Dates

Event

1948

Constructed as a F8F-2.

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Navy with BuNo 121752.

From 1958 to 1964

To John W. Dorr, Orinda, CA with new c/r N7827C.

From 1964 to 1968

To Thomas P. Mathews, Monterey, CA, keeping c/r N7827C.
Markings added: Toms Cat

From 12 September 1964 to 20 September 1964

Raced as #10.
This stock F8F-2 was owned by Tom Mathews and flown by Walt Ohlrich. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Walt Ohlrich. Qualified in 4th place with an average speed of 351.29 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 339.55 mph. Raced in Heat 2 Gold. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 337.41 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 343.43 mph.

1964

Photographer: Lyle Shelton

From 6 September 1965 to 12 September 1965

Raced as #10, named Tonapah Queen.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Walt Ohlrich. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 325.79 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 335.70 mph. Raced in Heat 2 Gold. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 331.42 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 333.22 mph.

Bill Eaton comments (3 January 2023): In the color photo below, the registration number is not yellow, it was always white and seen here stained by the engine exhaust.

Circa 6 September 1965

Photographer: Al Chute
Notes: A beautiful picture by outstanding Air Racing Photographer/Historian Al Chute taken at the Sky Ranch in 1965. Never noticed the N number was yellow before! Thanks again to Als brother Bob for making this image available again.

From 23 September 1965 to 26 September 1965

Raced as #10, named Tonopah Queen.
The airframe remained in stock condition. Competed at the Las Vegas International Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Walter Ohlrich. Qualified in 10th place with an average speed of 329.35 mph. Raced in Heat. Finished in 10th place with an average speed of 10 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 322.11 mph. Raced in Heat 2C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 316.5 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 319.37 mph.

From 27 May 1966 to 30 May 1966

Raced as #10, named Tonopah Queen.
Racing modifications included; P-51H spinner installed, upper surface wing gun blisters were removed, a new tail cone fairing was added and a water injection system was added. Apparently arrived at the National Air Races Los Angeles, may have qualified and may even have competed in the Unlimited class, but we do not have any documented results (no times or placements). The primary pilot was Walter Ohlrich. No results were recorded for the race. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 338.36 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 339.38 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 362.65 mph.

From 21 September 1966 to 26 September 1966

Raced as #10, named Toms Cat.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Sandy Falconer. Qualified in 9th place with an average speed of 333.46 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 324.85 mph. Raced in the Reserve race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 351.05 mph.

Circa 21 September 1966

Photographer: Robert F. Pauley
Notes: Sandy Falconer was the pilot of Tom Matthews Bearcat Tom Cat in 1966 while regular pilot Walt Ohlrich was on tour flying A4 Skyhawks in Vietnam.

From 20 September 1967 to 24 September 1967

Raced as #10, named Toms Cat.
The modifications in this year were simply an improved water-injection system for the engine. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Walt Ohlrich. Qualified in 8th place with an average speed of 333.84 mph. Raced in the Reserve race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 332.88 mph.

Circa 20 September 1967

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

From 1968 to 1972

To Walter E. Ohlrich, Norfolk, VA, keeping c/r N7827C.
Markings added: Miss Priss

From 15 September 1968 to 22 September 1968

Raced as #10, named Miss Priss.
Walt Ohlrich purchased the airframe in 1968 and renamed it Miss Priss. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Walt Ohlrich. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 340.00 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 323.41 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 344.30 mph.

20 September 1968

Photographer: Ron Olsen

22 September 1968

Photographer: Al Chute

From 14 September 1969 to 14 September 1969

Raced as #10, named Miss Priss.
The reace was from Milwaukee, WI to Reno. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Harolds Club Transcontinental race. The primary pilot was Walt Ohlrich. Raced in the One Mile Course race. Finished in 8th place with an average speed of 254.99 mph.

From 14 September 1969 to 21 September 1969

Raced as #10, named miss Priss.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Walt Ohlrich. Qualified in 8th place with an average speed of 341.90 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 338.57 mph. Raced in the Make-Up race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 318.09 mph. Raced in the Reserve race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 344.17 mph. After the race the aircraft was retired from racing.

From 21 September 1971 to 26 September 1971

Raced as #10, named Miss Priss.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Walter Ohlrich. Qualified in 10th place with an average speed of 358.54 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 378.27 mph. Raced in the Reserve race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 352.73 mph.

Circa 21 September 1971

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

From 1972 to 1973

To John Herlihy, Montara, CA keeping c/r N7827C.

From 12 September 1972 to 17 September 1972

Raced as #8, named Sweet P.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Herlihy. Qualified in 32nd place with an average speed of 332.20 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 332.00 mph. Raced in the Make-Up race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 343.69 mph. Raced in the Reserve race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 343.44 mph.

Circa 12 September 1972

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

15 September 1972

Photographer: William T Larkins
Notes: At 1972 Reno Air Races

From 11 September 1973 to 16 September 1973

Raced as #8.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Herlihy. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 400.91 mph. Started Heat B, but did not finish. Started the Reserve race, but did not finish.

Circa 11 September 1973

Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV.

From 1973 to 1975

To Harold Beal, Knoxville, TN with new c/r N2YY.

From 1975 to 1977

To B and S Advertising/Harold Beal and Charles Smith, Knoxville, TN with new c/r N800H.

From 1977 to 1995

To World Jet Inc/Whittington Brothers Inc, West Palm Beach, FL keeping c/r N800H.

From 13 September 1977 to 18 September 1977

Raced as #8.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Don Whittington from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Qualified in 13th place with an average speed of 350.70 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 307.92 mph. Raced in the Medallion 2 race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 330.75 mph.

24 February 1979

Photographer: Larry Johnson
Notes: At Ft.Lauderdale Exec, Florida

From 26 February 1979 to 4 March 1979

Raced as #63.
Competed at the Homestead Florida in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill Whittington from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Qualified in 16th place with an average speed of 303.980 mph. Raced in the Stock Plane Final race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 287.769 mph. During the Saturday Medallion Race had been lapped by most of the field and pulled off without completing his last lap.

September 1980

Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: At Reno Air Races, Nevada

From 10 September 1980 to 14 September 1980

Raced as #8.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill Whittington. Qualified in 18th place with an average speed of 335.98 mph. Raced in the Bronze race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 326.39 mph. Raced in the Bronze 1 race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 320.64 mph. Raced in the Bronze 2 race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 344.67 mph.

Circa 10 September 1980

Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, Nevada.

Circa 10 September 1980

Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, Nevada.

From 15 September 1981 to 20 September 1981

Raced as #8, named Bearcat Bill.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill Whittington. Qualified in 20th place with an average speed of 333.40 mph. Raced in the Bronze race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 335.05 mph. Raced in the Bronze 2 race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 342.01 mph. Started the Silver 1 race, but did not finish.

From 12 September 1988 to 18 September 1988

Raced as #106.
Appeared at the National Championship Air Races to compete in the Unlimited class, but did not qualify.

From 1990 to 1992

To Warbirds of GB Ltd/Doug W. Arnold, Biggin Hill keeping c/r N800H.

From Unknown to December 1990

Transported by ship.
Moved to the UK, arriving at the Felixstowe Docks.

30 December 1990

Transported by ground.
Towed on wheels to the Ispwich Airport.

30 December 1990

Ferry flight.
Flown to Biggin Hill.

30 December 1990

Photographer: Peter M. Garwood
Notes: One winters day in 1990, a pair of ex-US Navy fighters were towed into Ipswich Airport by road, prepared by engineers, and flown to Biggin Hill by Squadron Leader Rod Dean. The new owner was the late Doug Arnold.

Stored at Bournemouth.

1991

To Doug W. Arnold/Warbirds of GB Ltd, Biggin Hill keeping c/r N800H.

23 November 1992

Ferry flight.
Delivered from Bournemouth to Lelystad, Netherlands, for further storage.

From May 1994 to 1995

To Iron Baron Corp, Dover, DE keeping c/r N800H.

From 1995 to 1998

To The Fighter Collection, Duxford, UK keeping c/r N800H.

25 October 1995

Ferry flight.
Delivered to Duxford from storage at Lelystad.

Markings Applied: 106, A
Flies in USN markins.

Unknown

Photographer: Harld Ludwig
Notes: This phot has been shot in Falaise airshow in Normandy in june 1997. N800H was one of two F8F-2 owned By The Fighter Collection/Duxford, Cambridgeshire, UK

From March 1998 to 1999

To Talon Investments/Bill Anders, Eugene, OR keeping c/r N800H.

Ferry flight.
Flown to Le Havre.

June 1998

Transported by ship.
Moved to the USA.

Markings Applied: Wampus Cat, 106, A
Finished in USN markings.

From 14 September 1998 to 20 September 1998

Raced as #106, named Wampus CAT.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was William A Anders from East Sound, WA. Qualified in 21st place with an average speed of 359.899 mph. Raced in Heat 1C. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 351.976 mph. Raced in Heat 2D. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 348.979 mph. Raced in Heat 3. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 338.954 mph. Raced in the Medallion 2 race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 364.391 mph.

30 April 1999

Photographer: Dan Stijovich
Notes: Seen at the 1999 Planes of Fame Air Show @ Chino

14 June 1999

To Heritage Flight Museum, Eastsound, WA keeping c/r N800H.

From 13 September 1999 to 19 September 1999

Raced as #106, named Wampus CAT.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Willian Anders from East Sound, WA. Qualified in 17th place with an average speed of 388.591 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 378.771 mph. Started Heat 2D, but did not finish. Raced in Heat 3. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 371.871 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 8th place with an average speed of 363.783 mph.

Based at Heritage Flight Museum, Bellingham International Airport, Bellingham, WA.
View the Location Dossier

Markings Applied: 106, A

7 September 2006

To John Sessions Historic Aircraft Foundation/FWF Ltd/John T. Sessions, Seattle, WA keeping c/r N800H.

1 July 2012

Based at Historic Flight Foundation/Kilo-6, Paine Field, Everett, WA.
View the Location Dossier

1 July 2012

Photographer: Terry Fletcher
Notes: 2012 Photo at Historic Flight Foundation Museum at Paine Field, Everett

To Historic Flight Foundation, Paine Field, Everett, WA.
View the Location Dossier

To Historic Flight Foundation, Spokane International Airport, Spokane, WA.
View the Location Dossier

30 November 2021

To unknown owner with c/r N800H.
Registration pending to a new owner in Beaverton, OR.

To Erickson Aircraft Collection, Madras City-County Airport, Madras, OR.
View the Location Dossier

9 April 2022

To P40 Kittyhawk Llc, Beaverton, OR keeping c/r N800H.