Rare color film of the Bell Aircraft P-39 Cobra I & II Air Racers. Includes shots to Bell Test Pilots Jack Woolams & Alvin "Tex" Johnston and the Cleveland Air Races in 1946. Film provided by the Niagara Aerospace Museum.
Wow . . . @3:09 , Tex Johnston . . . . . this film is a treasure! If only it had sound. That would be incredible. Always heard about him but not much footage, would love to see his Boeing 707 barrel roll in hd. Nice to see that P38 Lightning flying, a good look @13:50, beautiful condition, considering making it through a war. Wonder what it's like today?
These were 2 of the coolest 39s around until they started clipping wings. You're asking for deadly trouble when you do stuff like that. At least that's the story I've heard and read about. Yes they were fast before souping it up. 379 is the speed number that I have for the C models. P-39s also had huge props- almost 13 feet in diameter, bigger than the P-40s. Great stuff here on my favorite craft of WWII.
Fantastic footage, I've never seen color photos or movie film of these aircraft! I built a R/C model of the red Cobra 1 Woolams ship years ago and always wondered how close I got the color and markings! Seems I was right on, shame I don't have it any longer..........Thanks for the upload, Paul. Subscribing. Mike
Stock P-39 engine replaced with Allison XV-1710-135 producing 2,000 hp at 3,200 rpm & 86" requiring continuous water menthol injection from 85 gal tank mounted in nose. Prop replaced by 11 ft 4 blade unit from P-63.
