F8F Bearcat Redux (Pt Loma -- 230 fsw)

[beldridg]

When we located the Bearcat about 6 months ago, I was taking photos primarily to make an identification but was able to make a passable photogrammetry model. In fact, it helped confirm the aircraft type by verifying the length:wingspan ratio. I had always wanted to return to make a better model and I was able to do that on December 19th. We had a great dive with very good vis (although dark) and the model turned out superb. I had Drew Wilson with me and we teamed up to do more of the natural light photography while I used my video lights and took photos for the model.

The post with Drew's photos and a link to the model and screen captures is at:

F8F Bearcat Redux (Pt Loma — 230 fsw)

Intro I first dove the Bearcat back in June 2022 and it is an amazing wreck. It is very rare to find an almost completely intact single engine airplane wreck. When I first dove it, I was concentrat…

wreckedinmyrevo.com

Here is one of the screen captures from the model:

It is a rare airplane that is almost intact which makes it a superb wreck.

I will be posting my Top 10 Dives & Projects for 2022 on 30 December. Stay tuned.

Regards,

- brett

 

[Beau Holden]

This is way cool and thanks for sharing. It would be great to know the tail number and put the history with model you have created.

 

[beldridg]

This is way cool and thanks for sharing. It would be great to know the tail number and put the history with model you have created.

I'm actually pretty sure we have a good ID, but it is not 100%. Here are the details of our current belief on the ID:

F8F-1 Bearcat Update (Point Loma — 230 fsw)

Original post is here: F8F-1 Bearcat (Point Loma, CA — 230 fsw) When we first found the wreck and identified the airplane as a F8F-1, we started working to identify the specific aircraft. In …

wreckedinmyrevo.com

If I do get back to the site, I'll work on confirming it. But, for now, I have a ton of other projects in the queue.

Regards,

- brett

 

[Beau Holden]

F8F-1 Bearcat Update (Point Loma — 230 fsw)

Original post is here: F8F-1 Bearcat (Point Loma, CA — 230 fsw) When we first found the wreck and identified the airplane as a F8F-1, we started working to identify the specific aircraft. In …

wreckedinmyrevo.com

Good read and some good research.

 

[Johnoly]

Very very clear as you zoom into the cockpit and almost see the hand grip on the stick. Nice work !!

 

[beldridg]

Very very clear as you zoom into the cockpit and almost see the hand grip on the stick. Nice work !!

Yeah, the stick in the cockpit is pretty cool.

- brett

 

[scubadada]

Gorgeous, thank you