Video: Building The Gee Bee Q.E.D. Replica (And First Flight Coming Soon!)
Back in May I posted a pic and a link to more pix of the amazing Gee Bee Q.E.D. replica being built by Jim Moss out in the pacific northwest. This recently released high-quality video shares so many more details about the project, and the team of builders that have come together to make it all possible. Both the size and the workmanship on this airplane are amazing! The video is almost 20 minutes long but it's worth every minute. If you don't have the time right now to watch it all, check out the engine start up sequence that starts at 12:30, and the high-speed taxi test that starts at about about 16:50... but seriously, find the time to watch the whole video.
The incredible QED replica out in the sunshine and firing up the big 1,425hp radial!
The first flight is hoped to take place sometime this fall, but it won't happen until everything is truly ready. Given the size and relatively complexity of this replica, which has over twice the the horsepower as the one-and-only original Gee Bee Q.E.D., this is definitely not an airplane where you wanna rush the first flight in any way.
It's interesting to note that this replica differs from the original in that it has the much bigger engine, a slightly larger fin and rudder to deal with that extra horsepower, and the landing gear is set further apart to give much better ground stability. That wider gear has also caused the wingspan to increase 2 feet over the original as well. This must be one of the most beastly homebuilt airplanes ever built. Wow!
Stay tuned for first flight info.
Video screenshot: Big, beautiful beast of an airplane! Replica Q.E.D. from Jim Moss & crew
Video screenshot: wide angle view of the Q.E.D. from a wing mounted camera
Video screenshot: high-speed taxi test... looks like it's right of the Rocketeer!
Reader Comments (7)
Spectacular!
What an undertaking.
Hope it flies soon.
WOW!
Bigger engine!
Beautiful.
Wow what a undertaking!
And eventually, I was getting so many people asking me how I did all this stuff, that I put together a simple guide revealing everything.
trick photography
Thousands of people all over the world have downloaded the guide, and used it to finally get the shots they want...
... and I've just updated it, and released the second edition.
trick photography
I am pretty certain I saw this traveling down I-5 on a flatbed trailer (wings off). I cant imagine there are two of these in the puget sound area. Its a thing of beauty.
Unfortunately Jim Moss passed away in September before seeing this beautiful airplane fly.