Racing then and now: Reno Sea Fury Dreadnought and Cleveland Super Corsair “57”

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944Hawker Fury / Sea Fury - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1944

The powerful lines of Race 57 are enhanced by the mighty R-4360 four-row radial. Owner/restorer Bob Odegaard was at the controls for these pictures, taken on September 20, 1999; the camera aircraft was the Museum of Flying’s P-51D, flown by Skip Holm.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944

MICHAEL O'LEARY photographed Goodyear F2G Super Corsair N5588N “Race 57” being flown by its owner Bob Odegaard on September 20, 1999; the former Cleveland racer, newly restored by Bob in stunning racing livery, made its public debut at this year’s Reno.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944

With flaps and undercarriage down, Race 57 presents a kaleidoscope of red-and-white stripes.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944

Cook Cleland, left, original owner and pilot of Race 57, with current owner and restorer Bob Odegaard. Bob had just been presented with the first-place Rolls-Royce Trophy and People’s Choice Trophy at Reno ’99.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944

One of the most attractive of the Cleveland racers, in its gleamimg red-and-white scheme, Race 57 stands out against the Nevada morning sky on the Monday after the 1999 Reno races.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944

With a top speed of 399 m.p.h. at sea level (rising to 431 m.p.h. at 16,400ft), the Super Corsair had the qualities to be an effective fighter as well as an effective racer.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944

Super pair: Race 57 with the Champlin Fighter Museum’s stock Super Corsair Bu88454/NX4234 at Mesa, Arizona, in late September this year. Of the ten Super Corsairs built at the end of World War Two (out of 428 ordered to counter the Japanese kamikaze menace), only three survive. In addition to these two, Race 74 was recently donated to the Crawford Museum in Cleveland by collector Walter Soplata, and is with Bob Odegaard for restoration to static display condition for the museum.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944

The interior of the undercarriage bay reveals the standard of workmanship and finish.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944

Ben McKillen is congratulated after his 1949 Cleveland win in Race 57.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944

R.W. “Ben” McKillen taxies out for the 1949 Tinnerman Trophy Race in Race 57 at Cleveland, which he won. Cook Cleland captured the Thompson Trophy Race in his Super Corsair, Race 94.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944

Cook Cleland’s other two Super Corsairs take a break between races at the 1949 Cleveland event.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944

The cockpit of Race 57 was completely gutted when the aircraft was obtained by Bob Odegaard, and had to be rebuilt.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944

This is how Race 57 looked in 1964 when it was being dismantled for transport to Pennsylvania.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Goodyear F2G Super Corsair - СШАUSA - 1944