find out which squadron this one flew with.
JimHadar1 10 months ago
@JimHadar1 -- oops I stand corrected. Just noticed the 3rd machine gun port out there on the wing, which would make this an F4F-4 model, right?
JimHadar1 10 months ago
you should donate it to a museum
maybe the rhode island air museum? they will pay you for it as well. please do the right thing.
msc698cc1 10 months ago