Got an interesting email today from Delaware.
Ted Waltz, Kenny Chapman, Steve Whitby, Tom Wenk?
Can anyone help this guy out with some history or photos?
Some info is available online from Warbird Alley.
From: Dennis Krepil
<fairchildboxcar@gmail.com>
Subject: C-119B Tanker 87 is alive and well.
Message: Hello Fire Aviation: Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dennis Krepil. I am currently the volunteer crew chief in the restoration project of Tanker 87 — N13746 from the Hemet Valley Flying Service.
This C-119B is currently at the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover, Delaware. It is in its original status as USAF C119B : S/R # 480352. It is in the color scheme of its time in the Korean War. I am unable to send any pictures; however, it can be seen on the Air Mobility Command, Dover Delaware website progress report.
I am trying to honor this aircraft for its military and civilian service. Researching its history has led me here. Can you help me? I have looked on the Hemet Valley and Cal Fire websites but have been unsuccessful so far. I am trying to find out how this aircraft was set up as a firefighter, how the fire retardant was loaded, where it was located in the aircraft, and how was the fire retardent disbursed? The jet engine is removed. The bomb bay doors are sealed. The lower half of the cargo bay is off limits due to the fire retardant. Any reference to documents, procedures, or other organizations would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time.
Dennis Krepil C-119B crew chief
AMC Museum Dover DE
4 Comments
You may already have this info, but I am sending it in case you don’t. I will refer you to Bob Hawkins in Greybull, WY.
I flew with Bob when he was contract pilot for BLM-Lewistown Helitack and served also as an Air Service Officer in Alaska dropping rollegons from a C-119. Great ol’ warbirds! Bob knows a whole lot of information on how these tankers were converted and set up.
There is also an article at FireAviation.com entitled “Looking back at Hawkins & Powers and the Early Days of Fire Aviation.”
Bob also narrates a Wyoming PBS story on Hawkins & Powers Aviation when it was one of the nation’s largest firefighting aircraft companies. He also has a firefighting aircraft museum in Greybull if you ever get to Wyoming.
Take a good look at the picture below your article. Tanker 87 is the second aircraft in line at Hemet.
By golly it is, thanks Jim.
Hello Mr.Kelly, and Ms.Andersson :
Thank You for your response . Great photos, and the referral to Mr.Hawkins. If you are interested, I will keep you updated . Lots to do. I am sure you know that Sister Tanker # 83 is located at the Pima Air Museum in Arizona as a Hemet Valley Flying Service tanker. There is a picture of it in the Pima Air Museum directory.
Dennis Krepil
C119B_C Crew Chief
Air Mobility Command Museum
Dover,DE.
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