FG-1A Corsair “94” NX69900 Lucky Gallon”
Built as FG-1A by Goodyear.
Received Strength/Charge with the United States Navy as BuNo 13481.
History
12 August 1946
To Cook Cleland Air Service/Cook Cleland, Willoughby, OH with new c/r N69900.
To Cook Cleland, Willoughby, OH retaining c/r N69900.
From 30 August 1946 to 2 September 1946
Raced as #92, named Lucky Gallon.
Participated in the National Air Races Cleveland in the Thompson Trophy Reciprocating Division. Lead pilot was Cook Cleland. Ranked 6th with an average speed of 361.809 mph. Raced in Feature B. Finished 6th with an average speed of 357.465 mph.
Most people are unaware that significant parts of the fuselage of FG-1A, BuNo.13481 still survive in storage. It also served with VMF-914 “Blacksheep” during the latter half of 1945.
Produced as BuNo. 13481, this year the aircraft was delivered to the USN in early 1945, the next year it was sold to Cook Cleland Air Service of Willoughby, Ohio. It was registered as NX69900, named Lucky Gallon, and registered as Racer number 92.
Early in its racing career. The paint scheme was completed as “Lucky Gallon”, race number ’92’ before the actual race was flown.
This is a series of photographs credited to Paul Bridgford showing the aircraft in white after further markings, but before the red flares were added. The intercooler air intake under the engine is a distinctive modification. The sharp edges on the wings.
Often described in search as an FG-1D, it is actually an FG-1A Corsair wearing airplane cover from a borrowed F4u-1D
Towards the end of its life. The vertical stabilizer was extended, like the F2g Corsair for better stability. Finally, the 1950 Lucky Gallon was badly damaged by high winds on the ramp at Willoughby, in 1953 the wreck was added to the Walter Soplata Aviation collection in Newbury, Cleveland, Ohio. By 2000 only the forward fuselage and other parts had been preserved, the rest having been discarded. Today it is in the experienced hands of Chuck Wahl for restoration. We can’t wait to see it fly again!
https://www.warbirdregistry.org/corsairregistry/fg1-13481.html
https://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=59196
http://vulturesrowaviation.com/vra/Welcome.html
article FG-1A Corsair “94” NX69900 Lucky Gallon” Built as FG-1A by Goodyear. Received Strength/Charge with the United States Navy as BuNo 13481. History12 August 1946To Cook Cleland Air Service/Cook Cleland, Willoughby, OH with new c/r…
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