Douglas DC-3 Road Icon - Part 1 - Learning From Our Mistakes

OK, Gang, Phil(mer) and I have pushed the boundaries of the artistic expression of creativity in the making of this “DC-3 Road Icon Move, End of an Era! - Part 1” video, so I hope you enjoy our efforts.
You'll definitely want to find the leisure time to grab a drink, make some popcorn, and enjoy the show along with the rest of our intensely interested observers. It’s almost an hour long, so you might want to have backup drinks and popcorn available!
Sit back and join us as we begin to "Mooooo-ve" the DC-3 Icon from Interstate 4!
Kermit Weeks
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Kermit Weeks

[@GregMcdell]

I moved a Dc3 from a muddy field just 2 weeks ago. Lifted the tail wheel onto a flat trailer and tied it in place then attached tow straps from the trailer back to the main gear. Hooked the biggest tractor I could find to the trailer and drove it out. Good times .

[@LTVoyager]

I am not sure what was more fun: watching the video and reading the comments from all of the Nervous Nellie’s who have obviously never done anything of significance in their lives. I worked as a logger for many years and we did stuff more dangerous than this 8 hours every day 5-6 days a week. The main thing I would have done differently is to have stopped when the tailwheel broke and blocked up the tail and sent the crane crew home. Then I would have fabricated a wheeled dolly that the tailwheel could be cradled in and to which a tow bar could be attached and then lower the tailwheel into the cradle and tow it that way so it could be controlled in both directions.

[@chipps1066]

Thanks Mr. Weeks for what you do to preserve American aviation history!

[@johnmolli214]

How can you not like Kermit as a person? He will be 71 years old next month and he is the one climbing all over (and under) that DC-3 and basically risking injury or death! The guy has done so much to preserve aviation history for us and future generations, you have to be a “very special person” (in your own mind) to type out a comment critical of how he chooses to do something.

[@dukeallen432]

Lots of jealousy.

[@new.handle]

That is when you do something you like more than anything, you focus on things getting done.

[@goodcleanfun1640]

I liked when you dressed the pilot like Santa.

[@tommcmahon6354]

I was wondering where the DC3 went....now I know!

[@haroldmclean3755]

The MOST important thing is that Kermit didn't get Hurt , 👍 and fortunately Nobody else was under the DC 3 when it made the unscheduled forced landing either, Goodness Me ! Moooo ! 🐂 MOOOO ! 🐂 Mooooh 🐂 indeed

[@gedward777]

Let the pros do their job, they know how their equipment and what it will do.

[@kenp6200]

I agree. Who appointed Kermit crane expert?

[@xenia5101]

Great coverage of a seldom seen operation. I have made airworthy and moved quite a few historic aircraft from difficult places 15 years ago before the FAA, OSHA and the EPA were an obstacle. Its a tremendous responsibility to supervise this kind of operation and there are few textbook solutions. As a result you need a lot of planning and brainstorming before you begin. It usually happens that somebody has already done a similar move and can provide important lessons learned so you don't have to discover them. While I don't know what part of the structure failed while the forklift was in service, I remember that the Main Landing Gear of the DC-3 was the folding door latch type and I did not see any pins installed. The gear was probably secured another way on this derelict but that could have been a weak link. Anyway, great job Kevin and you have not made any mistakes that I had not already done at least once. Planning is vital but on the scene problem solving is still a very necessary skill.

[@TheMikeyDude1]

Hat’s off to Kermit. Say what you will about the operation, but anyone else would have scrapped an airplane that corroded. Kermit’s keeping it in one piece and that’s admirable.

[@chriscolemusicalsound]

Kermit, check out what the DDAY Experience museum in Normandy did with their C-47. Right down your alley... or runway.

[@DavidBostock-ti2fv]

A pretty Canadian paint job with KZbin restoration and plane specific history, title: Plane Savers D-Day Douglas DC-3 flies again By Kenneth I. Swartz June 7, 2019

[@deanchapman6425]

DC 3 as built 16,785 empty weight. 25,000 Gross weight. Not really that heavy but awkward. Extremely nose heavy with engines installed. Good Luck, And thank you for saving this long abused piece of history.

[@DavidBostock-ti2fv]

8 tons is about 8 tons more than I want to drop on my foot. Good point about unloaded balance of cargo plane, I never thought of it.

[@barrysimmons5489]

Couple of years back Buffalo Air did a whole series on restoring a DC 3. It flew in a D Day memorial flight.... Boss man, before retiring back when I was a NCCO, we'd take a strain on each separate point before lifting anything that sat around forever, to ensure everything was freed up. No springing surprises like a sealed down in ashphalt rooftop HVAC unit sat for years. That saves one a lot of anxiety. Thanks for having the motivation for preserving an aviation icon. 👍🇺🇲👍

[@fpvoslo]

First airtime in years Looking good Thanks for sharing Regards Norway

[@turtlekoff1]

Sure gonna miss her when on I-4. Been an icon for many many years !

[@mp6756]

I'll miss that. I always use that as a landmark when I'm driving on I-4. Now I'll have to pay attention to the mile markers to know where I am.

[@goatflieg]

Welcome to this Week's edition of Kermit's Kliffhangers! In this episode of Aircraft Archeology, we witness the end of an era and the moving of an icon. Clusterfun at its best... and worst! Featuring excellent drone shots and background trees lending the impression that the artifact has moss growing down off the belly. Thanks for another great one, Kermit. You have DC-3 cuts; I have B-17 gashes on my left leg from Bomber Camp last month (Ye Olde Pub!). Stay Tuned... and may we all have dreams of cows eating popcorn.

[@beboboymann3823]

I’ve loved looking over off the interstate and seeing the old bird. Who could not resist looking at her?

[@BlitzK]

I'm just glad Kermit finally got a better camera/mic. The audio sounded so much better!

[@darrenhawken9766]

As long as nobody got hurt its a big relief. Thats the problem of not having a method statement how too move it .The crane driver had one for lifting operation. This is where accidents happen as your making it up as you go along. Take care be safe 👍💨💨

[@77aleks77100]

Restoring such an aircraft as a monument is already an ambitious project; dreaming about more is not serious.

[@gerardmccarthy2432]

Micro managing Kermit. Let the guy do his thing

[@sonnymiller1486]

DANG IT!!! You were almost there. Sometimes Murphy is Stronger than Kilroy. Thankfully, No One was Hurt. Time to take a Break and Regroup. 🤯🙏👍

[@Daniel-S1]

Thanks from England.

[@yankeekilo1]

i love the dc-3 !!! this is a civilian version!! hope it flies again soon!! congrats!!!!

[@victorhodgson8767]

I think the only one who should learn from ( his) mistakes is Kermit himself, !

[@flyjarrett]

Good good good! Yeah yeah yeah!

[@user-lw5vc2ii2m]

I like old Kermie. He has a Piper L-4 Grasshopper like my dad flew in WWII.

[@karensavarese5684]

I knew that was gonna happen,,,,,Love,,,,DUBS

[@diversherwood9631]

I hear the cows cheering you on!

[@dahy_4567c]

Hey Dave Moo; Dave Moo;Moo, Dave! 😄when Kermit calls out hay Dave; the cows calls out Dave...can you hear the cow saying Dave..

[@weekendwarrior556]

Finally was in Florida and got to see some of the collection. Wish was able to see the only better and wish the b29 was there but was great to view what could

[@guitarTennisCarHomeFixFlying]

Very brave for Kermit and his guys to be putting that wheel on while the airplane was up in the air

[@DavidRowbotham-gu7kz]

I would like to commend the heros that walked anywhere underneath this during video. Goodspeed kermit

[@KortNatali]

I saw that coming a mile away lol, but honestly not the crane guys fault, how were they supposed to know the gear would fold up if they pulled on it that way, Kermit should have caught that one.

[@keithnichols7926]

I didn't see what happened at the end, but it seemed the crane crew had little or no feel for what was needed to restrain the plane from rolling. But maybe the musical mooing of the cows induced a reverie.

[@1Thatstrangeguy]

All those crazy adventures and you almost got taken out by the DC3

[@publicmail2]

"Stay on the deals!"

[@Bunz69er]

Hi Kermit and friends 🙂 10:57 Good to see the professionals at work! Either that guy is a automaton or he's reasonable actor. Apparently getting whacked by that thing doesn't hurt at all. Hahahahahaha. Now, this is no joke, I absolutely love your professionalism Kermit. I'm sure you're a human man and make mistakes every now and then. But when it comes to aviation, airplanes and their management, you're a top notch profession. And I will fight any man who says otherwise 🙂 There might be something wrong with your audio, I think someone left it on mooooote.

[@tyates4398]

Jesus Christ, Kermit, let people do their jobs. You take micromanaging to an entirely new level.

[@stratman50th]

I wondered when this disappeared. I see it all the time now in front of the hangar. It's keeping the Catalina company.

[@Yaw_yeet0121]

Well, RIP the DC-3. I will miss riding in the car past it.

[@igorsatler7750]

Dear Kermit, the only one what did you should been make with this douglas dc3 - it’s washing his! Sorry, this will been hell repair

[@emmettbaker5024]

It frustrate me not seeing what happened, and having to wait for part 2. Also for big moves like this with a number of people involved, clear communication (which wasn't here) is a must. Similar to at an airshow, disaster strikes when communication isn't clear and people don't know what is going on

[@willythewave]

The suspense is killin me.

[@michaelbentsen9869]

Good "manure-ing" with your shadow & plane lift. Love your humor; really adds to an already entertaining video.

[@thurin84]

i dont need to see the video to imterpret those crunching noises. im just glad no one got hurt.

[@new.handle]

Even the cows said to move away... 😂

[@jimbush8325]

Did the tail wheel fold or did the mains fold?? Also how long do we have to wait for part 2 ?? The suspense is killing me!😕😟😯😲🥺

[@DavidBostock-ti2fv]

He points out ropes attached at pivot point that goes forward as gear goes up. I don't think gear down locks could ever take such force. I think mains collapsed.

[@kevina8172]

this was is a icon, i always look when driving by, and I got to land my BE35 there with the Florida pilots A may be 25 30 yrs ago

[@jimw1615]

"Kinda clips on the deals here." A group of real technical experts operating here.

[@MARKLOCKWOOD2012]

Kermit this is considered Kluster Fun and a half.

[@klrmoto]

I think the cows where trying to tell you something.

[@adamr9215]

I would have just used a bottle jack to open up the tow bar enough to fit. Just spread the ends a little bit and it would have worked.

[@guitarTennisCarHomeFixFlying]

I wonder if this DC3 was originally flown in or trucked in?

[@artic9514]

lol 1:36 at some point means 20 years to Kermit

[@stanleydomalewski8497]

All Hail The Man, The Myth, The Legend ,Mr Weeks ! A Big Thank You, For All You do for Historic Aircraft

[@joefin5900]

As a long time crane and hoisting guy, you must always plan the heck out of a pick well before bringing men and equipment to the site. Should use a chain fall for that third point, that way, you can adjust the load.

[@i.r.wayright1457]

The bovine cheerleaders were a nice touch. I think they were saying, "This is some funny Bravo Sierra right here!"

[@SonnyFastSpeed]

Dear Kermit... Sometimes legends end up as a part of history and in the legend's cemetery as a memory for posterity. The last date of this aircraft was years ago...

[@DblIre]

Basler Aero Conversions takes C-47s in worse shape than this and zero-times them after stretching them and adding turboprops.

[@Hawkertempest1]

Ohh Kermy😱

[@nilthonljr]

Saudações, vai restaurado ou revitalizado.

[@Wichelroede]

13:46 …hawk tuah, and spit on that thing!

[@lawndog6218]

Kermit, That wasn’t a cluster fun,,,it was a real shet show.

[@SPak-rt2gb]

Part two we'll see it patched up with duck tape. That outta do it. Moo, Moo, MOOooooo

[@knucklehead7456]

Cows are the nosiest Critter God EVER created. Ive worked with them all my Life 🤠

[@katazack]

I'm glad the DC-3 came down, one way or another. It was sad watching it deteriorate over the past decade. Florida weather is not kind to static aircraft displays. It was a pretty plane when it was first displayed and it had a dummy paratrooper next to it. My kids loved to drive by it on the way to my parents' house.

[@brainyhead1]

Cows clearly not thrilled with this process. Glad everyone was ok.

[@danielrpotter]

Any idea what the SN is on this aircraft? I'm looking for my Dad's D-Day C-47.

[@Rdenham1976]

Whenever I see one of these projects there's a lot of let's try this & see what happens going on. Instead of pulling a corroded plane from were it has been sitting for 30 years they could have cut the brackets free from the base once the plane was under tension from the crane. As the DC-3 was lifted the brackets would have fallen off if loose or been cut off as needed.

[@Mdydaf55]

The cows are giving advice

[@terrygrady7683]

I will miss the old Lady.

[@jjsgarage3634]

All you can do is your best. I’m assuming the strap pulling back to potential keep it from rolling down hill folded the gear as the pick up truck pulled. Kermit only wanted it strapped at the gear and have the forklift stay “loose” on the straps for safety. Hindsight it would have collapsed if it did start to roll anyway. Yeah strap was to high on the gear leg. Push that beast into the woods and make it a display like a belly landing wreck in the Amazon. Let nature consume it. Maybe it didn’t fall to the ground, and I’m just assuming. Till part two!

[@ronaldjennings8057]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌✌️🙏🛫

[@user-ux8ee5bo9q]

I just passed by where the plane used to be. You forgot one of the wheels

[@2-Hands]

Mistake 6.5, "Gear UP"!!!

[@ercando11]

Why couldn't this have been rolled back down the ramp? I'm sure there's a good reason this needed lifted, what is it? Thanks!

[@blueboats]

The way the main wheels were held on the stands it had to be lifted to roll it regardless. Then rolling backwards down the ramps with only the tail wheel leading on the ground while trying to control the weight would have not worked, the whole tail wheel would have collapsed (as it did) and best case the plane would still be on the ramps.

[@ercando11]

@@blueboats Makes sense. Thank you!

[@mr.j6567]

What's up with all the moo-ing?

[@1boortzfan]

I sure am going to miss seeing that old girl when I go down I-4.

[@donclark8673]

I think Kermit and his crew should have been wearing the t-shirt that says" What could possibly go wrong"....Wait a minute that's somebody else's KZbin channel lol

[@gcrauwels941]

All I could do was grimace when I heard the crackling.

[@pilot81ea]

You should have just hook the Lull to the back lifting strap lifted the tail a little and drove or pulled it anywhere you wanted it to go. Better luck next time.

[@WildWeaselPhantom]

What matters the most is that in the end, no body got hurt, including the cows. Thanks Kermit. Looking forward to part 2. Time for some rum!🍷🥃

[@guitarTennisCarHomeFixFlying]

I'm always sad when I see an old bird that has its flying days behind it but unfortunately like cars and us humans, airplanes have a limited life

[@stephensimpson5283]

Dave's not here man!!! 🤣

[@karensavarese5684]

Should have just used the lull to lift the tail by the strap, and safely moved it anwhere,,,DUBS

[@flypawels]

👍

[@dalecomer5951]

Doesn't a DC-3 have factory lift points? The DC-2 and DC-3 were sold to customers all over the world. Those going to the Western Pacific or Asia would have been delivered by ship or fly a very long way around. The lifting straps should have been much wider to distribute the load. Guess the poor old thing is treated as a writeoff now anyway so it didn't matter. If they broke a main landing gear that would be some trick. The DC-2/DC-3 MLG are so good that Avro copied the design with some adjustments for the Manchester bomber and its derivatives.

[@MrJeep75]

Any history of that

[@MrJeep75]

Real dc3 are really rare, most are ex c47 or c53

[@ac9891]

Ride past that all the time. Wondered what happened to it....

[@richardgreen5602]

25346 grtw......without engines and other equipment my recall is dry weight with all was around 19000lbs

[@fredferd965]

I have only respect for what all of you are doing, but there's something about those cattle mooing that's hilarious. It's like the cows are telling you that you're all doing it wrong....

[@RamSkirata]

its a shame this DC-3 has been abandoned to deteriorate.

[@sevenodonata]

This is the most fascinating and suspensful crane-lift I've yet watched! 😀

[@user-og9hd2sj8z]

I am not going to say any comments. My question is, what is worth saving here?? So glad everyone is ok. Too many bosses here. Sorry for my comments. Every one please be safe. Retired Air Force veteran.

[@guitarTennisCarHomeFixFlying]

I wonder if a Warrior's funeral getting a permit to light it up like we used to do with our balsa wood models, but i think Kermit may use a/c later on

[@donaldhawkes5226]

U should of fix the tow bar problem instead of rushing

[@donaldparlett7708]

Kermit there are times that you have hired professionals let them do their job. Stay in the office at times let them do it. I know it’s your property but they are quite capable of figuring out the problems. A so-called “backseat driver” is the last thing needed.

[@dukeallen432]

Bull. Kermit had the most knowledge. You are the back seat keyboard warrior

[@leeroyholloway4277]

When hiring a professional, make sure to gather up 2 or 3 guys to tell them how to do their job.

[@pat36a]

The professional knows his job and his equipment. He doesn't know what he's hooking to. But I get your drift.

[@grumpyoldfart1945]

Micro-management at its finest.

[@ReevesRovers]

An illustration of how "Poor prior planning and preparation (in this case on the part of management) leads to piss poor performance".

[@travelingman8230]

I've seen that plane every day for 20 years, I'm going to miss it. When people ask me where Auburndale is, I always ask them if they know where the big white plane is on the side of I-4, the answers is always, yes! Guess I'll have to find a new landmark for our little hamlet! Hopefully, something cool will takes its place. Ps. Kermit, I love you brother, but you gotta lose those old geezer tube socks, it will take 20 years off of your look! I mean the coolest guy in Auburndale cant be rocking tubesocks in 2024!! 😂