enginehistory.org

[rwahlgren]

Anyone know the latest news with engines on this race?
Info on the net, FiFi the B29 in Texas in the middle of its re engine project, has given up one engine being overhauled by Anderson Airmotive to Rare Bear. Does anyone else have any information?

[jschauer]

As quoted from our CAF newsletter "..the second scheduled engine for FIFI has been allowed to be released and installed on the air racing F8F Bearcat known as "Rare Bear", owned by fellow Texan and good friend, Rod Lewis. This arrangement allowed Mr. Lewis to re-engine his Bearcat in time for the Reno Air Races. So, the question is why? Answer: Ray Anderson has just accuired a collection of NEW R-3350 engines and parts. Under the agreement, our new engine will have as many NEW parts as possible vs rebuilt and this also gives the squadron some financial flexibility. It does not however, move the time frame back on the schedule to return FIFI to the air. Ray Anderson says he can still deliver the needed engines for FIFI as agreed."