For those in central FL (Lockheed Constellation) | FerrariChat
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For those in central FL (Lockheed Constellation)

Discussion in 'Aviation Chat' started by BMW.SauberF1Team, Aug 3, 2010.

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  1. BMW.SauberF1Team

    BMW.SauberF1Team F1 World Champ

    Dec 4, 2004
    14,428
    FL
    #1 BMW.SauberF1Team, Aug 3, 2010
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2010
    I'm sure everyone on this forum in the central Florida area knows about Fantasy of Flight. Kermit Weeks...the guy that has a Spitfire, P51, etc. Awesome collection.

    They now moved their Lockheed Constellation (not owned by him I believe) right next to I-4 on the westbound side heading toward Tampa. The DC3 is still there as it always has, but now the Connie, too.

    I couldn't believe it when I saw it yesterday on my way to Tampa. Wish I had a camera ready...make sure you have your phone camera or something as you go by. Or pull the side of the road for a shot. :)

    It wasn't there 6 weeks ago so it's pretty recent.

    (sorry for no photos :eek:)

    Edit: You can see the DC3 centered on this map. The Connie (not pictured on old image) is to the left at the end of the grass runway: http://wikimapia.org/#lat=28.1581775&lon=-81.8146759&z=18&l=0&m=b
     
  2. th535is

    th535is Rookie

    Nov 17, 2009
    16
    Birmingham, AL
    #2 th535is, Aug 7, 2010
    I saw it when I was down there in early june though I was kind of disappointed with how rough the plane looked. You'd think they'd keep it looking nicer seeing as it is advertising and all.
     
  3. BMW.SauberF1Team

    BMW.SauberF1Team F1 World Champ

    Dec 4, 2004
    14,428
    FL
    #3 BMW.SauberF1Team, Aug 7, 2010
    ^^Very true. I just saw it an hour ago heading back to Orlando. I pulled over and used my 250mm lens to get better photos. It was barely raining for the first few photos, but last one shows the weather it goes through on a daily basis. Pretty sad. :(

    The story behind it is that Luftunsa bought this plane as well as two other Constellations (one of those a former TWA...my favorite). The TWA one is somewhere being restored and the 3rd plane is a parts plane for that. Not sure what they will do with this road-side one.

    Btw, all three sold for a total of $700k at auction in less than 10 minutes (one guy was selling all three of his)...I guess they REALLY wanted them bad. That was back in December 2007. This Luftunsa Connie flew form Sanford to Lakeland (45min flight with gears down) back in 2001. Hasn't flown since.

    PICTURES! :) As promised...click the image for the full 8mp image for [somewhat] better quality. I will snap more pics on Monday morning hopefully when there is better lighting. I'll be closer to it as well.

    DC3 and Connie: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FantasyofFlightI_4.JPG

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FantasyofFlightConstellation.JPG
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FantasyofFlightConstellation1.JPG
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FantasyofFlightConstellation2.JPG
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FantasyofFlightConstellation3.JPG (<- rain :( )
     
    BJK likes this.

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