The coolest thing about this is that you thought to record this for all of us to see and save for all time. Thanks Kermit.

We need to keep as many of these flying as possible. With Nine-O-Nine and Texas Raiders no longer with us, they are becoming more rare every day.

@AerobatBrian

Жыл бұрын

Don't forget Liberty Belle, also lost

@HistoryBuff-dk1bz

Жыл бұрын

@@AerobatBrian not for good liberty belle is coming back along with B17G recovered from lake labrador 👍👏

@TEHSTONEDPUMPKIN

9 ай бұрын

@@HistoryBuff-dk1bz The Champaign Aviation Museum in Urbana Ohio is also in the process of rebuilding a B-17 to flying condition. Some of the original parts of their Champaign Lady went to Liberty Belle.

Perfect response to the sad and wholly unnecessary loss of the B17 and P63 at the Dallas Airshow.

@whalesong999

Жыл бұрын

That drew me to watch this considering the number of B-17s that have been lost in recent years.

@adamwhite3584

Жыл бұрын

The story so far of the new Air Boss is pretty ridiculous and apparent lack of separation between the aircraft and their patterns is a head scratcher...

@billdennis2993

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Kemit for an informative and entertaining video video of the ups and downs of aviation with War Birds. Gladnyou caught the fod on the test flight and not during your ferry flight. Happy Holidays to you and yours. Stay Healthy.

Nothing better than the sound of round motors.

Kermit must have one of the greatest active logbooks in the world.

@johnparkman5980

Жыл бұрын

I bet he doesn't even log most of his flights anymore lol.

@cosmodog4845

Жыл бұрын

His log books would fill a hanger? Wonder roughly types flown and hours. Amazing gentleman for sure.

@KermitWeeks444

Жыл бұрын

Believe it or not, I quit keeping a logbook, except for required entries, when I began flying aerobatics early on! Wish I had!

@harrygearhart4520

Жыл бұрын

Cameron, I once wrote to Kermit, and asked, " how is it you get to fly all these airplanes?, I bet you helped ferry Mother Teresa up to heaven, and god gave you all these airplanes to fly". He actually replied back. Sure is a lucky man. Stay safe!

@poseidonswe

Жыл бұрын

Cool to see Blakey in the video, you both go way back!

Many of us cannot appreciate the life you have led, but oh my what a life, and what an adventure, thanks for taking us along the way.

@trisrush9155

Жыл бұрын

Btw, from the home of the b, 100th, and nearby to many others, Norfolk,Suffolk border, England. We are close to you guys, for generations.god speed.

@pat36a

Жыл бұрын

@Tris Rush Kermits is in pieces due to a storm in Fla. when it and another broke lose along w/a B-25 I believe. Both ended up 2 miles away across a rail road track .

The guys in the war did maintenance the same way...out in the open with a ladder! A testimony to the maintainability of the plane. You made some memories... Thanks for sharing.

@bobbutler9063

Жыл бұрын

Certainly makes you think how much the mechanics worked during the war and how little appreciation/credit they got for they did as without them the birds wouldn't fly.

Looks like a REAL 8th Air Force B-17 all nicely weathered instead of looking like it just came out of a showroom. Outstanding.

@casparberends2719

Жыл бұрын

Agree, often these planes are polished like a mirror, which to me is plain wrong, it ruins the plane.

Eyes were glued to the screen. It was great.

With that hat on, Kermit looks like Forrest Gump. "Run, Kermit, RUUUNN!" What a beautiful original plane, an absolute pleasure seeing this vintage footage along with the commentary. Thank you.

After listening to the bearing material drop into the bucket probably made the choice to rebuild the other three engines an obvious one. Thanks for sharing the story and the insight to video the effort paid off for all of us.

Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful moment of saving our aviation history.

I've always appreciated that you have an awareness of your good fortune. "Thanks Grandpa". Really cool Kermit. :)

These old movies from back in the day are great - much appreciated.

THAT is a SH*T LOAD of work. So glad your guys were up to it because it's hard to keep some of our history. Thanks so much to the Week's Crew.

Thank you for saving pieces of aviation history for future generations to enjoy, Keep ‘em flying and God bless

It would have been nice for some of WWII machinic’s to be there when you were working on the birds. You had great working conditions. The conditions they worked incredibly hard. The stories the could tell. My uncle was in Europe working on 17’s and that was all he would say. Tell a few very few funny things. Then wouldn’t say anything else and changed the subject. A wonderful farmer great uncle and special friend to me. I wish we could get him to do an interview with one of our VA people. Never said anything bad always positive. Would say some German words or sayings then stop and changed the subject. Wonderful Wonderful American. Loved him Dearly 😢

Love to hear the radial engines starting up. Hum like true lady when the warm up. Soft and Smooth. You don’t realize how hard it is to turn the props by hand until you do it yourself. Thank You for the video 👍

Great video. I was just 80 miles away in Laredo flying LJ-25D, and KA-200, later flying CV-440, C-46 and DC-6 out of there, hauling cargo . I used to go down and visit the CAF there in the 70's. Great bunch of guys.

I had the privilege of seeing Suzy Q when it was at the Weeks Air Museum (Then) with my dad. I was a teenager then, but how amazing it was. It looked completely untouched since the war! I remember a good coating of oil and dirt all beneath the wings everything looked stressed and worn. (normal of course) I've seen some great restored B-17's, but this one stands out to me probably because at the time it was one of the most untouched B-17's I have ever seen. I'm hoping to see what she looks like today!

Kermit has reached the ultimate dream of having & flying his own B-17. What an accomplishment it is. God has smiled Graciously upon him. And this video confirms that it wasn't easy peasy. Lots & lots of very hard work. Thanks Kermit for preserving this great aircraft & this film. Plus all the crew who made it possible.

I can't imagine how long and many those days were to be working outside to get a B-17 with FOUR new engines hung and running. Awesome that you thought to document it

@KermitWeeks444

Жыл бұрын

IF YOU WATCH THE VIDEO, ONCE WE GOT THERE, WE HAD THEM ALL HUNG IN TWO DAYS!

Brilliant landing after nearly two years away from the aircraft and with only 4 hours 15 minutes on the B17 !! Very cool video, must have been so much fun, looking forward to seeing the rest.

I'll say that when seen from the outside, she looks like shes waiting to head out on a mission over Germany. She looks cool as all get out. I enjoy your video's immensely, Kermit. Can't wait for part 3. Thanks.

Thanks for this. My father did 15 missions in the B-17. He just passed a few years back. It’s a memory I treasure going to the air shows with him where there was a B-17 brought back memories and stories I never heard of quite a history lesson.

Thank you for sharing this adventure.

Enjoyed this very much! Thank you.

So interesting to watch, Kermit. Your flying the twin Beech also bumped my memories of driving past the Beechcraft plant in Wichita when I was a youngster, and one could smell the odor of dope paint in the air and see the lines of updated C-45s on the ramp on the east side of the plant on the apron.

Excellent video. I'm thinking of our mechanics changing engines on B29's on Tinian island during WW2. Can't wait for part 3.

Kermit you have lived such an interesting and wonderful life! I'm so very happy for you and thank you for sharing it with us! I hope to make it down for a tour someday!

Up here in Connecticut i saw the "Nine-0-Nine" in action out of Waterbury Oxford Airport. It flew over my house in Naugatuck multiple occasions back in the 1990s. I crawled inside it with my kids. 3 years ago i was visiting a cemetery in Watertown and i heard the sound again, that Almighty Torque and Roar of a B17, and that was the last time I ever saw the "Nine-0-Nine"...

Kermit, thank you for all you do to preserve aviation history.

That´s the sound of freedom! I´m german, not old enough to have witnessed the war but living in Berlin history surrounds us. I grew up near Tempelhof Airfield (the one the Nazis built). After the war the airlift brought the bare necessities for a life to West Berlin. So yes, it´s quite an emotional thing hearing the engines and thinking of all the guys risking their lifes in those flying cans in order to put an end to that Nazi sh*t. Thank you for your constant sharing of these gems!!! Been following you for years now, keep on doing what you do!

I went to college in Geneseo, NY when they still had the B-17G Fuddy Duddy. We would see that plane flying al of the time flying over the college and town. It was always cool to see.

Thanks for another great video. Unbelievable life you have led. This is so interesting. Can only wish that I could be involved with this. Am so proud of all of you for saving history. My blessings. Retired Air Force veteran.

I guess , just like vintage cars , the cheapest part is the purchase ! Thanos Kermit .

Kermit, I hope you have tons and tons of these old videos to share because I am really enjoy this. 😊

Love watching these old videos of guys wrenching, all just using their hard earned mechanic skills. Today, young guys would be looking for the diagnostic port to plug their laptops into.. RIP the Texas Raiders/P-63

Congratulations Kermit and the crew for making such an interesting video of Suzie Q,well done. I have been a B17 fan forever (now 85) and living in England have visited many 8th Airforce bases in England and stood on silent runways paying respect to all those young airmen who fought so bravely to help win the war. I have seen and filmed "Our" B17 Sally B from her earliest days in England right through to now, When the Memphis Belle film was being shot, I saw the 5 B17s flying and doing low passes over Binbrook airfield and then was at Duxford to see the five returning, man, what a sight that was and so moving. Thank you so much,cheers from the UK.

It takes a lot of effort to keep these old birds flying. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Kermit for the walk back in time when we were young and full of vim, vigor and vitality. One of my last flights to Paris, Tx airport was in 2010 in my RV8 and my first was in 1973 in a friend's old T Craft at the Flying Tigers Airstrip. At time they a B25, a P51 and a P40 that you could get checked out in. Now in my later 70s I can look back on the easier, to me, times we had to fly around the country. Hopefully this spring I can fly out to Sun and Fun in my Sonex and perhaps share a pot of coffee with you at your place. Keep those memories coming. The world needs men of your vision.

Mr. Weeks I, at 74, REALLY appreciate the detailed videos you make. USN, 68-74, ETR-2, NAS Miramar, 70-74, I maintained GCA RADAR (pair of FPN-36 QUADS and an FPN-52) as well as TACAN. As a radio amateur, first licensed about 65, I am familiar with some of the WWII radio gear which was sold surplus in those days. Cold VERY cold up here in the N end of Idaho state, about 5F today

Kermit you do things that I have only dreamed of. Keep it up sir.

Kermit you really have a natural ability to fly and tell a story. Loved this one, reminded me of watching my family super 8 videos. Look forward to the next one.

I remember when they fired up the B17F that is now at the Boeing Museum of Flight before the rebuild when she was still like a water bomber. You couldn't see the back end of the plane for the smoke. These are incredibly clean, of course they've just been rebuilt so you would expect that.

I lived down the street from this airfield in Reno and would ride my bike up there regularly to just look at this bird on the tarmac. I still remember the day this was flown out, Can't believe that was 35 years ago either.

Sounds like everyone is having a lot of fun in spite of the fact that its hard manual labor! I always recall the book 'Flying Forts' by Martin Caidin when seeing the inside of the B17, all the great history of this amazing airplane.

@KermitWeeks444

Жыл бұрын

BEATS WORKING OUT IN A GYM!

What a phenomenal life you have lived. Thank you from Alberta Canada. When is more news on the BF109 G6 coming out?

Love the retrospective commentary Kermit

My Father in law was a co - pilot on a B-17. (Helton's Hellcats 493rd BG-863rd BS. ) They were shot down over Germany in 44 and taken POW. They were liberated after several months by the Russian army. I'm in awe of the men who were able to muster the courage to board an aircraft knowing that they faced a very high probability of injury or death. We owe them so much.

Sure enjoy all your videos Kermit. Just started seeing them this year. It’s just like I am there with you. Henry n Billie.

very cool watching this work, and wishing I could be a part of it. one day!. also very sad to see that a few mud-dobbers trashed an engine, but that unfortunately happens. still better than sitting, rotting away in a field. thanks for filming and sharing this very interesting video!

Really liking your videos...sharing things we can't all participate in. But I feel I was on the scene. Thank you.

In 1983 there were definitely some old vets kicking around that would have shown those guys a thing or 2 about flying that old bird! That would have been really cool. And I know Kermit is super great to all the vets it would have just been awesome to have an old timer who knows how stuff helping get that old girl back where she belongs......In the air!!

As I sit here watching this video 6 miles from Cox Field in Paris Texas, in my garage 100 feet away is my largely disassembled John Deere 6x4 Mil Gator. Reason for disassembly? Mud Daubers made a nest spanning the cooling fan wiring and a shift linkage causing the wiring to be dragged into the linkage which subsequently shredded the wiring. Intricate equipment that doesn't get used often pretty much has to be stored in sealed buildings here. Kermit, thank you so much for taking the time "way back when" to record these videos, and for publishing them now. Very good stuff indeed!

HEY, Mr. Weeks Hello WOW boy that was a long time ago and that Aircraft sure needed Alot of work I can't believe how much time Was put into getting just one engine running Well thank you for showing theses old videos I really do Enjoy seeing them Take care stay safe and I will see you on the next video project

Wow sounds so good. Can't imagine hearing hundreds of them flying overhead

@user-zb8wg2os2y

8 ай бұрын

I was at the Air and Space Museum years ago and they had a large painting of the Thunderbird and other B-17s, there were a family of people standing there looking at the picture and I talked to them, they were from Holland and the mother and father told me that they well remember the sky being almost black with bombers heading to Germany and the tremendous noise of all those planes passing overhead

Thank you so much for documenting this Mr. Weeks. It is always a pleasure watching your videos. My best wishes for you and yours. Kind regards Tomas Linnet Denmark.

That engine sound gives me chills . Awesome

Sure glad you filmed this Kermit Thanks very much 👍Mud Dauders won on engine #4 = What a 💩ty deal...... Shoe🇺🇸

perfect video, thanks professor

Thank you for putting together this series...it brings back lots of memories.

Such a old school cool vibe!

What a journey, you obviously have the excellent qualities of resilience, fortitude, stamina, endurance and enthusiasm, hats off to you!

Oh, Just saw your FYI...can't wait!

Thank you for sharing part two with us. I wish that I could have been there to help, what an adventure, best home movies ever! In 1997 I got to go inside here at Tom Reilly’s shop. I can’t wait for part three.

Priceless memories in a true American legend! Awesome Kermit, thanks a ton for sharing this!

Excellent Kermit, thanks

Outstanding video! Love the old Flying Fortress! Thanks for posting this Kermit.

I am loving this. Thanks for sharing!

Money well spent, many fine memories doing great things with flying machines.

Sir Kermit im looking forwards to part three 👍

Fascinating. I hope Fantasy of Flight opens back up one day so I can see these amazing machines in person.

Love the video! Thanks so much!

Love the home movies Kermit!

i say only 30mm borsig auto kannon BF109......my respect to the crew....also wir haben ja weihnachten...peace for all nation Danke Kermit Happy chrismas...und Alles Gute ....

Friggin Great !!! - Thanks for posting ! Wonderful. Merry Christmas & Regards from Alaska!

Most excellent Part 2.

Reminds me of the VAC work parties on the C-47. Good to see you did it right

Such a great video Kermit. I really appreciate all the work you guys did to get it flying again. Hopefully she'll fly again some day.

Love this stuff

Outstanding video!

Fascinating!

Waiting for this. Thanks

Great work Kermit, I'm sure it is a majestical sight to see it fly and not to mention flying it .

That picture of the putt putt was really cool! I actually have a Lawrance APU supposedly from a B-17 laying around that I have been thinking of making a motorcycle out of. Since I can't afford the rest of the plane that is, LOL. Merry Christmas. Thanks again for the video.

Great video!

As a plane enthusiast I would love to meet Kermit I live not to far from fantasy of flight I have been there my love for aircraft is so strong I can name every single aircraft from WW2 to now by sight!

Great Video Kermit can't wait for part 3..

Surprise that there isn't a method to blow and clean out all the oil lines, coolers so no chance of fod oil going into a fresh engine. Thanks for videos and your keeping these historic birds for world to remember.

@KermitWeeks444

Жыл бұрын

WE HAD COVERED THEM ALL WHEN WE LEFT, BUT TWO YEARS LATER THEY GOT IN THERE SOMEHOW AND WE MISSED THEM.

No, the coolest thing is that Kermit was/is always willing to put his a$% on the line and fly his airplanes himself! Kudos to Kermit!

Nice to see the good old Clark forklift I worked with many years in early 80's. Unfortunately never engine swaps like here. ;))

Love this.

Great look back at a simpler time….thanks Kermit and all/

Getting a B17 to own and fly is a Dream come True. 🤗

Where is this B17 today? After wings over Dallas we somehow need to pull a B17 out of a museum and get her flying. We need to replace Texas Raiders somehow.

@KermitWeeks444

Жыл бұрын

IN STORAGE AWAITING REBUILD ONE DAY!

weird to see a video filmed 40 years ago....and at the time, test flying a plane that was 40 years old at the time of filming 😀

I used to work with a guy whose favorite saying was "nature provides a plethora of ways to run amok?"

Great series! Amazing how much thinner folks were back in the 1980's vs. today.

I had the opportunity to meet Junior Burchinal in Paris, TX back before or after his prison time with Mark Clark of Courtesy Aircraft from Rockford, IL I remember Junior and his stories he had doing something with Black Sheep Squadron. I was only 16 at the time sweeping floors at Courtesy and helping Mike Muraski the mechanic with all the warbirds. First ride in a P-51 was working at Courtesy 25 years later Mark sold that same Mustang and I farried it from KRFD to Chino. I flew the B-18 and MU-2 at Aero Taxi flying cargo. The B-18 was a fun old plane to fly