GEE BEE Builders - Steve Wolf / Kevin Kimball - Kermie Cam Visit Part 2

[@guitarTennisCarHomeFixFlying]

Great builders, with Kermit, 3 aviation legends and geniuses! I had a hunch that Kermit had some P-47 history!

[@randalljames1]

Well I finally saw an oldie video of Kermit in Europe flying stunt.... wow, just wow.... Whole new appreciation for his flying skills....

[@RichardGoth]

Great video- so much knowledge accumulated in one place!

[@jhaedtler]

Who lot of great history going on there! Thanks so much!

[@markoliver7068]

The best 10 hours of my 30+ years of flying so far was a week in Oregon flying 10 hrs of aerobatics with Steve Wolf. To make it even more spectacular was that he had no other students that week, so I also got to spend tons of time listening to him describe many of the projects he'd built (including the Gee Bee with Delmar), seeing Pitts documentation he'd inherited from Curtis Pitts and getting tons of building tips from him. Not only is he an incredibly talented builder, he's also easily the best flight instructor I've ever flown with and a true gentlemen. It was great to see and listen to him again!

[@Channelscruf]

Flew with Steve as a student in his aerobatic school. Super good guy. Even better pilot.

[@marchindy]

Wow thanks for sharing history with us Kermit.

[@stevem7868-y4l]

Another gem from Kermit, thanks

[@AustNRail]

Those guys are a wealth of knowledge and appear to be wonderful human beings.

[@xyzcomp08]

Saw Delmar fly the Gee Bee and that is a memory that will always stick with me. I wasn't aware that Jimmy Doolittle saw him fly it and had comments about it! That's cool!

[@openoutlaw]

I really enjoy your videos. You have amazing aircraft.

[@danthefrst]

Great thanks guys, Kermit, Kevin and Steve for sharing this conversation. Nice of you letting us tag along!

[@jpdunamislodge]

Always a treat to watch you guys.

[@kelvinrempel3]

Love this video. So cool to hear the background stories of the building of the GeeBee's.

[@robertlafnear4865]

Kermit you have TWO of the best planes that one can have in a plane collection.... and the guys that built them......... A GREAT JOB !

[@mp6756]

What a great video a ton and a half of knowledge and skills packed into one video. The story's are as interesting as the guys telling them. Another great episode Thanks as always

[@reckemroysrc3764]

Always a history lesson. Thanks KERMIT ✌😊🙏

[@olegg2774]

You are the best people and you have the best planes behind you. Great respect to you.

[@KermitWeeks444]

Thanks!

[@SteamerEdge]

Thanks for sharing this Kermit, it was wonderful to see these two exceptional Aircraft Builders together with their amazing achievements standing behind them. These guys brought these famous aircraft back to life for all of us and it was a privilege to hear them chatting about the builds and about Delmar. The icing on top would be to see and hear Delmar talk about his experiences as he is also an intricate part of the amazing story.

[@goatflieg]

A lot of great inside information on this one. I was lucky enough to see Delmar Benjamin fly the Gee Bee R-2 at the Watsonville Antique Airshow. I was always amazed at what he could do with that airplane... and this video provides so much additional context to that. Thanks for sharing!

[@raypeters4525]

EVERYTHING TURNS UP AMAZING WHEN YOU WATCH KERMIT ! WHAT CAN I SAY ? !

[@lcskibird]

Two amazing guys!! Wow!!

[@DataRew]

This video is SOOOO AMAZING!!!!!!!! I was into airplanes just a bit before these craft were finished, and was young enough to not know about them, and at the time (I was still a young child), I always wanted to see a Gee Bee. To see two builders of flying examples talk about them, now as an almost 40 year old, I am amazed. THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS, KERMIT! :D :D

[@TheDavidcrockett]

Love the backstories on these planes. Truly inspiring

[@larry903s]

This is extremely cool. Steve and Kevin are outstanding aircraft builders. This would have been even better if Delmar and his wife were there too. Thanks for filming this and posting it, Kermit. I bought your book for my step grandson years ago when he was a little guy and read it to him. It's a nice little book for kids. We've also have been to Fantasy of Flight twice before it closed and got to see the Gee Bee's up close. I was also lucky enough to see Delmar's R-2 airshow a couple times before he sold it to you and talked to his wife at the show and via email - great people. Delmar's an amazing pilot (you are too, by the way). Delmar and Steve's book on the story of the R-2 research, creation, and flight is a great read too for Gee Bee fans or even just EAA members or aviation enthusiasts. I love what you're doing, Kermit. Thanks so much for all you do.

[@alanearl4637]

That was fascinating. Definitely a meeting that needed to happen. Thank you for capturing it on video. Delmar was my absolute favorite to watch on the airshow circuit back then.

[@jonathannunez2702]

Amazing stories! Thanks for sharing Kermit!

[@artd.]

One of your most entertaining videos! Great video Mr. Kermit, such a joy to watch these men. Their combines knowledge is amazing........:-)

[@Hugocraft]

Awesome video and stories!!!! The next time I'm in orlando area, I'm going to visit your museum. As a 90's kid I remember seeing and watching the GeeBee perform at oshkosh!

[@vehdynam]

Wow ! I do not fly but I am into hot rods and those Gee Bee;s are true hot rods. I love them. Thank you , I will be searching your channel more now that I have found it.

[@KermitWeeks444]

Great! Welcome aboard. Be sure to subscribe. Thanks

[@thomascharlton8545]

Wow, That was some amazing stuff. Like the deal about P&W R-985 number two.

[@parrotraiser6541]

Thanks, Kermit. That was fascinating. As a very small boy, I had a book of aircraft specifiactions, and the GeeBee R-2 was one of the aircraft on the cover, Naturally, I was delighted when Delmar Benjamin flew it at Oshkosh. After seeing the footage of the Z disintigrating in flight, I had hypothesised that flutter was the cause, probably the ailerons. Very pleased to find that does appear to have been the case. All the detail trivia about motors, &c. was also great. Those fellows are the sort one hangs around to listen, not talk.

[@C_Henderson]

Thank you for sharing, Kermit. These are really enjoyable to watch and learn from.

[@tiredowalkin]

Kermit's arrogance is very impressive too. He never disappoints me whenever I watch him talk. Does anyone else see this?

[@Frank-rh7vh]

What anvery interesting Report... Just another LIKE - like its worth it ever! Thank You Mr. Weeks !!! You and all the Crew stay healthy !

[@Allen46u5k]

Great history on both the Bee Gee and the the Reproductions, thanks .

[@davidperry970]

I could listen to you 3 all day.

[@LeslieMatheson]

Great video. I was at FoF the Saturday you rolled the R out of the shipping container, then later you flew the Mustang off for a funeral fly-by. That was probably in 04. Haven't been back, but need to.

[@jimgoff1170]

I remember seeing Steve Wolfe at the Creswell airport in the early 90’s, saw Delmar perform at the Eugene airport and Steve in Samson. I learned to fly there and thought “this is like the aviation heaven”.

[@nigelcopestake3618]

Great stories 👍👍👍 Keep them coming 👍👍👍

[@olsonspeed]

Great history on the Gee Bees, always interesting to tag along on these hanger tours.

[@markbattista6857]

Great stuff Kermit , and enjoyed your comment at about 12:30 saying let's get to the moon first , I always knew you were the real deal Thanks

[@elpound]

I saw Delmar fly the GB in a air show in Yakima WA. My buddy worked at the airport at Creswell OR. He new Steve Wolf. It was the best presentation of the air show. I'm glad you have the plane.

[@mattharte7334]

There’s a lot of knowledge going on here, I like the photo shoot of Steve, Kermit and Kevin in front of the Z and R2. Hope you get to open up more of those aircraft containers you have outside!

[@markcoombs7233]

Super cool.! Thanks Kermit

[@rob737700]

I've passed by a few times and FOF always seems to be closed. Hope I get lucky one day...I've had this dream of sitting in a Corsair since I was a kid (and would love to see the other aircraft that are on display). Thanks Mr. Weeks!

[@davelewandoski4292]

Great Kermie Cam, thanks for sharing!

[@thorstenwanoth6774]

seems like fast historic racer airplanes are a bit like motorcycles then. Edit: This is what you progress to on the next level when XR600R's, Life and various other 2-wheelers have been kind to you over 50 years. Just SF Amazing to see you guys do what you do.Scary knowledge guys! greetings from South Africa. Having the right guys there is good. Not much of a glider then. Awesome x10 !

[@Nord3202]

I met Steve Wolf the year they took the R2 to Oshkosh 91 it was unfinished. Steve's Samson was there also. They had the Gee Bee Z from the movie the Rockteer. I remember being told the stunt pilots in the movie would draw straws for who wasn't going to fly the Gee Bee. I will never forget Steve a great guy that took the time to talk planes with you.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Fine video.....Thanks for sharing Kermit.....!

[@free-birdrocker8809]

Nice, I love the paint schemes on these radial engined hot rods..

[@MililaniJag]

Fascinating! Good good good! Cheers!

[@davidcardin3271]

I love it. Thanks for showing these.

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing!

[@leifvejby8023]

The landing at 26:25 is from Michelstadt in Germany - he landed a little early and hit the edge of the concrete runway.

[@MrJDP1974]

That was almost disastrous for Delmar. Something was watching over him that day for certain! I have never heard him discuss the incident, but the potential for that to have been fatal was obvious and thankfully all odds were wrong. I'm certain he knew he hit short, but the bigger picture probably took a bit of time to sink in.

[@MrJDP1974]

It also almost seems like he didn't intend to land there initially because it was narrow and short possibly? Has he flown the R2 or just the Z?

[@leifvejby8023]

@@MrJDP1974 Absolutely - I was surprised the leg stayed put!

[@alanholloway1264]

@@MrJDP1974 Both.

[@RedPandaFRANK]

I have a painting of the model y geebee in red racing the z model beegee blue. Ever since I was little and bc of this painting I love all geebees!!

[@skooter2767k]

Such an awesome vid!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@matthewlawlor4932]

One minor correction guys the R-985 on the Z came out of the Speed Holman 1930 Laird Solution not the 31 Super Solution. Then was loaned to the Granville’s for the Gee Bee Z. So that engine won back to back Thompson Trophies. I think it was even used in 32 for the gee bee R2. Otherwise you are correct, it went into the Spirit of Africa and was eventually lost in the Gulf of Mexico. Someone go find it!

[@ChrisB257]

That video is one for the archives Kermie - excellent. :)

[@Tuffenough4u]

"lets get to the moon first" ... HAHAHA, you're easily one of my favorite people Kermit, yet we've never met.

[@kevinwilliams287]

The Passion these guys have, brilliant.

[@pete_mitchell]

Great video, lots of cool stories.

[@robertcringely7348]

I'm 68 and came from a flying family so this video is like a home movie to me except my memories were of guys like Steve Wittman and Art Scholl. We used to camp in Witt's basement during Oshkosh and he took me out in the Tailwind once to demonstrate a Falling Leaf. Have you even seen one of those? My point here is that there is so much knowledge being shared -- knowledge that might otherwise have been lost. So please do more videos like this if you can.

[@MGB-learning]

Great video!

[@MrRogRamjet]

Good to see you Steve!

[@marttimattila9561]

Kermit reminds me to my childhood hero Buffalo Bill, hes nowadays Buffalo Bill for me. I chance from Wild West to aviation around ten years of age.

[@abundantYOUniverse]

Fantastic!

[@ConfederceyCSA]

I would like too see an Italian WW2 Macchi C. 205 Veltro Fly again.

[@skalli1064]

just stunning

[@colinwallace5286]

I get the feeling that Delmar Benjamin has a gifted set of hands and feet, because he flew the stuffing out of both of those planes. I drive through Shelby quite often, and I wonder what he might be doing these days.

[@nateg6320]

I modified my S1 with all wolf modifications. Steve wolf is legendary

[@kiwidiesel]

That Polikarpov is cool, I saw that here in New Zealand when it was first made airworthy down in Wanaka. Most amazing sounding machine when I first heard it. Those G-Bee planes look like sheer terror to fly. I was introduced to the G-Bee as a kid when I watched the movie Rocketeer for the first time, Racing planes, Airships Hughes spruce goose and lets not forget the girl of my dreams then Jennifer Connelly.

[@David-yo5ws]

I have a great picture I took, from Warbird's Over Wanaka, with the 'Polikarpov's' flying in formation. Numbers 28, 34, 39, '45', CN 193 and 3 bi-plane types. It was the first, real airshow I ever saw. My mate took us in his bus. We undid the skylight and sat on the roof. Those planes were at our level as they took off and the 'vibration' and sound was just incredible! Just the best! Great to see that Kermit is looking after one of Sir Tim Wallace's creations. It could not be in a better hands. Kiwi David.

[@garygullikson6349]

Similarity of these guys to scale RC model plane fanatics is amazing. I always suspected that Delmar is 98 % genius/dare devil.

[@stanleyziembienski4925]

When I was a kid, I lived in Springfield right near the hanger and air field where the Grandvill brothers built and tested these planes. I use to ride up there on my bicycle and watch them. When it all ended, a shopping plaza was built on the air field and the hanger became a business selling boats

[@TheRaptorXX]

Brilliant stuff!

[@ZacYates]

I think that brief clip of Sir Tim Wallis is from a documentary I uploaded to KZbin from VHS! Awesome!!

[@aarontolman8866]

If I was a fly, I'd pick the walls that contain these men and just listen!

[@treywest268]

I am willing to bet $100 that getting weathered in, in Springfield, Illinois was the catalyst to the discussion and idea of making #7.

[@bondisteve3617]

Really good! Thanks.

[@ConfederceyCSA]

In 1929, the Granvilles built their first aircraft, a two-seat biplane named the Model A. It was the first in a line of aircraft they dubbed the "Sportsters," which they advertised as "the fastest and most maneuverable licensed airplane for its horsepower in the United States." The Granvilles' main business goal, as they entered the 1930s, was to produce a series of Sportsters for sale to aviation enthusiasts. But when the commercial aviation market started to dry up in the early years of the Great Depression, they began to explore other options. Although they would continue to construct aircraft for private use, they also started to modify planes for air races in the hope that they could secure some of the National Air Races' large cash prizes. From their inception in the early 1930s to the present day, the Gee Bees have remained among the most controversial airplanes in aviation history. While some scholars and aircraft enthusiasts have continued to consider them "killer planes," others admire their advanced aerodynamic designs and argue that several skilled pilots safely flew the Gee Bees to several key victories and records. Regardless of how one views the brief history of the 22 Gee Bees, it seems that there will always be a wide range of opinions about the well-known racers.

[@airtightindustries]

Absolutely awesome

[@treywest268]

My other question about the #7 is, did you have to take measurements to fit in the cojones of Delmar in order to fit in it comfortably?

[@MARKLOCKWOOD2012]

This aircraft or a model mock up was used the movie the ROCKETEER starring Bill Cambell. That movie I thought deserved a sequel.

[@kevinkimball7711]

Was not this one. That one was built by Bill Turner in the 1970's with many changes to the design such as longer and thicker wings, longer fuselage and so on. This one is dimensionally accurate to the original and was built in 1996 after the 1991 Rocketeer movie.

[@spoiler5oo]

2 great builders miss visiting Steve when I worked near the shop

[@MrJDP1974]

TA 4000 behind the P47?

[@odonovan]

Part two? There was never a part one, under this title. I checked this channel and the FoF channel. Only THEN did I realize, the part with the P-47 inspection is under an entirely different title, and is the one you just put out, three weeks ago. I didn't realize that was the part one which goes with THIS video. Don't confuse old people like me like that! Sheesh! 37:13 - "Obviously, they weren't a match for 109s..." Actually, that's incorrect. The I-15 (biplane) was retired to second line duty by 1942, but the I-16 served in front line service for quite a while, and could fight the "Emil" (109E) on pretty equal terms, each having its advantages. Several of the top Soviet aces even resisted changing to newer aircraft for a period of time, since they liked the I-16 so much.

[@fredericrike5974]

I had heard of some all women flown units that did night scouting and shot up trains when they found them. I think the "Not much of a glider" would be nearly as applicable- several hundred pounds of engine and accessories way out front, leettle biddy pilot perch and just enough tail to balance the big engine- balanced over a wing just barely long enough to lift at take off speeds- gliding doesn't appear anywhere in that DNA. I would want to fly it too. FR

[@David-yo5ws]

@@fredericrike5974 Your thinking of: "Night Witches" (German: die Nachthexen; Russian: Ночные ведьмы, Nochnye Vedmy) was a World War II German nickname for the all female military aviators of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment. (From Wikipedia.)

[@fredericrike5974]

@@David-yo5ws Thank you- I first heard these stories from a Russian woman who had fled the Communist purges- over 45 years ago, now. FR

[@tgmccoy1556]

Steve jumped me in his black Pitts when I was flying my Baby Ace. Way back... Might as well have been an F-15😁..

[@Omnihil777]

Kermit "I'll be darned" Weeks ;)

[@angeletsoler]

My grandfather was in the Aragón front, in the spanish Civil War. As catalan, he fought with the republican army, helped by the rusians. Since I was a young kid, he used to tell me stories about the Polikarpov I16, it was called "mosca" (fly) by the republicans, and "ratas" (rats) by the fascists. In the spanish civil war, also fought the Polikarpov I-15 Txaika (Seagull), but the catalans told it "Xato" (pug-nosed), for the similarities with the phonetics, and also for the shape of the plane. The reason why the I16 was called "Mosca", isn't for the caracteristics of the plane, but for the fact that the first units, arrived in Madrid disassembled in containrs from Moscow, and in these containers you could read the word Mocba (Moscow in russian), so, from "mocba" to "mosca"...

[@leeannelisha1378]

WOW!👍👍👍👍👍

[@leezinke4351]

Can you still fly the Gee Bee?? Gee Bee is one of my favorite planes.😊

[@treywest268]

I love this video! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I grew up in the city right next to Springfield, MA and got to see Delmar Benjamin fly his GeeBee at a Westover Air Force Base at an air show. I got to talk to him after too. It is wonderful that you are preserving the history of these great aircraft (all of them) plus getting the histories from the designers and builders. I was curious about something... I know Richard Bach stayed over with Puff at your place on his journey West. I want to ask if you have ever invited him down or did an interview with him?

[@aviatorsteve5649]

Awesome!

[@pilotmiami1]

Amazing

[@michaelmangold6242]

On Sept 24 1944 My uncle Lt. William Waller shot down a ME109 whle flying a P47 on the last day before leaving for another airfield. His wingman also shot down a ME109..They were in the 87th fighter group..

[@ervingoertzen7233]

Yeah I wonder what’s in those containers, what awaits!

[@David-uy6ch]

Awesome

[@lcskibird]

You need Casey Hill to do that bump cowl!!

[@QG-vz4qg]

Gee bee reminds me of el chupacabra, a really really funny character, he's the indoor racing champion of all Mexico, does anyone else know about el chupacabra?

[@2011mendo]

Interesting about that dorsal fin... ( end of vlog)