The Gee-Bee Racer - Questions

[MDFrench]

Hey all,

I have been doing some digging, trying to find information on the Gee-Bee Racer airplane, the famous and in some cases, infamous, barrel-engined flyer of the pole-races of the 1930s. I haven't had much luck online, and all I can really dig up is that there were a few versions: The Model Z, R-1, and R-2.

Does anyone know the history behind these? Also, any info on the different models?

All I know is that the Model Z was the one featured in The Rocketeer and that the R-2 has been replicated as well. Any information from the more informed would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

 

[up196]

Here ya go . . .

Enjoy . . . Tom

www.geebee.com

 

[MDFrench]

Wow - That was really easy. I feel like a chump.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Andykev]

I love General Doolittle

"In the hands of Jimmy Doolittle, the R-1 won the 1932 Thompson Trophy race."

Read Jimmy Doolittle's book "Doolittle".

He describes his flying the Gee Bee, winning, the first instrument flight in an airplane (powered-no reference to outside visual objects), and his war time experiences with the first strike on Japan (B-25's from the Hornet) and commanding the 8TH Airforce. Remarkable accomplishments!

 

[Captain Krunch]

Just in case someone goes looking for it on Amazon, Doolittle's autobiography is titled "I Could Never Be So Lucky Again". A great read; I highly recommend it.

 

[Hamsterjeep]

Granville Bros. airplanes

Go to Amazon.com and search for "Gee Bee" racers/aircraft. There have been several works published about their planes, also biography's of famouse avaitors like Jimmy Doolittle contain stories about these as well.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_2/102-8409058-4705703?v=glance&s=books

 

[Wild Root]

Here is a real nice photo of a real Gee Bee Z. This I believe was the one they used in the Rocketeer. They had this at the Santa Monica Air musuem untill the musuem shot their doors.

Root.