NGC - Gee Bee designer sees replica fly 60 years later

[ohiorider]

The reaction to Pete Miller seeing his design fly once again 60 years after the original flew in the Cleveland Air Races (Thompson Trophy Race) is priceless.  It is hard to believe another thirty years have passed since Delmar Benjamin first flew his replica.

There's a lot of video about the replica Gee Bee on YouTube, and some old footage from the early '30s Cleveland Air Races.

If I recall correctly, Pratt & Whitney donated an engine from their collection to power the replica.

Bob

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8c88gFeEek

[Chuck in Indiana]

I've sat in it, but that's as far as it goes.  I've seen Delmar fly it many times.. certainly a thrill. Thanks for the video.

[larrys]

Cool video. Here's the first replica that the New England Air Museum built. I read that a descendent of the Granville Brothers gave a set of plans for the plane to the museum on the condition that the replica never fly. They built it using mild steel tubing so it could never be certified airworthy. Has a P+W Wasp engine just as the original. Didn't know that someone built a flying replica.
Larry

[DesertPilot]

I've seen the replica fly at an airshow at Castle AFB.  I also have Delmar Benjamin and Steve Wolf's excellent book.  Definitely a piece of history!  Thanks for the link!