After 68 years underwater, a WWII plane is back to its former glory

One FM-2 Wildcat fighter plane that currently resides at Air Zoo has seen better days. (June 5, 2024)

[filster]

$700K to restore THAT Wildcat from it's former condition? That was a bargain and a testament to the volunteers donated time and skills.

[randydicotti]

Some People are truly amazing. The people who restored that plane are not getting anywhere near the credit they deserve. Deepest respects and gratitude for preserving history.

[scootergeorge]

Being pulled from the bottom of Lake Michigan, it was probably operated from one of two paddle wheel aircraft carriers, Sable or Wolverine.

[edbianchi]

Thank you for your will and your perseverance to restore this plane

[fredblogs]

🇬🇧 A lot of effort went into this plane and it’s a credit to the people who restored it. Worth every dime.

[PatBarrett]

Big round of applause for these guys !

[turboshaft]

2 you folks.
Who have restored this Great treasure we veterans of the United States. Salute you.

[carlhicksjr]

So, Army veteran, Civil War reenactor and lifelong military historian here.
FRIKKIN' WOW.
Real respects to the restoration crew. I would not have thought that the hulk they pulled from the lake could be fully restored.

[davemitchell]

You can hear these old planes when they are coming from miles, awesome.

[e.a.corral]

A lot of work. Dedication. History at it's best. Remember TODAY.

[rodbrown]

These men are brilliant to restore such a thing, amazing work. American skill on display.

[calm]

If it’s an FM-2, it wasn’t made by Grumman, it was made by General Motors in Linden NJ.

[sidefx]

That’s amazing that they were able to basically build a brand new aircraft off what they had to start with.

[ICEMNIII]

I was expecting a multi milion amount, not 700k. Brilliant job by all those involved to do it for so little and bring back a piece of history to it's former glory.

[grimdesaye]

God Bless these Heros! Bring History Back!

[maxwedge]

Just returned from WWII Weekend at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, PA. They've been restoring a Northrop P-61 Black Widow for over ten years now. She's a beauty, Sitting pretty awaiting her wings. I may no live to see her fly but my sons and I threw a pile of money into the bucket to see it happen. Keep 'em Flying.

[acdii]

What is so sad about restorations like this are the volunteers. Take a look at how old they are. Many are late 50's up to 80's in age. Once they are gone, restorations like this will be more difficult and more expensive as the knowledge of how these planes were built goes away. Very few young people have the interest in working with tools, and learning how to create parts and learn the techniques used. Thats very sad. They did a wonderful job restoring this warbird.

[claiborneeastjr]

Kudos to all those skilled, talented, and dedicated men and women who can accomplish such a monumental task. Job well done, and well worth it.

[haroldmclean]

Congratulations to all those involved, You Folk's have done a Magnificent job 👍

[nojlao-froh]

Good job to the Aircraft Mechanics doing the restoration, they deserve recognition and award.