White 1 Foundation project

Flight Journal, Aug 2003 by Timken, Mark

In Kissimmee, Florida, at the White 1 Foundation shop, the rebuilding of Focke-Wulf 190F-8, Werk Nr. 931862, continues to progress slowly but steadily. The White 1 group includes as many original parts as it can, but certain items simply have to be remade to be flightworthy. The quality of the restoration work is exceptional-great fidelity to the original artifacts.

Many items are now nearing completion-the cowl flap panels, the top engine cowl panel, early style and rare, later bubble canopies, fuel-tank compartment panel, fuel tanks and battery box, for example. The entire electrical system has been found-even the radios and the pump for the drop tank! Wiring-complete with circuit code tags like the original's-has been prepared by Custom Connections and is ready to be installed. Sponsored partly by MT Propellers, the propeller assembly is being rebuilt, as is the main undercarriage (partly sponsored by Gomolzig). Tires are being tested by Dunlop and should be available soon. Perhaps most exciting is that the BMW 801 D-2 engine is about to be rebuilt.

There is even more to see at the museum. Many rare Luftwaffe ground-support items are on display: original wheel chocks, ground anchors, a fire extinguisher, fueling apparatus, an oil and coolant service cart, tools, test equipment, an engine hoist, aircraft jacks, a drop tank lift, survival gear, literature ... the list continues. Many-an unopened first-aid kit and a "foaming" flight suit, for example-cannot be seen anywhere else.

The group ultimately plans to have a display that will feature the restored Fw 190 surrounded by typical Luftwaffe equipment (which will actually be used to service the aircraft); there will also be displays of artifacts such as pilot gear and survival equipment. That is, however, some time away, and it depends entirely on obtaining the necessary funding and locating a few missing items (a list of these is posted on the group's website: www.white1foundation.org).

For more information and to contribute to this worthy cause, contact White 1 Foundation Inc., 822 North Hoagland Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34741; phone/fax (407) 933-0277; White1Foundation@yahoo.com. It sure would be great to see one of these legends fly again. This plane is a part of aviation history that has been missing from the sky since WW II ended.