The restoration of Marines Dream began in 1995. The pile of parts was trucked to Chino, California from Michigan in the middle of the winter. It required a complete ground up restoration, with many parts missing and many others needing major restoration. Fabrication of parts from blueprints and non-serviceable parts as patterns produced first rate usable (and award winning) results. Recognizing the potential of the aircraft, many businesses donated services and materials. The original engine was changed for a Pratt & Whitney R-2800-79 to eliminate the three stage supercharger and leave more room for accessories. The aircraft is finished with the markings of third ranking Marine Corps Corsair Ace, Captain Ken Walsh. Unfortunately Capt. Walsh passed away before Marine's Dream was finished.
Photo by Mike Hines