"GET EM FLYING!" - P-51A & P-40E Project Visit - Cal Pacific Airmotive
OK, Gang, here’s a great visit with Lori Atkinson at Cal Pacific Airmotive in Salinas, California, discussing two projects I hadn’t seen in a while that had been put on hold.
Check out the North American P-51A and a Curtiss P-40E that are now being worked on again!
Kermit Weeks
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Kermit Weeks
WOW that lady knows her stuff! Good good goood!
Yep smart
It's amazing to me how she can keep track of all the times Kermit changes his mind about what he really wants. 🙄😏🤨😊
@@jamesburns2232 that woman it top-notch! you're right, it was so frustrating to watch him vacillate on the -51. i'm greatful he puts these videos out as it's unobtainable elsewhere
So impressive Lorrie’s company has patterns to completely build a brand new P-51 from scratch. Her knowledge is equally so impressive. Her Dad did very well with her over the years that he was alive ! P-51’s have a special place in my heart my Dad was in our ANG Unit in the early to mid 50’s, the 167th FG WVANG. As a kid he used to take my brother and I to the Unit and we would watch them taxi out and come back after training flights. Our Unit was the very last to fly the Mustang and the last official flight was in January 1957 when they were retired from the inventory.
The air port in the town I live in was built during WW2 to train pilots.chuck Yeager did some training there.. the street it’s located on is named chuck Yeager way.. he named one of his planes after his first wife who went to the high school I went to given its 60 years apart. But cool history my grandpa served during WW2 so as a kid I would be fascinated. During Veterans Day parade one year they flew a P51 over never to this day have I heard a plane that sounds like it.. awesome this company can still build some of the older planes.. wonder who makes the engines?.
That lady is a real superstar Also notice that the area is kept organized and immaculate
MAN !!!-I could listen to Lori talk about Aeroplanes for hours,--she is a Gem !!
I guarantee her father was, Is, and will always be very proud of her. The amount of knowledge and professionalism she has is absurd.
Wonderful seeing these warbirds restored, especially the rare P-51A variant. A special thank you to everyone who is instrumental in preserving our history.
"Restarting the projects" AKA writing another big check!!! Awesome
So great to see that there are still craftsmen and women capable of rebuilding and fabricating replacement parts for warbirds.
This Lady knows her business. Thankful for people who are able to restore History... and the People like Kermit who keep History alive...
Lori is incredible. Her knowledge of the P51 's is vast and more importantly she has the staff behind her to build whatever version/variant . That is wonderful to see. Thanks Kermit for allowing us to go with you on this trip. I'm form the UK and we have some of the best people who restore warbirds in the world, as you know , soo to hear the other side of the coin from a US perspective is very interesting. Thanks again and best of luck in your ventures.
Lorrie’s knowledge of the P51 is incredible
since i live so close to Lorrie Im going there and totally compliment her, she deserves some praise that most humans dont receive.
Your emotions went sky high, when you seen The “Snoopers” photos with that unknown pilot hanging on those 20mm cannons. I think the decision is made! And Lorrie and the team are so educated and confident on what they have learned from her father. And a production quality that’s “bar none”!
It looks like her Dad kept the company in great hands! She's so knowleable. Impressive
She is priceless ,the staff ,are priceless . Amazing ,thanks for sharing
Thing that struck me when Kermit walked into was how clean and orderly Cal Pacific Airmotive was 😳! One can tell (especially seeing the exposed underbelly of the one aircraft) this company does top notch work! Kermit is a stickler for detail & authenticity in aircraft restoration so can see why he appreciates the work being there. Those huge laser printers creating parts from plans was amazing! Can see a ever growing need for such technology to keep 'ancient' aircraft flying when original parts are unavailable (or no longer in existence anywhere). Easy to see also that Ms. Atkinson has been immersed in aviation her entire life via. her father. Nice to hear her commentary on the long years of service of her employee's. Love the P-40E (a bit underrated) which was an extremely important aircraft especially early in the war when it was the best land based fighter the USAAF had available. The P-51A is ultra-rare and will be super sweet to see that aircraft together (& hopefully airworthy) again as well! Interesting most P-51A's were armed with 4 .50 cal. in the wings. Understand why Kermit wanted to go with the (rare & gaudy) 4 20mm cannons in the wings option 😚(Kermit including camera another nice touch of authenticity - primary to role of this early recon. fighter). Curious if the cannons protruding so far out in front of the leading edge of the wing creates any stability issues 🤔? Thanks as always Kermit for taking us along..! PS - Know one of the reason US opted for machine guns were reliability is issues with the (early war) cannons caused frequent jamming (shouldn't be a problem for Kermit 😁). As the war progressed such problems were largely resolved and why became more common on later war fighter / bomber aircraft.
This young ladies knowlege is incredible.
Kermit ,priceless ,he's paying .£££££ Keeping our aviation history alive
What an incredible operation they have. World class knowledge and skill beyond measure. Wow wow wow!
What a cracking video,this is the stuff you don,t normally get to see. Ive been following the restoration of LANCASTER NX 611 here in the UK for the last 6 years but been going to East Kirkby for over 30 years and played my small part in getting the Mosquito HJ 711 to this airfield.Keep up the great work guys,you really are doing a wonderful job. Thankyou for this video.
Lorrie, the P-51 goddess.
Amazing how well all the videography is while still walking and talking......What a pro Mr Weeks
What magic work these people do keeping these old birds flying and the lady in charge, man does she know her stuff !.
Incredible lady with her Dads knowledge, must have grown up in the business, sounds like she has been involved in 100's of restorations
I always find it mind numbing how they managed to churn these out back in the day ! Stunning marvels of engineering ❤️
That shop and storage area is the tidiest I have ever seen!
Hi Kermit , another excellent resurrection of Warbirds from another timeline ! Thank you for your ongoing Dedication to Maintaining as many as possible in Flying Condition. The beautiful work inside the Wing and other Assemblies is a " Work of Art " Designed to go to War when Required ! Looking Forward to many more years of Peace so you and your Teams can complete some more of the Resurrection of Historical Planes ,Civilian and War Time ,your attention to Correct Details is simply Amazing ! Once again Thank You for your Dedication and to those that Work Around you and other Dedicated Masters of their " Trade " Your Achievements that will go on for a Very Long Time "
Fantastic projects, decisions, to work out 🤔.What a lovely lady to deal with , thanks for sharing 👍💨💨
This is interesting and enjoyable television. 🌏🛩️
Awesome shop! People moving and working. Two guys working on some gear doors at the same time! The freakin CNC actually making parts when you showed up! Noise. Refreshing to see a well run shop taking care of business. Its like if you had many Ken Kellets from the J-1 project working in the same shop! Lori is cool. Runs that shop like a ship. Knew you were coming and was prepared. Great video
Her pops taught her well. Great to see these companies still up and running. And making new parts.
This is fascinating stuff. That woman is sharp as a tack!
Didn't know there was a P-51 before the P-51A. Interesting stuff. Would love to see someone build the NA-73X.
What a great Company Cal Pacific Airmotive is, Thanks for sharing the insight with us.
what an episode. Lady is amazing.
Man, what I wouldn't have done when I was younger to have a chance to work in a place like this!!
What an amazing shop.. One of the best tours ever..
Wow!! Lorrie has an amazing work shop!! Looking forward to seeing the updates on these 2 warbirds!!
Very impressive shop. Thanks for taking us along.
Hi Kermit, we are all mortal and in your lifetime you have to get on with the restorations to complete them. Yes you are saving these planes for the future and I guess, much of the enjoyment for you is the project, as it would be for me. If I had the resource I would set a timeline. Would love to hear what that is. Having the cannons would ace the restoration. Great to see Lori and her knowledge. What a dream workshop.
Great work… nothing like building a P51 from a data plate! God Bless America!
Like Grandpa's axe - replaced the handle twice and the blade once but it's still his original axe ...........
You require a bit more than a data plate.
@@andrewwaller5913 In America you can rebuild from paperwork with no remaining original material
Hey Mr Weeks, thanks for the video. You’re the best!
That is a super clean restoration and manufacturing company. I like to see there is a demand for keeping these wonderful aircraft running. I have visited Fantasy of Flight if I recall 5 times and even visited the Air Museum in Miami. So sad about that location. I have not been to Fantasy of Flight in a while but the last time you were there, and I volunteered to try the hydraulic helicopter simulator. That was fun trying to learn a helicopter from scratch that was an experience. Thanks for the video.
I sure hope there are some young apprentice type guys working there. This is ALL old school hand down the knowledge type stuff going on here. No new guys , it dies when they do. My understanding of the industry is everything on the Mustangs can be remanufactured new from patterns , prints, etc , except the gear leg castings and of course the engines. This is some VERY cool stuff going on here. Keep them flying! I wonder how many of the employees have actually gotten a ride in a warbird? Obviously Kermit has a lot of resources for his various projects. I for would like to commend him for using those resources to preserve these aircraft.
This lady knows all meaningfull things about planes
KERMIT, I forbid you from dying ! GOT IT ?
Kermit, you just have to go with the cannons. It looks awesome and the story needs to be there visually for the next generation.
kermit is a global aviation history treasure
IDK just me, but think two different builds: Museum - focus all original as possible. Flying - focus original appearance, safest systems
Early 51s are the sleekest. I can't wait to hear how it performs for Kermit. As I understand, it had the best control harmony and stability.
Massive kudos to this lady running the business as well as she is. Also that shop is clean!
that's an impressive group of folks and equally impressive facility , that gal is on top of it and i love how she knows where everything is and its status in such detail , everything is bagged and tagged and clean ....one more time...impressive :)
Thanks for the video Kermit. I happen to catch it on your facebook channel earlier. Super video. Great aircraft, both of them. Beautiful shop and very clean. The lady in charge is knowledgeable and knows the aircraft restoration business. Hopefully you will have both projects finished soon. Thanks for sharing your visit Kermit. Retired Air Force veteran.
Kermit's passion for aviation is contagious. Specifically because of the way he presents us these videos. I'm an aviation fanatic (almost) since I know myself. Would I be a little bit younger, and I would go to the States and try to be hired by Kermit to work on Fantasy of flight beautiful projects of restauration.
wow that gal knows her stuff...impressive and I live ten minutes from there to boot, never knew that place exist, how cool.
Her knowledge is outstanding.
A very sharp lady. Good knowledge. Good organizational skills. Good people skills.
Excellent film footage and sound. Perfect commentary. Lorrie knows her stuff.
Thats a good video. Outstanding craftsmanship.
My vote is for the two cannons version. Have a good weekend.
Very impressive outfit and Lori very knowageable.
Kermit, you know what's ever more rare than a canon armed P51? A Ki-61! Great video, keep em flying
Yep, I'm 58 now, been waiting to see one of those brought to airworthy since I was a teenager!...will it ever happen?..there are 2 or 3 airframes, Kermit has one of them...hmmm..anyone have a spare airworthy DB-601 or 605 sitting around anywhere?....
Very cool.. I'm just happy that Tempest V is underway
Thanks so much for sharing these updates on your projects Kermit!
Thanks Kermit..... Shoe🇺🇸
The XP-51 shown is at the EAA Museum in Oshkosh WI.
Holy cow, the knowledge in this video is amazing!!
Very very Impressive company. This lady has an amazing encyclopaedic knowledge of all Mustang models, restoring thereof and history. Thanks cheers Paul
damn that is a clean and organized shop
Incredibly well organized facility. I noted the pile of golden wrench awards on the wall on the way in.
Awsome sharing all that knowledge Thanks Kermit and associates 👍🏼👍🏼😎😎😻😻
This lady is good good good at her job lol
that is an amazing facility
However, when I watch this film now, with what care and precision the planes are almost by restored to factory condition, I am incredibly impressed. Applause for this lady, for whom it is clearly visible that airplanes are not only a job but also a passion. In 2012, Pole Jakub Perka found and photographed a P-40 Kittyhawk - Curtis H87A plane in the Egyptian desert. A time capsule with many pieces of equipment preserved. This aircraft was piloted by 24-year-old Sergeant Dennis Copping. On June 28, 1942, he took off in a plane previously damaged by enemy anti-aircraft artillery for a short flight to a repair base and disappeared. The British authorities tried to recover the plane in 2015 and offered the Egyptian authorities a Spitfire plane as an exchange. Unfortunately, the Spitfire was lost in transit and the P-40 underwent a terrible "restoration" and ended up in the El-Alamein military museum, located 105 km southwest of Alexandria. "They should be shot for that renovation", anyone with weak nerves should not look at photos of Kittyhawk after the Egyptian "renovation".
Ive seen that,-a bloody disgrace-!!-it looks like something from a "luna-park"-ride !!--I wish it had never been found !!
@@johncaldwell-wq1hp Exactly, the plastic Airfix models look much better.
The ladies knowledge of P40 and P51's is VERY good, but it must be part of her, and thats cool
amazing knowledge by this lady, she really knows her stuff.
A great video Kermit! The cannon version of the P-51 is really interesting.
I remember the day that the P-40's gear wouldn't come down, at New Tamiami Airport.
I'll bet Dad is beaming knowing his daughter is keeping the business going.
So this is all happening right there off rt 4. That is awesome to know. You're not that far from me. Hell, you might even fly by Page field and show one of these restored gems off.
You have a great life Kermit, would love being in about all those places. So thanks for taking us along 🫶
According to Roger Freeman, the British originally ordered 329 NA-73's (P51's) at a cost of $40,000 per airplane.
Who would have thought P51 parts being cnc'd now in this year of 2024! What a great tribute to the engineering guys at North American back in the 40's for coming up with such a wonderful design that people are still copying their ideas. True legends still living through their work.
Wow. That was super interesting! Hew knowledge is very impressive! Thanks for sharing this sir!
I remember the P-40 when it was at Tamiami in the 70s, before the museum was built there. I didn't know you had that mishap with it later. The hydraulics blowing up like that sounds like a freak incident. Old lines no doubt.
Very impressive shop and manager!
Kermit Weeks is a treasure tbh
On the cannon-armed Mustang, I think your best bet for a data plate would be someone in the UK. Of the 150 P-51s built, 90-something of them went to the RAF as Mustang Mk.IA, so someone there may have sourced a data plate from a crash site.
I love these update videos especially when you say let’s get it done !!
amazing
Good for Kermit, it must take a dump truck load of money to do one of those restorations.
I really like the idea about a brand new P-51 A with those cannons.
Wow, what an operation. Love the way they can rotate the aircraft to work on it. Has to make it way easier to install wire and hydraulics. And truly amazing how more easily they fabricate parts and how they organize a build. Saw how they did it at the Kissimmee airport decades ago and it was painfully slow going. BTW, I have that same Harbor Freight (US General) rolling toolbox. Mine is well over 25 years old and still works perfectly. 🙂
My vote would before a P51A because they are so rare i have only heard of one still flying. Do the A version then you will have the A, C, and D models
There are some days that I believe the early model 51's were actually more attractive than the D's. I go back and forth, but I do love the sleekness of the early Allison powered planes. Either way, it will always be my favorite ❤️👍.
Awesome video
"Formerly known as Prince" 😂
Same symbols 🤣
My suggestion for a lead on an early P-51 would be Alaska. I was thinking at work today and I remember that many years ago there was a guy named 'Moon' Spillers and he restored an early Mustang (P-51A?) to flying condition, and he had recovered it from Alaska. For a while it was flying with the name, 'Polar Bear'. I don't know if it's still flying but I remembered that and thought I'd put it out there.
Whatever you are blessed with to do in your life, please get us a Running Napier Sabre engine.
Because no Limey will..
This lady is impressive. Try to get her in FOF. What is going on on the ME-108?
What a great video! I love how you show your different projects at the right shop for that project. A very tidy and clean shop this is. I hope you will be able to source a second P-51 project to get 2 going. Lots going on at FOF!