pose that a lot of us who live in rural areas, as I do, do not appreciate the advantages STRAIGHT & LEVEL we have of not being as crowded as those in the Northwest Corridor and other large metropolis areas! Another example: I used I appreciate Earl's concern and any to leave Shiloh and to to South Boston, member who has concerns for the Virginia to Emporia, Virginia direct to Division, I welcome your comments. Norfolk, Virginia where my sister lives. While talking to H.G. on the phone, he One day when I left and finally got in reported that the first month he has been touch with approach to get my clearance, tracking our membership drive, we have they said stand by for rerouting. The picked up 84 new members. This is a rerouting was from my position to Rich­ very good response, and I really do ap­ mond, Virginia to Williamsburg, Virginia preciate the membership promoting .our then to Norfolk, Virginia. That is almost Division. By increasing our numbers, we 90 miles out of the way, so I asked "What can look forward to enhancing our ser­ altitude can I file so I can go direct?" They vices, as well as holding the line on any said "There is no altitude that you can fly dues increase by spreading the load over to go direct from your position to Norfolk, a larger group. Virginia, as Raleigh, North Carolina has As I am putting this article on tape, I am taken this area as an arrival corridor for sitting in my hangar at Shiloh Airport, their airport." looking out the door. A good friend of I suppose I am just frustrated between mine, Henry Miller (A/C 7623), has just arrival corridors, TCAs, Military Opera­ taxied out in his Piper Super Cub of 1953 tional Areas and military restricted areas vintage that Henry has owned for about 15 in our area. Itjust really gets to you some­ years. He rebuilt this aircraft into one nice times. Like I said, there is no conclusion airplane. Henry is taking a gentleman for to be drawn from this; I was just relating a ride in his aircraft. He really takes pride some of my frustrations to everyone. It by Espie "Butch" Joyce introducing new people to aviation, simp­ sure does make taking my Clip-Wing Cub ly because of his love for aviation and the out of the hangar and flying around our joy that it gives him. Aviation is lucky to local area a lot more pleasurable than have people like Henry. flying cross-country today. The other day I received a card from This past weekend I made a trip to In November your Antique/Classic Mr. Earl Stahl (A/C 11013) of Yorktown, Annapolis, Maryland to spend the Board of Directors will be meeting for Virginia. This card was in reference to our weekend at a seminar. The flight was a their quarterly meeting. If anyone has membership drive. I am sure that you good illustration of what the airways are concerns for the Division, or any item of have seen the hard card pullout which will becoming today. I do not bring up this business that should be brought up at the also be included in this issue of subject to carry any torch about it, but I board meeting, please contact me at least VINTAGE AIRPLANE. Earl was con­ would like to relate some of my experien­ by the third week in October. cerned with the tardiness of the ces along this line. I decided since An­ January 1, 1992 is the date we will offi­ VINTAGE AIRPLANE magazine which napolis was very close to the cially recognize the Contemporary category has been the case during the past year. I Washington-Baltimore TCA, and all the of airplanes in our Division. These are wrote to Earl, assuring him that we were Naval restricted areas there, to make the aircraft manufactured from January 1, 1956 aware of our problem and were working flight VFR. I left Shiloh Airport with the until December 31,1960. In 1992, we will on it. When you receive this October scattered cloud layer down to about 1500 also be parking these aircraft in our issue, it will be within a day or two of feet, so I climbed to 5500 feet on top to get showplane area. I would like to encourage being on schedule. (This issue will be over a MOA that is located in central everyone who would like to park in our mailed October 3rd, close to our normal Virginia. I passed that MOA, descended showplane area, to start getting their airplane scheduled date - HGF) I really didn't below 2500 feet to avoid another MOA, up to showplane standards. This era of want to bore Earl with all the reasons then proceeded directly to Frederick­ aircraft represents a lot of memories to a causing this problem, but we are working sburg, Virginia. We were getting close to good number of today's pilots, including on it. H.G. Frautschy, our Editor, is very the Washington TCA - the loran was myself - I learned to fly during tlus time. concerned about it and I have to admit that flashing to alert me that we were close in. Also, I would like to mention that ADA, Inc. sometimes the tardiness of the magazine At Fredericksburg, I took up a heading of in Greensboro, our agent for the Anti­ is caused by me not having my Straight 075, descending to 2000 feet MSL and que/Classic Division insurance program and & Level article in on time. It always proceeded in that direction to stay under Global Aircraft, our underwriters for the seems when it is time for me to write this the TCA. Also, the heading would let me program, will, by the [ust of the year, have article, everything at my office gets really avoid the naval restricted areas associated Contemporary aircraft premium rates in hectic and my article gets put aside. I with the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. place for these aircraft. You should contact generally try to do my article on the I flew that heading until I reached the west ADA, Inc. (they have an ad in tIUs magazine) weekend, but I become interested in work­ coast of the Chesapeake Bay, then flew up and see what our insurance program can do ing on my airplane and other projects. I the coast at 1500 feet to a small airport of for you. apologize to the membership for any con­ Lee, which is just south of Annapolis, Remember, we are better together. cerns they may have had concerning the Maryland, and landed there. This airport Let's all pull in the same direction for the tardiness of the magazine. Hopefully, this is a small field of 2400 feet by 50 feet wide good of aviation. Join us and have it all! won't be the case in the future! and was just covered with aircraft. I sup- ... 2 OCTOBER 1991 PUBLICATION STAFF PUBLISHER Tom Poberezny VICE-PRESIDENT MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Dick Matt EDITOR Henry G. Frautschy October 1991 • Vol. 19, No. 10 MANAGING EDITOR Golda Cox Copyright © 1991 by the EAA Antique/Classic Division. Inc. All rights reserved. ART DIRECTOR Mike Drucks ADVERTISING Mary Jones Contents ASSOCIATE EDITORS Norman Petersen Dick Cavin 2 Straight & Level/by Espie "Butch" Joyce FEATURE WRITERS George A. Hardie, Jr. Dennis Parks 4 Aeromail EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Isabelle Wiske 5 A/C News/compiled by H.G. Frautschy STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Jim Koepnick Carl Schuppel 7 Vintage Literature/by Dennis Parks Mike Steineke 11 Plus A Bit Of History EAA ANTIQUE/CLASSIC by Skeeter Carlson DIVISION, INC. OFFICERS 12 What A Man Will Do To Fly President Vice-President Espie "Butch" Joyce Arthur R. Morgan by H.G. Frautschy 604 Highway St. 3744 North 51st Blvd. Madison. NC 27025 Milwaukee. WI 53216 What Our Members Are Restoring 919j427'{)216 414/442-3631 14 Secretary Treasurer by Norm Petersen Steven C. Nesse E.E. "Buck" Hilbert 2009 Highland Ave. P.O. Box 424 15 Jerry Brown's Waco UPF-7 Albert Lea. MN 56007 Union. IL 60 180 W7/373-1674 815/923-4591 by H.G. Frautschy 19 Buzz Kaplan, Gary Underland and DIRECTORS the Curtiss Robin J6-5 John Berendt Robert C. "Bob" Brauer 7645 Echo Point Rd . 9345 S. Hoyne by Norm Petersen Cannon Falls. MN 55009 Chicago. IL 60620 W7/263-2414 312/779-2105 23 Pass It To BUCk/by E.E. "Buck" Hilbert Gene Chase John S. Copeland 2159 Carlton Rd . P.O. Box 1035 24 The First Cropduster Oshkosh. WI 54904 Westborough. MA 01581 414/231-5002 W8/836-1911 by Robert Whitmoyer Philip Coulson George Daubner 28415 Springbrook Dr. 2448 Lough Lane 26 New Products/Book Review Lawton. MI 49065 Hartford. WI 53027 616/624-6490 414/673-5885 27 Snap-on's Hints For Hombuilders Charles Harris Stan Gomoll 3933 South Peoria 1042 90th Lane. NE 28 CalendarfWelcome New Members P.O. Box 904038 Minneapolis. MN 55434 Tulsa. OK 74105 612/784-1172 918/742-7311 29 Vintage Trader Dale A. Gustafson Jeannie Hill 7724 Shady Hill Drive P.O. Box 328 33 Mystery Plane/by George Hardie Indianapolis. IN 46278 Harvard. IL 60033 317/293-4430 815/943-7205 FRONT COVER ... Buzz Kaplan has plenty of glass in his Siver Age Robert lickteig Robert D. "Bob" Lumley Champion Curtiss Robin J6-5 during his rendevous over Lake 1708 Bay Oaks Drive 1265 South 124th St. Winnebago during EAA OSHKOSH '91. Photo by Carl Schuppel. Albert Lea. MN 56007 Brookfield. WI 53005 shot with Canon EOS-l with 80-200 lens. 1/2501h sec. at f5.6 using 414/782-2633 W7/373-2922 Kodachrome 64. Photo plane flown by Buck Hilbert. Gene Morris George S. York 115C Steve Court. R.R.2 181 Sloboda Ave. BACK COVER ... Jerry Brown puts EAA's camera ship between Roanoke. TX 76262 Mansfield. OH 44906 817/491-9110 419/529-4378 the cabane struts on his Custom Champion Waco UPF-7 over the central Wisconsin countryside. Photo by Jim Koepnick. shot with S.H. "Wes" Schmid Canon EOS-l with 80-200 lens. 1/500th sec. at f5.6 using 2359 Lefeber Avenue Kodachrome 64. Wauwatosa. WI 53213 414/771-1545

DIRECTOR EMERITUS The words EM, ULTRALIGHT, FLY WITH THE FIRST TEAM. SPORT AVIATION. and lhe logos 01 EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION INC., S.J. Wittman EM INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION. EM ANTIOUEjCLASSIC DIVISION INC.,INTERNATIONALAEROBATIC CLUB INC .•WARBIRDS OF AMERICA 7200 S.E. 85th Lane INC. are registered trademarks. THE EM SKY SHOPPE and logos olttle EM AVIATION FOUNDATION INC. and EM ULTRALIGHT CONVIENTION Ocala. FL 32672 are trademarks 01 It1e above associations and lt1eir use by any person ottler than It1e above associations is strictly prohibited. 904/245-7768 Editorial Policy: Readers are eooouraged to submit stories and photographs. Policy opinions expressed in articles are solely ttlose 01 ttle authors. ADVISORS Responsibility lor accuracy in repor1ing rests entirely wittllt1e contributor. Material sI10uld be sent to: Editor, The VINTAGE AIRPLANE. P.O. Box 3006, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086. 414/4264800. John A. Fogerty Jimmy Rollison Phone: 479 Highway 65 823 Carrion Circle The VINTAGE AIRPLANE (SSN 0091-6943) is published and owned exclusively by EM Antique/Classic Division, Inc. 01 It1e Experimental Aircraft Roberts. WI 54023 Winters. CA 95694-1665 Association, Inc. and is published monthly at EM Aviation Center, P.O. Box 3006, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086. Second Class Postage paid at Oshkosh, WI 715/425-2455 916/795-4334 54901 and additional mailing offlCOs.The membership rate lor EM Antique/Classic Division, Inc. is $20.00 lor aJrrent EM members lor 12 monttl period Dean Richardson Geoff Robison of which $12.00 is lorttle publication of The VINTAGE AIRPLANE. Membership is open to ail who are interested in aviation. 6701 Colony Drive 1521 E. MacGregor Dr. Madison. W 53717 New Haven. IN 46774 ADVERTISING· Antique/Classic Division does not guarantee or endorse any product offered ttlrough our advertising. We invite constructive criticism and 608/833-1291 219/493-4724 wek>ome My report 01 interior merchandise obtained through our advertising so ttlat corrective measures can be taken. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to EM Antique/Classic Division, Inc. P.O. Box 3006, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3006. VINTAGE AIRPLANE 3 INTERNATIONAL VISITOR derstand the spirit of the thing! ") and I to the great time I had. Dear Friends, hope to see it in VINTAGE AIRPLANE Sincerely yours, This year I returned to Oshkosh! some day. George B. Dowell What a pleasure! I could see that the Joaquim Ferreira Pinto Dayton,OH EAA spirit is stronger than ever! R. Agisse 230/84 EXTRA CREDIT I could sit at the A/C Headquarters Sao Paulo - Brazil 05439 Dear Sir, and talk with people so different than After reading Dick Hill's article on Look for Joaquim 's Stinson on page me in certain aspects, like age, way of Max Krueger's Brunner Winkle Bird 14, "What out Members Are Restor­ life, job, etc., but with the same spirit airplane, I was disappointed that Mr. ing". - HGF and love with aviation. Hill failed to give credit to my husband, Here is Brazil we are a group with the Hoyt Smith. My husband Hoyt did the same spirit. We have a condominium, ... AND ANOTHER VISITOR actual restoration on the "Bird", assisted with an approximately 2400 foot grass Gentleman, by our son, Jack Smith. When you have strip, where we are building our han­ On July 29th I flew into Oshkosh for lived and breathed an airplane as we did gars, chesting (can I say this in the annual convention in my '46 Cessna the "Bird", you tend to be very posses­ English?) our birds. 120. sive of it. There are beautiful birds; a Canadian It has been several years since I have The "Bird" is flying well and has Fieet,a TaylorE-2,aJ-3, Cessnas 140and flown in, many times driving to the con­ recently been moved to Castroville, 170, among others, and my loved Stinson vention instead. I was delighted with Texas from its original home at San Voyager 108-2 (serial number 2719). the "treasures" presented to the par­ Geronimo Airpark. Weare preparing all the things to ticipants like myself. Hoyt is presently restoring a 1928 fund an EAA function in the near future. The coffee mugs offered in the past Curtiss Fledgling biplane owned by Mr. We invite all ofour EAA friends who have been nice mementos, but the drink­ John Killian of of San Antonio, Texas. visit Brazil to contact us, so we can ing mug presented this year was impres­ Thanks for letting me sound off. improve our friendship. sive with the EAA logo on the side. I Sincerely, I am sending a photo of my Stinson, was particularly appreciative of the An­ Monna Smith named "Spirit Of The Thing" (here in tique/Classic wall plaque with the at­ San Antonio, Texas Brazil we have a joke that says "We're tached Polaroid photo. Every time I We're happy to set th e record understanding everything when we un­ gaze upon this plaque I will think back straight, Manna. - HGF

4 OCTOBER 1991 compiled by H.G. Frautschy

ADULT AIR ACADEMY youth of your community. For more every ones handiwork. Send in those OFFERED IN '92 information please write or call (414) sharp photos, and remember, if at all The Adult EAA AIR ACADEMY 426-4888 the Education Office at EAA possible, try to show the entire airplane. '92 is scheduled for February 24-29, Headquarters. Also, don't forget a description with the 1992. The basic skills of aircraft build­ photo, but please don't write on the back of the picture - the ink makes a ing and restoration, owner maintenance OSHKOSH '91 VIDEO of certified aircraft, and presentations mess of things. As soon as the dust settled here at by key Headquarters staff plus the op­ EAA Headquarters after the annual con­ portunity to share in hangar sessions SMITHSONIAN FELLOWSHIPS vention, EAA's crack Video staff began with fellow aviation enthusiasts will be work on this year's production of"EAA The Smithsonian Air and Space featured. Planned activities for each OSHKOSH '91, Aviation at its Best." Museum in Washington, DC offers two day include a half-hour program about Expected to be ready for release when aviation related fellowships to qualified EAA, an hour devoted to owner main­ you read this, this video will review the individuals. The first, the Guggenheim tenance of certified aircraft and three many highlights of EAA OSHKOSH Fellowship, is a one year resident fel­ 2 -hour sessions in the Cessna '91, including the celebration of the lowship for pre- or post-doctoral re­ Aeronautical Restoration Center of the Golden Age of Racing, the tribute to the search. Scholars interested in historical EAA Air Adventure Museum. Planned "Flying Tigers" on their 50th anniver­ and scientific research related to avia­ hands-on activities include welding, sary and a salute to Allied Air Power of tion and space are encouraged to apply. fabric covering, woodworking and Operation Desert Storm. You'll also Pre-doctoral applicants should have sheet metal work. Composite construc­ see the latest homebuilt designs dis­ completed preliminary course work and tion, upholstery and other topics will be played as well as coverage of Antiques, examinations and be engaged in disser­ demonstrated and/or discussed as well. Classics, Warbirds, Ultralights, tation research. Postdoctoral program The $650.00 registration fee includes rotorcraft and much more. Call 1-800­ applicants preferably should have housing, lunches, instruction, materials 843-3612 for your copy of the official received their Ph.D within the past and necessary local transportation. For EAA video, priced at $39.95, plus ship­ seven years. additional information or registration ping. The A. Verville Fellowship, estab­ forms contact the Education Office at lished by the museum in honor of avia­ EAA Headquarters (414) 426-4888. tion designer Alfred V. Verville, is a WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE competitive nine- to twelve-month fel­ RESTORING lowship intended for the analysis of EAA AIR ADVENTURE DAY A regular feature of VINTAGE major trends, developments, and ac­ FOR '91-'92 AIRPLANE is "What Our Members are complishments in the history ofaviation EAA Air Adventure Days offer the Restoring", designed to show all of us or space studies. The fellowship is open opportunity for Chapters and their what we all are working on or have just to all interested candidates with members to share the skills and lore of completed. It's supposed to be a regular demonstrated skills in research and aviation with the next generation of feature, but Norm and I need a bit of writing. A degree in history, engineer­ aviators. This one day program in­ help from the membership out there ­ ing or related fields is not required. cludes building a wooden wing rib and we've experienced a bit ofa drought this Ifyour are interested in learning more balsa glider with equipment a nd past summer, and need those ofyou with about these fellowships, contact Cheryl materials secured from EAA. Grasp projects to get those pictures in! This is Bauer, Fellowship Coordinator, Nation­ this opportunity for your Chapter to your page in the truest sense. We need al Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian present this rewarding program to the your input, and look forward to seeing Institution, 202/357-1529. VINTAGE AIRPLANE 5 ROGER DON RAE 1909-1991 Ledger. racing planes than any other race pilot, Roger Don Rae, famous racing pilot While still going to school in 1928, including various models of both the of the 1930's as well as an early Roger learned about parachute jump­ Keith Rider and Folkerts racing parachute jumper, passed away this ing from a World War I pilot, Art aircraft, as well as Benny Howard's past August at the age of 82. Born in Davis. After Davis' jumper quit "Ike". His racing career would end Bay City, MI, Roger was destined for before a performance at a fair, Roger when he signed on with TWA as a pilot the sky at an early age. "He never made the jump with no prior actual in 1937, and would see the airline in­ would have done anything else but fly. experience. He would go on to win 7 dustry progress from the Douglas DC- He said when he was a boy on the farm, National Aeronautic Association 3 to the Boeing 707, which he listed as he'd look up at the sky, see an airplane championships in parachuting. But one ofhis favorite aircraft. flying over and say 'I am going to fly parachuting was not the least of his Our condolences to Roger's wife them one day'" according to his accomplishements. In 1936, he also Frances and his family as well as all his widow, Frances, who was quoted in a won the NAA race pilot point cham­ friends in aviation. story by Bill Rufty in the Lakeland pionship. Roger flew more different

Roger stands with steve WiHman's Chief Oshkosh in 1936. "Chief" now featured a 150 hp Menasco CS-4 engine, replacing the upright 90 hp Cirrus.

6 OCTOBER 1991 VI~TAf3~ LIT~VATUV~ by [)ennis Var-ks!! ~ Libr-ar-y/ Ar-chives [)ir-ect()r-

Rudy Kling rebuilt the aluminum Keith Rider R-1 "Suzy" for th e 1936 season. He finished fourth in the Greve Trophy race.

THE NATIONAL AIR RACES has been accomplished on these proving to prove or disprove structural innova­ THE GOLDEN AGE (Part 9) 1936 grounds in the development of greater tions. National Air Races function as The 16th edition of the National Air speed with safety. the front page of aviation's progress, Races was held at the Los Angeles "Through the friendly competition en­ dominating world news through press, Municipal Airport, September 4-7, couraged by the various trophy races, radio, motion picture and all known 1936. Transfer of the sanction to Los designers, manufacturers and fliers have media. Angeles of the 1936 races was made been inspired to vie with each other in "And now for the symphonic tempo possible through the cooperation of the striving for perfection in conquering the - roaring motors - motion - action ­ National Air Races of Cleveland, Inc., air. The National Air Races have speed planes hurtling through the skies but management of the races was still provided the proving field for the to new world's records. Precision­ handled by Clifford Henderson and his numerous innovations that have so suc­ crack military and naval aces in breath­ brother Philip. cessfully contributed to the great strides taking formation - daring national and WELCOME made in aviation during the past 16 years. international acrobatic aces - famous In the 1936 Program, Carl B. Squire, This is reflected in the advanced design men and women pilots - international president of the 1936 races, gave his and construction of air transports today." dignitaries - aviation executives and welcome. SYMPHONY OF THE SKIES technicians and an audience of "I am happy to extend a cordial and In his comments in the 1936 NAR hundreds of thousands of eager spec­ official welcome to you who are Program, Clifford Henderson provided tators thrilled, inspired and awed by it privileged to see the 1936 National Air a musical analogy for the events. all ... truly a SYMPHONY OF THE Races here in Los Angeles; and to the "Now that aviation is an industry of SKIES." Army, Navy, Marines, civilian pilots public service, it inherits a perpetual CAST OF THOUSANDS and European participants whose obligation to improve its equipment. No doubt being in Los Angeles presence lends greater color and dignity The National Air Races is the logical provided some of the Hollywood to this impressive spectacle. proving ground for such constructive hoopla for the races. Among the well­ "Aside from the thrilling and spec­ advancement in design, efficiency and known cast of the Contest Committee tacular entertainment and educational safety. were: James Doolittle, Edward Ricken­ advantages provided to the public, the "Spurred on by coveted international backer, Harold Lloyd, Eddie Cantor, National Air Races have proved to be trophies and substantial awards en­ Amelia Earhart, Waldo Waterman, Max one of the greatest contributing factors gineers have been inspired to create ­ Harlow, W. B. Kinner and C. A. in the advancement of aviation. Much men and women pilots have been eager "Casey" Jones. VINTAGE AIRPLANE 7 The Aeronautical Advisory commit­ tee was replete with over 100 dignitaries of the aviation industry, including "Hap" Arnold, Walter Beech, Larry Bel1, Giuseppe Bel1anca, C. 1. Brunker, Clyde Cessna, Sherman Fairchild, Don Luscombe, Jimmie Mattern, Oliver Parks, E. E. Porterfield, Lloyd Stear­ man, Wil1iam B. Stout, and Fred Weick. PROGRAM OF EVENTS The September 1936 issue of AERO DIGEST reported on the expected ., events and competition at Los Angeles. 'E o "Competition in this year's National :J:., e> Air Races is expected to be keener than at .,o any other race in the past, record entries ~~~~--~~~~~--~------~~ already having been received in many of Art Chester's rebuilt Special, now known as the "Jeep", finished third in the Greve and the major events which will be run off at second in both of the Shell 375 cu. in. races. the Los Angeles Municipal Airport. "At least seven, and possibly nine, planes wil1 take off from Floyd Bennett Field, New York, for Los Angeles, Sept. 4, in the Bendix Transcontinental Derby. Thirty-two entries have already been received in the Ruth Chatterton Sportsman Pilots Race which started at Cleveland, August 29, and is scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles during the opening day of the show. Nineteen pilots have been entered in the Thompson Trophy Race, a record entry for the event. "Foreign participation in the past has been limited to some of Europe's best stunt fliers. This year, however, the four-day program, with $70,000 prize money at stake, wil1 witness various foreign pilots and planes in a number of events. France is sending Michel Detroyat with two Caudron-Renault racers, three engines and two mechanics Roger Don Rae took third in the Thompson in a new Rider R-4 with a six cylinder Menasco. to represent the Aero Club of France. "Both the Bendix and Thompson races this year are expected to bring about a number of surprises. For the first time in the Bendix, women will compete with the men for the total purse of $12,500. Amelia Earhart, Laura In­ galls, Louise Thaden and Jacqueline Cochran have already been entered and are grooming new and faster equipment than they have been flying in the past. "The Thompson trophy race this year, which carries a total purse of $20,000, wil1 be flown over a 10-mile course, 15 laps for a distance of 150 miles. Qualifying speed is 225 mph. Of the total purse, an additional $2,500 wil1 be awarded to the winner provided his speed exceeds the present record of 252.686 mph (set in 1932 by Jimmy Doolittle in the Gee Bee R-l). Entered in this event are Turner, Haldeman, Wit­ tman, Detroyat, Crosby, Jacobson, Harry Crosby's newall-metal CR-3 racer finished sixth in the Thompson.

8 OCTOBER 1991 The French Caudron C-460 Racer .,2 « Winner of the 1936 Thompson Trophy Race were maneuvers and demonstrations by the Army, Navy and Marine Corps; stunting exhibitions with a Ford Trimotor by Harold Johnson and a 12,000 ft. power dive. FLYING BARN DOORS In 1935 there was an article by Lewis Brocker in POPULAR AVIATION decrying the lack of innovation in race plane design. The author lamented the lack of real development in airplanes, and said that the only tool used by desig­ ners was more horsepower. He should louise Thaden in the Beechcraft C17R Staggerwing in which she and co-pilot Blanche have been happy in 1936 for there were Noyes won the Bendix Race from New York to los Angeles. at least four new designs at the National Air Races each of which bucked the trend in going to large radial engies as used by Wedell-Williams and Gee Bee. Each of these new racers built for the Greve and Thompson trophy races were powered by Menasco four- or six­ cylinder inline engines ranging from 225 to 300 horsepower compared with the 1,000 horsepower in Roscoe Turner's Wedell-Williams. The new aircraft included the Brown B-3, the all-metal Crosby CR-3, Folkerts SK-2 Toots, and the Rider R-4. However, the sensation of the races The new Folkerts SK-2 "Toots" in which Harold Neumann did so well in 1936. was the entry from France, the Caudron C-460, flown by Michel Detroyat who Neumann and Ortman. Turner is ex­ a purse of $6,000; the Shell A ward and had previously appeared in aerobatic pected to fly his new plane which is built the Shell Cup races are also for planes demonstrations at the National Air Races. around a twin-row P&W Wasp engine. with engines of 375 cu. in. displacement The Caudron C-460 series of racers had "The Louis W. Greve Trophy Race and each has a total purse of $3,000." been built in 1934 for the Deutsche de la represents a total purse of $10,000 and Among the airshow activities were a Meurthe long distance air races for eight is open to planes with engines of 550 cu. demonstration of "crazy flying"; a bat­ liter engines (488 cu. in.) and was the in. displacement, or less. The Shell Oil wing jump; acrobatic exhibitions by current world's record speed holder for Co. has sponsored three races with a Achgelis and Burcham; and by the Hol­ landplanes at 314.2 mph. total purse of $12,000. The Shell lywood Trio of Paul Mantz, Frank Clark Apparently in 1935 Louis Greve asked Trophy race is a 375 cu. in. event with and Easton Noble. Also scheduled Michel Detroyat to arrange to bring over a VINTAGE AIRPLANE 9 French racer for competition. Detroyat, airliner in Los Angeles in time to race. the last to finish was Amelia Earhart and who worked for the Morane-Saulnier Ben Howard and his wife Maxine were Helen Richey. company was able to convince the also accident victims when a propeller HAROLD NEUMANN Renault company, who owned blade departed the engine on "Mister Harold Neumann, flying the new four­ Caudron, to let him fly one of the C-460 Mulligan" and they crashed in New cylinder Menasco powered Folkerts Sk-2 racers in the United States, much to the Mexico suffering serious injuries. "Toots" had a great year at the races taking chagrin of Greve, as Detroyat not only Three of the aircraft entered in the on and besting the higher powered aircraft. beat the U. S. competition in the Greve race were piloted by women. Laura In­ He won the 375 cu. in. qualifier at a speed race but also won the Thompson Trophy galls flew a Lockheed Orion, a plane in of 230 mph, finished second in the Shell at a record speed. which she was the. first female pilot to 550 cu. in. race and won both of the Shell The Caudron was a very innovative fly non-stop coast-to-coast in July 1935. 375 cu. in. events . . His best speed being aircraft. It was of all-wood construction Amelia Earhart flew the Lockheed 231.344 mph. This with 230 horsepower. with the fuselage being of modern Electra that was destined for her around GREVE TROPHY monocoque design. The wings were fully the world trip. Her co-pilot was Helen First offered in 1934, the Greve Trophy cantilevered and used liberal fillets at the Richey who was the first female pilot of was an inspiration for the builders of wing fuselage joint. Extensive wind tun­ a scheduled commercial airliner. smaller displacement racers. Originally nel tests were used to refine the The other women entered in the race run in heats and awarded by points for aerodynamics which resulted in a coeffi­ were Louise Thaden and Blanche Noyes 1936, there was just one race for the cient of drag ofonly 0.016 which is in the who had been offered a ride in a trophy. Though the race allowed up to range of the World War IT P-51 Mustang. Beechcraft Staggerwing by Olive Ann 550 cu. in. displacement engines many of Other innovations included ram-air Beech. Olive Beech had found that Vin­ the entrants were in the 375 cu. in. class for the carburetor and a variable pitch cent Bendix had posted a special $2,500 which also made them also eligible for the propeller operated by a rubber bladder prize for the fust woman to finish in the two Shell races of that class plus the in the propeller hub that bled air to bring qualifiers for both the 375 cu. in. and the On a higher pitch. The propeller blade 550 cu. in. races a total of five races. variation between coarse and high pitch Michel Detroyat put the Greve racers was 12 degrees. As was the practice for on notice when he won the Shell the Schneider Cup racers, the Caudron Qualifier at a speed of 273.5 mph - 45 used skin mounted oil radiators. There mph faster than Rudy Kling in the rebuilt was also an air system that retracted the Rider R-l "Suzy." Detroyat, flying the landing gear. only racer with a variable pitch The engine was a 485 cubic inch, propeller, was the fust offin the race and six-cylinder Renault Bengali. The en­ took a commanding lead. He throttled gine had a built-in blower and made use well back to win at a speed of247.3 mph. of a special fuel from Shell that was Neumann in his four-cylinder did an rated at 110 octane. amazing job coming in second at a speed BENDIX RACE of 225.5 mph followed closely by Art Having won the Bendix in 1935, Chester in his "Jeep." Benny Howard, in "Mister Mulligan", Bendix Race. The Beech was stock ex­ THOMPSON TROPHY was clearly the favorite of the seven cept for an extra 56 gallon gas tank and Detroyat not only put people on starters lined up on September 4, 1936 an additional 12 gallon oil tank. It was notice in the Greve, but kept them there at Floyd Bennett Field in New York for powered by a 450 hp Whirlwind engine in the Thompson. Not only did he and the start of the Bendix Trophy Race. and was also the only biplane in the the Caudron beat the other 550 cu. in. This was an unusual year for the Bendix competition. The last time a biplane class racers, he also beat the only Wasp as all except one of the aircraft were won the Bendix was in its fust year, powered racer, the new Keith Rider R-3 factory production models and most 1931. flown by Earl Ortman. Another promis­ were commercial transports. The other two competitors were ing new design that was bested was the The Bendix competition suffered a George Pomeroy of Washington, DC all-metal retractable gear Crosby CR-3 mishap before it even began when Ros­ who had the biggest plane in the race, a powered by a Menasco 544 cu. in. C-6S coe Turner lost an engine and crash Douglas DC-2 twin-engined transport, Super Buccaneer. landed his Wedell-Williams racer in piloted by Louis Brewer and William At the start of the race Detroyat was off New Mexico while on his way to New "Buster" Warner, a pilot from new and away before anyone else and stayed York for the start of the race. York, who entered a Vultee V-IA that way running the second lap at 301 The Bendix racers had from midnight transport co-piloted by William Gulick. mph. On the third lap he settled down to Eastern Standard Time until the 6:00 Thaden and Noyes went on to win the 293 mph eventually dropping his lap p.m. Pacific time deadline to fly the Bendix flying coast-to-coast in 14 hours speeds in the 250 mph bracket. At the 2,500 miles to Los Angeles. Joe Jacob­ and 55 minutes for an average speed of finish of the 15 lap 150 mile course son was the first away in the race with 165.3 mph. Laura Ingalls in her Orion Detroyat had lapped all the aircraft except his Northrop Gamma. He was the vic­ finished second with a speed of 157.5 Earl Ortman averaging 264.3 mph ­ tim of a freak accident when an empty mph. Buster Warner and William breaking Doolittle's 1932 record by 12 fuel tank exploded over Kansas and Gulick finished third in the Vultee at an mph. This on 964 less cubic inches. In­ blew him out of the aircraft. He average speed of 156.6 mph. Fourth deed, progress was being made in aircraft parachuted to safety and arrived via an was George Pomeroy in the DC-2 and design and efficiency......

10 OCTOBER 1991 Plus a Bit of History By Skeeter Carlson aviator in front of an engine and prop. intended to ask Vern much more but two (A/C 2043) Sounded good to me. "Doc" suggested weeks later he unexpectedly went to the Spokane, WA a Kinner engine with its five large big EAA meeting in the sky, ending my cylinders and I commented that many a source of information. After several I would like to add a bit of history pilot flew behind that distinctive sound­ years I became curious enough to send connected to Dorothy Fowler's out­ ing motor. Then I grinned and offered for the FAA records on N 620M and they standing bronze, "The Aviator", my Kinner with prop that was stored in proved Vern to be right. presented to Paul Poberezny during the my shed for use as a model. After Fleet N 620M was tested Feb. 17, 1990 EAA Convention. "Doc" and I mounted it in the art studio 1930 and soon after was owned by a R. With Dorothy and "Doc" Fowler as at the height we figured it was attached Bradley of Tacoma, Washington. Per­ rural neighbors, it has been a pleasing to a Fleet biplane, I told them what I haps Reuben himself delivered the bird experience to watch the creation of her knew of the engine's history. and liked how it handled or maybe the sculptures. A couple years ago she an­ In 1968 I bought the few remains of a fact it was on floats made a difference. nounced her intention to do one of an 1930 Fleet, N620M, from Vern St. John Whatever the reason, the records show aviator. That caught my full attention, of Wilbur, WA. While loading it, Vern Fleet bought it back from Bradley in for I liked her work and knew she was said, "This isn't just a Fleet, Skeeter, but 1932. The logs for the next two years no newcomer in the field of aviation. was at one time Reuben Fleet's private were lost but it certainly would be inter­ "Doc" had introduced her to using sport plane. He loved this airplane and esting to know how the plane was used. airplanes some 25 years ago with his we understood he even had women who In 1934 it was sold to Commercial Cubs, Waco UPF-7, and Maules when worked in his company flying it. The old Aircraft Co. of Swan Island at Portland, they made several flights to Alaska, girl really handles like a dream and I Oregon. Vern was the company's presi­ Central America and, of course, Osh­ ought to know'cause I put a lot of hours dent and I'm not sure if they terminated kosh. She joined in his interests helping on her from when the company bought during WW-II or moved inland 150 EAA Chapter 79, became a pilot and it from Reuben in '34 'til she was miles because of wartime restrictions. president in the regional chapter of damaged in our hangar fire in '49." The 1944 record shows N620M Ninety-Nines and now uses the family Vern seemed to really like the Fleet registered at Yakima, WA as Vern St. Cessna 182 for the many trips made to biplanes and said most everyone in the John's private plane and then to him at the Oregon bronze foundry. aviation field around the Seattle and Wilbur, WA before I purchased it. Her sculpture, Dorothy explained, Portland areas knew Reuben Fleet quite I'm glad to have had a small hand in would be from the era when many well. He added that the aircraft builder Dorothy Fowler's great bronze. returned from WW -II with caps, goggles had grown up at Grays Harbor, so he Sculpturing the engine and prop proved and leather jackets to fly new and surplus delivered some of the Northwest to be more difficult than the Fowlers planes, plus ones they could build them­ airplane sales himself to get an extra anticipated but it really put a fmal touch selves. She wanted her pilot to stand as visit with his parents and sister. to the piece. Reuben Fleet passed away she had observed Paul Poberezny, While driving home I wondered in 1975 at age 88 . I'm sure he would thumb in pocket and looking skyward about Reuben's sport flying and about have appreciated the details in thesculp­ with a dream of flying. Also, she had him having the airplane in 1934 since it ture of the pilot and the Kinner engine decided it would be proper to have her must have left the factory in 1930. I from his Fleet biplane . ...

VINTAGE AIRPLANE 11 ~finn llJ)

by H.G. Frautschy

How many of us grumble when we grass and bugs from the windshield and who had flown over to enjoy EAA Osh­ have to dri ve an hour or so to our airport, leading edges of the wings. A little kosh. Pilots Dietmar Gross, Martin just to fly our beloved airplane? If you polish here and a lot of rubbing there Fickl and Richard Linsberger were live in a major metropolitan area, you and the wings glistened in the midday complemented by the the presence of may have to drive even further, and it sun. All of the crew consisted of friends Flight Attendants Monja Hassan and can be frustrating. But what if you had of Heinrich's from Austrian Airlines, Susanne Niedermeyer. They all to go to the international airport first, chipped in to keep Heinrich's pride and keep your fingers crossed that there is joy bright and shiny. room on the next plane, hop a ride on But why would anybody want to have that jet across the Atlantic to Houston, to go through this to fly a Stearman, or Texas, get to your friend's house, work any other light airplane? They have your way out to the local airport, and light aircraft in Austria, right? As Hein­ then, after all that, spend only a day or rich explained, flight in Europe is quite two flying your pretty Boeing Stearman different than it is here in this part of the PT -17 before you have to do it all in world, even during his commercial job. reverse again, so you can go back to As he talked, it was interesting to hear work! Now that's dedication! But for someone discuss a system of air travel Heinrich Fila, a Captain of the Mc­ that was more restrictive and apparently Donnell Douglas MD-80 for Austrian less friendly than the North American Airlines, that's exactly how he gets to ATC system. "Everybody is nice here; fly his Stearman. every ATC controller is nice here. This I ran across Heinrich and his en­ is much different than the ATC control­ thusiastic crew at EAA Oshkosh '91 lers in Europe. Here they are very while they were busy polishing his happy to help - they are friendly and white and yellow biplane. They were they like you, and that's what I like busy enjoying one of the joys of owner­ Heinrich Fila applies a IiHie elbow grease here." ship by cleaning the little bits of oil, to the cleaning of his Stearman. That certainly caught my attention.

12 OCTOBER 1991 Heinrich Fila (kneeling) with his Austrian Airlines "crew". From left to right they are: Dietmar Gross, Martin Fickl, Monja Hassan, Susanne Niedermeyer and Richard Linsberger.

Its not every day you hear that said But when he saw the Stearman about 8 of the freedoms that he was privileged about an FAA controller. It was years ago when he first started coming to enjoy. It simply was not attainable in refreshing to hear from someone whose to Oshkosh, he changed his mind. The his native Austria. ''I'm not allowed to perspective was different than yours. Stearman had a lot that he liked in the do any A&P work in Austria; they don't "Flying's much easier here. You Bucker - it had two open cockpits, a allow it. I would have to go to work for don't have as many restrictions like we radial engine and two wings. Plus, he four years or so, really work (as an ap­ have in Austria, over in Germany or in said "I saw so many Stearmans here!" prentice). 1 cannot do it; I have my job. Europe, and I think the American The Stearman has been flying with Here it was hardly any trouble to get the people think more in terms of freedom. Heinrich about 4 years, since its second A&P license." With his new A&P, he For example, it is easier to land on an restoration after he purchased it. After is able to maintain his own airplane, and international airport here. The restric­ contracting with a Houston firm to keep his A&P current. tions do not matter to me because I have rebuild the Stearman, the airplane was How often does he get to fly the a transponder in this airplane." Captain test flown by that company and on the Stearman? About 20 to 25 times a year. Fila flies all over the eastern European second or third test flight, the PT -17 was "If! have three days off, and I had good continent for Austrian Airlines. "Most overturned in the tall grass next to the flights before, so I have four days off, I of the time I fly in Europe. I have runway. The insurance paid for the can stay for a real three to four days in around 60 cities where I'm allowed to damage and another company was Houston, Texas where the airplane is land. I fly also to Moscow, Kiev, given the job of helping Heinrich situated." Heinrich stays with his friend Leningrad - sometimes India if we rebuild the wings of the trainer after the Craig Podzielinski, a pilot in the Hous­ have a charter, and to the Gulf region. unfortunate accident. After starting on ton area. Every bit of vacation time he Also to Africa; most of the time it's the project five years ago, he has been has available is spent in the U.S. work­ North Africa. And to the small islands flying the finished product for the last ing on his airplane or flying. of Tenerife and to Maldives." With two. Heinrich didn't sit idly by while Heinrich Fila really loves to fly, and that much territory covered as a com­ somebody else did the work. He did to travel halfway around the globe for mercial pilot, Heinrich felt he needed a much of the work on the plane on his three or four hours of flight in his Stear­ way to enjoy flight for flight's sake, and own, including the covering and the man takes an amount of dedication that todo that he was drawn to the U.S., with ribstitching. For his efforts, he had done is admirable. Heinrich says it's easy ­ its relatively unrestricted flying . the required work for his FAA Airframe "I just like to fly here." So do we, Having flown a Bucker Jungmeister on and Powerplant mechanics license, and Heinrich, so do we. We'll all see if we the airshow circuit in Europe about fif­ with the passage ofthe written he earned can keep it that way! teen years ago, he wanted one of those. the FAA certificate. That was another ..... VINTAGE AIRPLANE 13 This photo of Navion N5401K, SIN NAV-4-2301-B, was sent in by owner Byron Woodside (EAA 376106) of Manassas, Virginia. The Navion was built in February, 1951, and features a Lycoming GO-435 of 260 hp. The Woodside family purchased it in 1965 for $8000 and has flown it for over 25 years, adding 3300 hours to the airframe, for a total of 5010 hours. The Navion is presently on its third engine (500 hours) and is running well. In 1990, the family put in 45 days (360 hours) of reconditioning and modifica­ tion installation to the present pristine condition. Besides much internal work, and the unique 1964 Navion paint remarkable condition and really shows the tip tanks were added, a custom scheme was applied. For a forty-year­ lots ofTLC. designed leather interior was installed old airplane, the Woodside Navion is in

This photo of two Callair airplanes in front of a really nice hangar built by a group from EAA Chapter 648 in Longmont, CO, was sent in by C. D. (Red) Beitelshees of Boulder, CO. Both Calla irs were restored by Bill Anderson (EAA 92319, AIC 11638) of Longmont. He is a former president of the chapter and very active in rebuilding airplanes. On the left is Callair N2916V, SIN 132, a 1949 model A-2 powered with a Lycoming 0-290 engine. It is one of 11 A-2 Calla irs remaining on the U.S . register. The aircraft in the foreground is Callair N6028C, SIN 137-4, a 1954 Built in Afton, Wyoming, in the two place with some models being able model A-4 powered with an 0-290 1940's and '50's, the Callair models to haul three people in close comfort. Lycoming. It is one of only 18 model were designed for high altitude ranch The design eventually led to a line of A-4 Callairs remaining on the U.S. work and were quite at home on run­ Callair agricultural spray planes. register. ways above 6,000 feet MSL. Most were

A very active antiquer in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Joaquim Ferreira Pinto, sent in this picture of his pretty Stinson Voyager 108-2, PT-ASQ, SIN 2719. Powered with a 165 hp Franklin, the Stinson would have been registered NC9719K in the U.S. according to the serial number. Joaquin reports his local group has a Canadian Fleet, a Taylor J-2, a J-3 Cub, a Cessna 140 and a Cessna 170. He invites EAA members to visit when in South America. His address is listed in Letters to the Editor.....

14 OCTOBER 1991

With that beautiful Curtiss-Reed prop and natural brass finished The Carpathian elm instrument panel and leather trim set the ignition harness, the engine compartment is neat as a pin. tone for the nicely appointed cockpit.

musIc store? When it came time to mounted on the top of the rudder fea­ make a running change on the line and overhaul the ignition harness, it was dis­ tures the then standard post mount to fit not document it on a drawing, they covered that it was a Jacobs part, and in the rudder spar. A full radio package, could not always be regarded as infal­ made out of solid brass. To work out all including a transponder, enables Jerry lible. Jerry credited Ray Brandly with the little dents and dings that inevitably to go anywhere in the U.S. he cares to being a great source of inspiration and find their way into an item like that, the fly. A remote mounted ELT rounds out help during the entire 3 -1/2 years it took music shop was found to have all sorts the modem items. to restore the biplane, and feels a debt of of neat tools to put the brass back in One of the themes that Jerry and his gratitude to him for all he has done to shape. Small expander type tools were friends held to was the premise that they keep Wacos flying. fitted into the tubing, just as though they would only do what the people at Waco For all the efforts spent by Jerry and were working on a tuba or a French could have done in 1941, if they chose his friends, Jerry's UPF-7 was awarded hom. To finish it off, the harness was to do so per a customer request. A few the Champion Customized Aircraft polished to a high sheen. It looked so modem concessions were chosen, such trophy. I'll bet Clayton Brukner would nice when it came back, Jerry left it as as the fabric work, but by and large they have approved! ... is to complement the polished were able to hold to their intended aluminum of the propeller and other theme. For more information on the Waco, engine compartment items. The other One other interesting policy was used contact the National Waco Club, 700 polished brass item, the Pitot tube, is an by Jerry in documenting the restoration. Hill Avenue, Hamilton, OH 45015. original strut-mounted piece. During his search, if a questionable item Another group ofWaco enthusiasts is With a full electrical system, Jerry's came up, he would work to have 3 dif­ the International Waco Association, Waco has a set of original wing and tail ferent sources of information that back­ P.D. Box 2065 - WACO, Terre Haute, lights by Grimes. The wing lights have ed each other up. He used the drawings IN 47802. Please include an SASE a 45 degree socket to mount on the available from the Smithsonian, but when requesting membership infor­ leading edge of the wing, and the light since the factory would occasionally mation from these clubs.

18 OCTOBER 1991 This story does not begin a few short years ago. It goes back nearly twenty years to when our major participant, R. W. (Buzz) Kaplan, and his multi­ talented chief mechanic, Gary Under­ land, became aware of a 1929 Curtiss Robin that was slowly being restored in Osseo, Minnesota. The man behind the budding restoration was Norm Sten (EAA 7735), antiquer extraordinaire and donor of the EAA Foundation's Lincoln PT-K and Tank-engine powered Curtiss Robin , NC50H . (See VINTAGE AIRPLANE, February, 1991) Our subject, award-winning Curtiss Buzz Kaplan, Robin, NC292E, SIN 130, was com­ pleted on April 26, 1929 in its St. Louis, Gary Underland Missouri factory, where it was assigned to the Curtiss Robertson Flying Service as a B model Robin with a 90 hp OX-5 and the engine. Some 17 years later, it was con­ verted to a B-2 model by Edgar B. Todd of Billings, Montana, who installed a Curtiss Robin J6-5 115 hp "Tank" engine on July 16, 1946. George Carver of Highwood, Mon­ by Norm Petersen tana, converted the Robin to a sprayer by installing a 220 hp Continental R­ (Above) Gary Underland and Buzz Kaplan show off the Lindbergh Trophy presented to 670 on June 9, 1952. It remained in this them at EAA Oshkosh '91 tor winning the Silver Age Antique Championship.

VINTAGE AIRPLANE 19 "heavy hauler" configuration until Nonn Sten purchased the Robin in 1961 with the idea of returning it to B-2 status with a Tank engine restoration. In ad­ dition to the Robin, Nonn had accumu­ lated a set of "previously owned" Edo 2665 floats with Curtiss Robin rigging. This was the "trigger" that set the future course for Curtiss Robin, NC292E. Any person who has ever come in contact with R. W. (Buzz) Kaplan (EAA 70086, AIC 8609) of Owatonna, Min­ nesota, knows without the slightest doubt that he is a seaplane "aficionado" of the first order! (It has been rumored that his toes are fully webbed by now!) Buzz always feels that an airplane that can't be put on floats is sort of a social outcast. He has owned any number of floatplanes, up to and including a tur­ bine-powered Cessna Caravan mounted Buzz shows the reliable (as long as the "startee" holds up!) inertia starter for the Wright on the prototype Wipline amphib floats. J6-S. Previous chronicles by this author in to score a Grand Slam for only the failing and he decided to sell the Robin SPORT AVIATION and VINTAGE second time in history when it also won and the floats to Buzz Kaplan. The AIRPLANE include the restoration of the FAI "Phoenix" award in internation­ Robin was in fairly good shape for Waco YKS-6, "Old Barbeque" on Edo al competition, having garnered the rebuilding, however, the Edo 2665 3430 floats and Buzz's Grand Cham­ AAA Championship award the pre­ floats looked like the last rose of sum­ pion Antique Savoia-Marchetti S56 vious year. mer - only the most determined (and flying boat amphibian, which went on By 1974, Nonn Sten's health was stubborn) restorers would have at-

c .g ~ c '..> ""2l Just when he needed them, a company named Coker started One of the busiest collections of struts on a cabin monoplane! making just the right kind of smooth tread tires that were needed to complete the restoration. 20 OCTOBER 1991 tempted to rebuild such merchandise. neapolis. The prop had been installed As the Robin restoration slowly on Richard Bach's Parks P-2 biplane at progressed with Gary Underland (EAA one time! 43898) putting his expertise to good Although the late Norm Sten had use, the hammer fell! It was discovered started rebuilding the woodwork on the the Tank engine had a severe crack in fuselage, Gary Underland had to finish the crankcase and was near hopeless. the job, replacing some bulkheads and Realizing the 115 hp Tank engine fmishing the stringers. When every­ would be rather weak for float opera­ thing was varnished and the many small tions, it was decided to look for a Wright interior jobs were done, it was time to J6-5 engine of 165 hp and restore the consider covering. Robin as a J-l model. The search The Robin was covered with Grade A began. fabric and finished in Randolph All inquiries regarding Wright J6-5 butyrate dope - with much sanding and engines seemed to lead back to one polishing. The colors are burnt orange place; Ft. Calhoun, Nebraska, and a and Cub yellow. A matching enamel Robin enthusiast named John Rathjen. John (EAA 2576, A/C 272) had ac­ cumulated parts and pieces from five parts in a huge ship container. With J6-5 engines besides the one he had used extra room left over, Gary negotiated to in his beautiful restoration of Curtiss sell his own Aeronca 7 AC project to Jeff Robin, NC766M, which garnered the Davis also. Result - he packed the Silver Age Champion Trophy at EAA Champ in the same container and the Oshkosh '81 (see VINTAGE whole works was shipped to Australia. AIRPLANE January '83). One of the Needless to say, a very happy Jeff Davis extra engines had supposedly been is now flying the only Curtiss Robin in owned by Douglas "Wrong Way" Cor­ all of Australia and "enjoying it immen­ rigan at some time in the past. sely" as the Aussies say. Now the problem. John Rathjen was Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the interested in selling his mint condition project Robin was progressing and Gary Curtiss Robin with the extra engines and Underland began working on putting a numerous extra parts as an added in­ Wright J6-5 together from the many ducement - a tantalizing deal, indeed! parts and pieces. Realizing the skills However, Buzz Kaplan was interested needed with the old five-banger, he in buying the spare engines and parts as shipped it to Florida where Mike Con­ he already owned a Curtiss Robin in the ners, who runs a father, son, wife opera­ process of restoration. The equivalent tion, finished the overhaul and was found in Martin Senour acrylic of a Mexican stand off developed! assembly. A matching Hamilton Stand­ which covered the metal parts of the Negotiations continued. ard ground adjustable prop was located aircraft. Gary says he found many As the years went by, Buzz could see at Forrest Lovley's place near Jordan, original paint chips on the airplane, but the Robin was getting ready for an en­ MN and after purchase, was redone by they were all different colors! Ah, the gine, the time was getting ripe! The Kenny Maxwell's Prop Shop in Min­ joys of restoring an old airplane. restoration had been in process for over Working from a set of Robin a dozen years and something had to be blueprints obtained from Dick Fisher in done - it was either fish, or cut bait. Lancaster, CA, Gary was able to fabri­ Buzz swallowed hard and proceeded to cate a new tailskid which is suspended make an offer for John Rathjen's Robin, by rubber doughnuts in compression. spare engines and parts - the whole An optional tail wheel is also available works. A deal was struck and the Robin for use when the aircraft is not being (NC766M) was flown to Owatonna, judged on authenticity. He also made MN along with a truckload of engines an aluminum frame to enclose the large and parts. inspection panel that is laced to the The quality of John Rathjen's work, fuselage, just under the stabilizer. The along with his son, Bill (EAA 122305), rawhide lacing goes around hooks that was quickly substantiated when Buzz are put on with special pop rivets into flew the Robin to EAA Oshkosh' 89 and the aluminum frame. (Such authentic promptly won the Silver Age Champion laced panels always catch the judge's trophy. While at Oshkosh, an eye.) Australian named Jeff Davis inquired One more contribution from John about buying NC766M from Buzz Rathjen was a very substantial motor Kaplan and a deal was struck. Back in mount jig which Gary put to good use in Owatonna, Gary Underland carefully building up the mount for the J6-5 en­ dismantled the Robin and mounted the gine. A close inspection of the welding VINTAGE AIRPLANE 21 reveals the hand of an artist - so typical of Gary Underland and his workman­ Curtiss Robin Background ship. He also welded in two new pieces by Norm Petersen of tubing on each side of the windshield Introduced in March of 1928, the ments, especially during full aileron posts. These had been replaced at some Curtiss Robin was one of the most sig­ deflection (this same system was used earlier time and Gary was not satisfied nificant aircraft designs of the 1920's. on early Bellanca cabin aircraft). with the quality of the weldments. One A three-place cabin monoplane, the Ailerons and control surfaces were un­ mandatory item that was also taken care Robin represented a trend toward the balanced, but designed to give full con­ of - seaplane fittings were installed! "modern" airplane as we know it today. trol at the stall, with low stick loads A complete new exhaust manifold Up until this time, most aircraft were over the entire speed range. was fabricated and carefully colored open cockpit biplanes - a legacy of Fuel for the Robin was carried in with oil while still hot, to get that World War I. welded aluminum tanks set in each Several parameters were used out of wing root and were available in two "blued" look. Again, the excellent necessity in the design of the Curtiss sizes, giving a total of 30 or 50 gallons. welding by Gary is so evident. The Robin. First, the aircraft would have to The first four Robins were built and plate glass in the forward windows was out perform the majority ofthe biplanes tested at the Curtiss, Long Island, New all replaced while plexiglass was used in use, especially in the area of pas­ York plant. Not wanting this new com­ on the side windows in the cabin. The senger comfort! Second, the mercial venture to interfere with traditional wicker seats were entirely powerplant would have to be the 90 hp military production, a completely new redone with new wicker, a tricky piece Curtiss OX -5 - ofwhich thefactory had company - Curtiss-Robertson Airplane of work by itself. 1150 brand new examples on hand, left Manufacturing Co. - was formed and a By a stroke of luck, a company by the over from WW-I. Third, the Robin new plant erected at Anglum, Missouri, would have to be designed with excel­ near St. Louis, for construction in quan­ name of Coker started making antique lent flying characteristics and a long tities. Production was begun in mid­ smooth tread auto tires about the time term service life to win over the hearts 1928 on the OX-5 powered version of Buzz was looking for a set. These tires of the pilots and potential buyers. the Robin, which lasted until 1929, also fit Curtiss Robins! The smooth The Robin was probably the most when the old familiar horsepower race tires really give the airplane that antique completely engineered private plane of began and larger engines came on the look - a point well noticed by the judges. its day. It was designed at the Curtiss scene. The Curtiss Challenger radial One more point was the Curtiss Robin Aeroplane and Motor Company, Inc. engine of 165/170 hp was installed on logo on the tail that was carefully plant at Garden City, L. I., by an en­ many Robins, improving the perfor­ mance of the three-placer and giving painted by Dennis Dunkirk of Owaton­ gineering group composed of men who had designed and engineered the well­ rise to a series of endurance flights that na, MN. Such detail work is what es­ known Curtiss Hawk pursuits. All were notably "one upmanship"! First tablishes award winning airplanes. Curtiss aircraft were named for birds was the 150 hour mark followed by a At Oshkosh, Buzz reported about such as Falcon, Condor, Lark and 246 hour flight set by Reinhart and four hours of flight time on the Robin. Oriole. The name "Robin" seemed to Mendell. Jackson and O'Brine estab­ He readily admitted the starting proce­ fit a first time civilian aircraft to be built lished a record of 420 hours aloft in dures were not totally worked out. The for the growing public airplane market. 1929, the mark standing until 1930 combination of a hand cranked inertia Every part of the Robin was built to when the Hunter brothers remained starter and the proper priming of the standards customarily employed in aloft for 533 hours in a Stinson military designs. The Robin's Detroiter. However, Jackson and 0'­ engine gave rise to many grunts and aerodynamics were very thoroughly Brine secured another Challenger groans, blue smoke and hard work to get tested in the Curtiss wind tunnel. Robin and took off on July 21, 1930 for the old girl running. However, Numerous experiments, design chan­ a record flight of 647 hours, 28 minutes everybody is moving up the learning ges and wing and cabin arrangements and 30 seconds! curve and success is improving with were tried and the best one fmally used. Curtiss Robins have been powered each starting experience. Particular attention was paid to control with Wright J6-5 engines, Warner en­ Between now and next summer the surface design. gines of various horsepower and many really difficult work will be forthcom­ The fuselage, made entirely of welded have used 220 hp engines in difficult ing. Gary and Buzz hope to finish the steel tubing, was braced by the Warren and challenging jobs. It is primarily the Truss method, eliminating all wires and result of the excellent stress analysis huge job of rebuilding the Edo 2665 their subsequent adjustments. "Alclad", and substantial engineering in the early floats (new bulkheads, new skins, etc.) so new at the time that trade descriptions stages of design that allowed these and mounting the Robin on them for a carried an explanation ofwhat it was, was modifications over the years. As the summer of float flying - circa 1929. All utilized wherever other metals had been oldtimers have said for years, "The of us look forward to the graceful old used before. Alclad was also used as Curtiss Robin was built hell-for-stout!" cabin job, with its orange and yellow wing rib material. The famous flight of "Wrong Way paint scheme, entering the harbor at Bill The 41 foot semi-cantilever wing, Corrigan" was made from New York to Brennand's seaplane base and slowly which employed the Curtiss C-72 air­ Ireland in a J6-5 powered Curtiss taxiing to the dock, the J6-5 ticking over foil, was braced by two struts on each Robin in 1938, the flight lasting 28 side, the upper extremity attaching to hours and 13 minutes. No other slowly. Oshkosh '91 is over and we can an auxiliary structure which used two airplane has come close to such a long hardly wait for Oshkosh '92. It's called streamlined wires to form a rigid "box" trip while going the "wrong way". It anticipation! ..... which reduced any wing twisting mo­ is all part of history! .....

22 OCTOBER 1991 PASS IT TO --rJuck An information exchange column with input from readers.

by Buck Hilbert (EAA 21 , Ale 5) P.O. Box 424 Union, IL 60180

September! Already? The fmal fall Then I flew home in the Champ and a riverboat Captain on the Mississippi Fly-Ins are fast diminishing from the I must admit there is something very who is first an A viator and then a Sailor. scene. In the past few weeks since I got peaceful about enjoying the scenery Wait 'till you see that little Lincoln back from fishing it seems like the time passing by at seventy mph. There is also Sport. What a cute little machine! has really gotten away from me. a tremendous sense of accomplishment One of the topics ofconversation was Soon after I got back here, I packed a traversing under ARSAs and TCAs, the FAA man who is bent upon ground­ bag and had John Kuranz, (A/C 7946) knowing that because you don't have an ing every airplane he comes into contact of Barrington, IL fly me over to Jack­ electrical system, you are EXEMPT! with. This guy is apparently determined son, Michigan so I could repossess my More phone calls than letters the past to put us all out of business. He recent­ Champ, and work on my Fleet. Brian month. Bill Rausch from upstate New ly, according to the rampant rumor, Van Wagner, Joe Knight and the boys York, the Thousand Island country, grounded a whole line ofsmall airplanes were having so much fun "Clunking called about his Aeronca C-1 replica because they had AC gascolators in­ Around" as they call it, they never plans. It was real nice hearing about his stalled and supposedly, he claims, these delivered it to me at Oshkosh like they plane to build a C-1 replica. I'd like to are automotive and therefore not ap­ were supposed to. see it happen. proved for aircraft installation. I hadn't been there 10 minutes and I Chuck Burtch, from Phoenix, New This is a real touchy area. Somehow HAD to get it off the ground. What a York, not too far from Bill Rausch, sent the idea that the manufacturer can get an sweetheart. There's nothing like a me a very interesting article about "Buzz" aircraft certificated as a whole and yet Champ for airport hopping and just Wagner. Seems Buzz was flying his the individual parts are not certificated visiting with the friendlies at all the little Aeronca Super Chief on floats when he seems ridiculous! Yet it happens. I've strips around the area. With two '41 was involved in a mid-air with a Cessna just read of similar circumstances in the Chiefs leading the way, we went 150. Both landed safely, with Buzz's tail­ Navion Newsletter, where certain re­ "Clunkin'" every evening for the next feathers hanging in shreds, and the ISO's placement parts are not considered five days. I took time out from the Fleet prop all twisted and the windshield busted PMA-ed, although they come from ven­ to fix a leaking gas tank and Brian and out. It was a pretty close call for the old dors and distributors who sold them to I painted the belly of the Champ orange, "Buzzard" and the Aeronca Lovers of the the original manufacturers. How do we so now I have an off colored Ocala world, including me, heave a sigh of get through to these people? Orange Champ with an International relief. (Me too! - HGF) Oh yes, this all One bright ray ofsunshine! One ofour Orange belly. It may not be the exact happened August 24th at Pelican Lake, aircraft restorers told me a local FSDO color but it's the right color scheme and South Dakota, near Watertown. inspector who is quite new to the game, it heads off the question, "Is that a Piper Chuck also sent along a three-view called to tell him he was about to inspect Cub?" drawing of a Fleet Two. Thanks, a Culver Cadet. He called to ask our I did manage to wreck the Fleet a Chuck, maybe after I get the real one friend what it looked like so he wouldn't little. I didn't like the oil tank or the flying I'll build that model. feel too foolish when he did the inspec­ engine controls hookups, so I dis­ Been attending a few local fly-ins. tion. That I like! At least he was earnest mangled them. I also removed the mag­ It's great to be back in the wing of things in seeking advice and not ashamed to netic compasses and the seatbelts for again. Some of my neighbors, Dennis admit his inexperience. I'm sure we rebuild and replacement. Wag-Aero re­ and Debbie Jankowski had a picnic and would all help a FAA inspector who came webbed the belts for me and even invited the entire local flying com­ to us with that kind of question, eh? replaced the leather buckle guards and munity. We had a great time. Then last A nice letter from Al Meyer arrived. they came out beautiful. So much better weekend it was out to Brodhead, Wis­ Al is from Panacea, Florida, near Tal­ than the worse for wear military. The consin for their annual. The Antiques lahasse. He has his Aeronca C-3 flying compasses were both almost dry, so and Classics were there in force. Art at last. He is having a little trouble they are at the shop being overhauled. Morgan, George Daubner, Bob Brauer believing its performance which is I contacted George Gregory, the Fleet and several other of the Antique and something less than an F-16, but never­ Club President, and asked him for draw­ Classic crowd were there, including less, it IS flying! Al Fitzgerald was a ings of the original oil tank. He didn't your editor and mine, H.G. Frautschy, big help in getting this one into the air. have them, so I called Bob Von Willer plus Gene Chase and Norm Petersen. Father Tom Rowland writes that he out in California. He is searching! I'm sure you'll see pictures and articles missed Oshkosh and that he is waiting Meanwhile, he aced me out of a Y-150 on several of the airplanes there, espe­ patiently to read all about it in SPORT starter to put on Hiroshi Morita's Fleet cially the Lincoln Sport biplane A VIATION and VINTAGE Two. Anything to help keep an airplane prototype and the "Hisso" Travel Air AIRPLANE. Me too, Father Tom! in flying condition. that belong to Dennis Trone. Dennis is Over to you! ..... VINTAGE AIRPLANE 23 AGRICULTURE TAKES TO THE AIR-

The First Crop Duster

\ 1 \

The Curtiss IN-6 used for the first cropdust­ By Bob Whitmoyer ing tests. Sometime in 1920, C. R. Neillie of Macready and 1. S. Houser agreed to try. Historical Records Officer the Cleveland Parks Department con­ At 3:00 p.m. on August 3, 1921, all Ohio Agricultrural Research tacted the Ohio Agricultural Experi­ was ready. Macready had made a care­ and Development Center! ment Station in Wooster, OH with an ful ground inspection of the woodlot. J. Ohio State University Wooster, OH interesting idea. Mr. Neillie had be­ S. Houser commented that "Although come frustrated trying to spray tall trees hopper to push the powder out and into the ground inspection seems to be of and remote areas ofthe Cleveland parks the slipstream of the airplane. The hand considerable value to the aviators, it to combat insect infestations. He crank was turned by a second person may not be essential." A Lt. Kelly and wanted to know if the station could riding in the rear cockpit of the airplane. a Capt. A. W. Stevens, aerial devise some way to drop "insect An initial test was made in late July of photographic staff, were standing by poison" from a balloon, dirigible or one 1921 using lime. The test was run over with a DeHavilland airplane to take air of the new flying machines. J. S. the landing field at Dayton. The lime photos of the trial. The hopper was Houser of the Entomology Department produced a cloud of "dust" that settled loaded with 135 pounds of arsenate of agreed to take on the project. In order to the ground but the crank proved too lead. Macready commented later that to obtain an airplane and qualified pilot, hard to operate. This was corrected by this caused the plane to pull to the right, an agreement was arranged between the reducing the size of the rotary vane by but not too badly! A Mr. Dormoy station and the Air Services Engineer­ one-half. More tests were being con­ climbed aboard to operate the hopper ing Division, U. S. War Department, sidered when an actual opportunity to crank and they were off. (Editor's Note: McCook Field, Dayton, Ohio. The pilot do this for real came up unexpectedly. The Mr. Dormoy referred to here is assigned to the project was 1st Lieut. J. H. B. Carver of nearby Troy, Ohio had believed to be Etienne Dormoy, later of A. Macready. Actual work was started a 6 acre Catalpa tree grove that was "Domory Bathtub" fame.) in the summer of 1921. about to be completely defoliated for the J. S. Houser and his crew were in the The airplane used for the test was a second time that year by the Catalpa middle of the grove of trees in position Curtiss IN-6 Army biplane. A sheet Sphinx caterpillar. Mr. Carver asked if to observe if any of the insect poison metal hopper was constructed to hold they would be willing to try out their settled onto the trees. about 135 pounds of arsenate of lead ideas on his wood lot. It was either that Now, folks, J. A. Macready was no obtained from the Sherwin-Williams or a lot of dead Catalpa trees! So, based wimp when it came to flying. He Paint Company of Cleveland, OH. A on one test that showed the hopper circled the grove a couple of times and hand crank and chain apparatus turned worked and the plane didn't crash over then banked around to the windward a rotating vane in the bottom of the a level landing field, pilot J. A. side of the trees from about a mile away. 24 OCTOBER 1991 c: o o~ o B ~~~Ii1Il~ 1st Lt. J.A. Macready makes a pass above the Catalpa trees while Etienne Dormoy cranks away at the hopper to create a cloud of insecticide.

Macready opened grove at tree top height while they the throttle on the emptied the hopper. The total dusting Curtiss and brought time was 54 seconds, immediately es­ the plane by the tablishing a world's record for speed of grove at 80 miles per insecticide application on forest areas. hour, 25 feet off the The results were astounding and far ground, while Mr. exceeded everyone's wildest expecta­ Dormoy cranked tions. Forty-eight hours later J. S. away. The 80 mph Houser recorded these comments slipstream combined during his inspection of the grove: with the propwash "Hanging on the trees, foliage, fence made a wonderful posts and weeds, and lying on the forest cloud of dust which floor were millions of dead and dying settled gently over caterpillars. Less than one percent of the trees. As Mac­ the caterpillars remained alive. As an ready banked the entomologist I was both repulsed by the plane around and up­ destruction and elated by the success of ward, he noted two the experiment." things. The first pass The word of this experiment took the had taken 9 seconds nation by storm and "airplane dusting" and it must have became famous nearly overnight. been successful as he Houser gave talks at national meetings could see Houser and that winter and in March of 1922 the his crew "fleeing for experiment was written up in the pres­ their very lives out tigous National Geographic with c: .,o the far side of the worldwide circulation. Almost lost to o grove to escape the history is the name of the first crop .!o o cloud of poison." duster, J. A. Macready, and the en­ B Five more times tomologist who made it possible, J. S. ==:....;...... :....-==..l~"'" Macready brought Houser ofthe Ohio Agricultural Experi­ The hopper and crank designed and buiH by Etienne Dormoy. the plane across the ment Station, Wooster, Ohio...... VINTAGE AIRPLANE 25 New Book Products Reviews

THE ULTIMATE DZUS TOOL FLYWORD PUZZLES northeast Wisconsin and the name, Are you tired of scratches in your by "Buddy Bob" Gardner Nicolet Airport, is mentioned, you will finish because you slipped with your Book Review? I'm puzzled! be in for quite a dissertation on how stubby screwdriver while turning a Our VINTAGE AIRPLANE Editor things were when flying was fun. And Dzus fastener on your cowl? Charles H.G., handed me a booklet a month or much of the conversation will revolve Dickey has the answer. The "Ultimate so back, during Oshkosh, and I really around a gentleman who made it so ­ Dzus Tool" is fashioned from 4130 heat didn't have time to look at it. He said Beverly M. Butler - one time airport treated steel, with an injection molded something like," Since you are a manager and flight instructor ex­ handle. Light weight and small enough crossword puzzle nut, let me know what traodinaire. you think of this." to fit in your pocket, this tool is reminis­ Fortunately for all of us, Bev Butler Well, like so many of these things, I cent of a tool North American (and I'm has written a 200 page book on his ex­ shelved it. Not really, Ijust put it on that sure many other manufacturers) sup­ periences during the six years he pile ofstuff I want to read, someday, and plied to their workers during WW II. managed the Nicolet Airport and, best With two different radius' on the tool, left it there until that time. of all, probably touched more people's you'll have "the right tool for the job", The time came! Came because of a lives in a positive way than at any time as they used to say in A&P school. phone message from H.G. asking me $25.00, postpaid in the U.S. (Calif. resi­ what I thought of it. I rummaged in his life. Granted that he was an ex­ dents add $1.37 sales tax, foreign resi­ through the pile and there it was! Now cellent pilot and top flight instructor, but dents add $5.00 for shipping). Order for a quiet few moments to pore over it, most of all, was his unique insight into from: Charles Dickey, 246 S. Empire I ducked into the bathroom. I often use the wants, needs and desires of his St., Anaheim, CA 92804 the bathroom as a library, and especially many, many students. They enjoyed when I work my morning crossword (and learned) so much about flying that SERENGETISUNGLASSES puzzle. they have become permanent ambas­ VFR flight can result in some of the The "Library" provided a few sadors for grass roots aviation. The most demanding visual conditions en­ minutes that turned into a few more benefits of his endeavors are still being countered - a hazy day with bright sun­ minutes while I worked some of these enjoyed today, nearly thirty years later. light can make it tough to spot other fascinating Aviation Puzzles. I was As one who learned about flying in traffic or landmarks. In the 1980's, the really intrigued! The puzzles cover all the "Piper Cub Era" of the 1950's and use of a brown or amber lens to cut facets of Aviation. General Aviation, 1960's, I can truthfully say that Beverly through the haze became popular with Antique and Classic, Commercial A via­ Butler tells of his experiences exactly tion, Warbirds, Person's name and pilots. With the production of the Corn­ like it was in those days. There is no Nicknames, Airports, Military, ing Serengeti Driver, a variety of fea­ embellishment in the 150 stories in his Weather, and even the Cockpit. tures have been brought together to book, he tells it straight from the heart Hey! The jargon is great, the subjects make them an excellent choice for the in a most delightful manner. I found the pilot. The pair I used this summer fea­ are what we all like, and it turns out to book fascinating from cover to cover tured a strong welded frame that resisted be a real challenge! I must admit I get a and impossible to put down until distortion, and the frame held its adjust­ real kick out of working these puzzles, ment to my face without changing every and I find they educate you as well with finished. PIPER CUB ERA at Nicolet time you put them back in the case. The the answers on the last pages. So you Airport is highly recommended reading sunglasses also feature a gradient lens, can always say, " I knew that! I just for the true grass roots flier. allowing the instrument panel to be seen couldn't think of it!" - Norm Petersen easily. The strongest item in my book Want some fun and a chance to get was the enhanced ability to see items in educated? Try Flyword Puzzles, and Available at $14.95 plus $3.00 S & H a hazy sky while in flight. The think of Buck when you're in your from EAA Mail Order Department, P.O. photochromatic amber lens darkened "Library" doing your thing! Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086 or enough while in the cockpit, and the -Buck Hilbert call toll free: 1-800-843-3612. increased defmition of the clouds was an added bonus that miss when I don't A vailable for $8.95, postpaid, from have them on. I used to wear a grey­ Flyword Puzzles, P.O. Box 37527, green lens, but no longer. VFR flying Omaha, NE 68137. doesn't require a lot ofspecial tools, and this is one I do not want to part with. PIPER CUB ERA A vailable nationwide from optical at Nicolet Airport ­ stores, as well as many aviation by Beverly M. Butler retailers. If, per chance, you should ever meet -H.G. Frautschy a pilot from the "Green Bay Area" of 26 OCTOBER 1991 by Walter McNeil EAA363051 4506 Dolphin Place Corpus Christi, TX 78411

Continuing our occasional presentation of Snap-on's "Hints For Homebuilders ", here's an item that many A&P's have used for years, as related to us by member Walter McNeil

When doing restoration on my 1946 Ercoupe 415-C-D, I often run into stub­ born screws not defeated by penetrating oil. I have found that by wetting the tip of my screwdriver with valve grinding compund, the grip on the screw im­ proves, and most screws come out without "buggering" the screw head or requiring major surgery.

Readers are invited to submit entries to EAA, Hints For Homebuilders, Att: Golda Cox, EAA Aviation Center, P.O. Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086. Entries will be reviewed by a panel of EAA judges. Readers whose hints are published in any EAA magazine will be awarded one of three monthly prizes ­ a 3/8" Drive Socket Wrench Set, a 1/4" Drive Socket Wrench Set or a Nine­ piece Long-Handle Combination Wrench Set. The contest will run from August through July of each year with a Grand Prize of a Snap-on Tools KR657 Roll Cab and KR637 Top Chest being awarded the best entry for the year. This award will be presented during the EAA Convention. Our thanks go to Snap-on Tools for providing the awards.

VINTAGE AIRPLANE 27 October 19 - Hampton, NH. EAA Carolina, Municipal Airport. 6th An­ A/C Chapter 15 1st Annual Pumpkin nual Fly-In, sponsored by EAA Chap­ Patch Pancake Fly-In. Call 207/967­ ter 731. Awards for homebuilts, 5415 for more information. antiques, classics and warbirds. Static display of military aircraft, fly-bys, and October 19 - Kerrville, TX - 27th banquet. Contact Doug Teague, days Annual EAA Southwest Regional Fly­ Club Regional Fly-In and meeting for 704/751-3598 or evenings, Norman In. Contact: 800/221-7958. members living in the southwestern Rainwater, 704-328-5807. U.S. Ifyou plan to attend, please notify October 19 - Evergreen, AL. in advance: Joe Field, P.O. Box 3729, October 27 - Sussex, NJ. EAA Evergreen regional EAA Chapters Fly­ Kingman, AZ 86402 602/753-7654 Chapter 891 3rd Annual Great Pumpkin In. Aircraft camping, R.V. Grounds (evenings). nearby, motels. Dinner Sat. night. Fly-In. Contact: 201/875-7337, or 875­ Breakfast both Sat. and Sun. AlC Judg­ October25 - 27 - Reklaw, TX. EAA 9359 for more information. ing and static displays. Contact: Bubba Chapter 727 Fly-In and Campout at October 31- November 1 - Jack­ Hamiter, P.O. Box 1551, Monroeville, Flying M Ranch. For more informa­ son, MS. Swift Fly-In, Slobovia Out­ AL 36461 or Evergreen Airport, tion, call Judy or Dave Mason at ernational Open House '91. Call D. 205/578-1274. 409/369-4362. Upton 601/879-3655 or E. Mahaffey October 19 - Bellanca/Champion October 26-27 - Hickory, North 601/879-3357 for information.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS More and more Antique and Classic enthusiasts are signing up to join EAA's Antique/Classic Division. To help you sponsor your friends and your neighbor at the airport, and earn gifts from the Division, use the tan insert included in this issue of VINTAGE AIRPLANE. You can earn 1 full year of Antique/Classic membership by sponsoring 3 new members! Here are the latest additions: Aakre, Leann S. A. San Diego, CA Frenzel, CarlO. Grand Prairie, TX McDivitt, James A. Arlington, VA Adrion, Janeen Winter Haven, FL Gray, Don Houston, TX McKean,Graeme T. Baird, Lawrence J. Huntington Beach, CA Grooms, H. P. Leesburg, FL Parksville, B. C., Canada Belisle, Barry A. Woodland, CA Grubb, Norman L. McComb, OH McMillan, James A. Kent, W A Bengston, Jim F. Longmont, CO Guizzardi, Fernando Pergamino, Argentina McNeal, Staff Sgt. John H. APO - AE, NY Blackman, Robert L. New London, OH Hamilton, J. Joe Baton Rouge, LA McNutt, Robert Amarillo, TX Blankenship, Raymond C. Hanahan, SC Harris, Hubert J. Cumberland, MD Morgan, William R. Paragould, AR Blomquist, Dennis J. Arroya Grande, CA Harrison, Arthur L. Ames, IA Moxley, Arthur W. Maple Valley, WA Bolin, William Coldwater, MI Hartman, Ernest C. Creamridge, NJ Nardi, Raymond B. Millville, NJ (Sponsor: Dave Bennett) Hilsendeger, Robert E. Fargo, ND Nelson, David A. Arden Hills, MN Brown, Mike A. Oshkosh, WI Hixon, Fred Phoenix, AZ Nisbet, Matthew Leland, ll., Burgess, John H. Virginia, MN (Sponsor: Jeff McKeever) Noyes, Daniel W. Vacaville, CA Cell, David S. Tempe,AZ Hoag, Michael R. Augusta, MI Packard, Paul L. Wellington, KS Chastain, Terry R. Houston, TX Jefferies, Mark Graham Pardee, Douglas L. Wilmington, NC Chiodo, Tom A. Memphis, TN Little Gansden Airfield, England Pickard, Nancy J. Winneconne, WI Chivens, David E. Mission Viejo, CA Jeffries, Mark Little Gansden Airfield, Platner, Gary L. Double Oak, TX Coates, Billy Denham Springs, LA England Reynolds, David Lawrenceville, GA Cutler, Richard F. Dublin, PA Kowalczyk, Edward W. Benson, AZ Reynolds, Ron E. Westport, CT D' Angelo, Dennis L. Glen Carbon, ll., (Sponsor: Walter Kowalczyk) Riley, David K. Paducah, KY Dachille, Frank Johnstown, PA Kram, Remco Hackensack, NJ Roth, Donald C. Norwalk,OH Dailey, Donald Russell Leesburg, VA Kreydich, Frank Oak Lawn, ll., Rundstrom, C. R. Keamey,NE Daley, Francis James Frenchtown, NJ Krumlauf, John Nashport,OH Smith, Melvin Woodstock, GA (Sponsor: Bob Smith) Larsen, Chuck Oshkosh, WI Snow, John W. Macon, ll., Demarco, Gene Rhinebeck, NY (Sponsor: H.G. Frautschy) Swenty, Jim J. De Pere, WI Donnelly, Andrew J. Staten Island, NY Leiser,Don Bethlehem, PA Tenney, Jr., Charles M. Plymouth, MA (Sponsor: Bob Smith) Leon, Charles J. Forked River, NJ Thompson, Matthew V. Madison, NJ Easter, Marvin Columbus, OH Liu, Weston B. Nashua, NH West, Harry Sonoma,CA Engler, Nick West Milton, OH Manning, Robert Briantree, MA Wilkens, Delbert D. Elk City, KS Evans, Rex O. Hawkes Bay, New Zealand Manzo, Anthony B. Gainesville, GA Yandrasevich, Daniel Oakland, NJ Fassino, Franco B. Renaca, Chile Marschke, Ernest Sussex, WI Young, Ben Los Osos, CA Fratelli, Alfonse Dover, DE Matthews, Douglas G. Atlanta, GA Zaro, Lynn Lauderhill, FL

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p.o. box 468 974 pages of practical. proven madison, north carolina 27025 construction techniques for homebuilders (919) 427-0216 BY : TONY BINGELIS

EXCELLENT REFERENCE SOURCE ­ MAKE GREAT GIFTS FOR THE NOVICE OR EXPERIENCED BUILDER - DON'T BUILD WITHOUT THEMI Information every builder needs. with all the right answers at one's finger· tips . Prepared by Tony Bingelis specifically for EAA and SPORT AVIATION. these publications are profusely illustrated with photos, cutaway drawings and ea sy to understand descriptions that clearly resolve the most compli· cated problem . Invaluable material for anyone designing. building. restoring or maintaining sport aircrafl. Order your copies tod ay. SPORTPLANE BUiLDER ...... $17.95 IAircraft Construction Methods - 320 pages) SPECIAL FIREWALL FORWARD ...... $19.95 IEngine Installation Methods - 304 pages I OFFER SPORTPLANE CONSTRUCTION ... order all three for iust TANK PAINT INC:. AND REPAIRING TECHNIQUES ...... $20.95 $52.97 SANOIlASTING. TANK LINUS AND COATINGS IA Bui lder's Handbook - 350 pages I Add S6.95 po stage and handling . PREVENTIVE TANK ... AINHNANCE INSPICTION SuvlCk Send check or money order - WI residents add WI residents add 5% sales tax . lADDER SAfETY EOUIP"'ENT 5% sales tax . Add S2.40 postage and hand ling for each oubli cat ion ordered. RESuvOIR LINERS AND ROOFS Order immediately by calling EAA's Toll Free Number 1·80c)'843·3612 DISMANTlING AND MOVING TANKS or call (414) 426-4800 NEW USED AND RECONDITIONED TANKS Major cred~ cards accepted. EAA AVIATION FOUNDATION EM Aviation Center Oshkosh . WI 54903-3086

30 OCTOBER 1991 EMOSHKOSH '91 Aviation At Its Best

SHARE THE EXCITEMENT! Enjoy the best aviation has to offer at EAA OSHKOSH '91. The annual Fly-In Convention is one of the high­ lights of the aviation year. "EAA OSHKOSH '91, Aviation At Its Best" features all the activities includ­ ing a salute to the Flying Tigers; famous air racers of the 1930s; and a patriotic tribute to the allied air power of Operation Desert Storm. See the latest homebuilt designs plus antiques, classics, ultralights, warbirds and much more. Makes a great gift, too! $39.95* (*plus $3 shipping/handling) ORDER TODAY 1-800-843-3612 (outside U.S. call 414-426-5900) FAX orders accepted (414) 426-4873 Major credit cards accepted

Order your copy of "EM OSHKOSH '91, Aviation At Its Best' today and your credit card will not be billed until the tape is shipped in mid-October. EAA AVIATION FOUNDATION Dept. MO, p.o. Box 3065, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3065 ULTIMATE WHEEL PANTS

Where The Sellers and Buyers Meet. ..

25$ per word, $5.00 minimum charge. Send your ad to The Vintage Trader, EAA Aviation Center, Oshkosh, Wl54903-2591 .

MISCELLANEOUS: AVIATION PHOTOGRAPHY - 250,000 Custom~deslgned or choose from stock of antiques . images, 1909-91. Specialists in restora­ homebuilts and ul tralights Hlgh~s t reng t h seamless CURTISS JN4-D MEMORABILIA - You can tion/model documentation, theme displays. hand~ l ald S ~g l ass Wit h prim er gelcoa t Cal l for free brochure or estima te now own memorabilia from the famous Try us for dassics, racing, personalities. "Jenny", as seen on "TREASURES FROM Heritage Press, Glendale, CA 91209-0167. HARBOR ULTRALIGHT PRODUCTS THE PAST". We have posters, postcards, (1 0-1) 1326 Baley Place. Harbor Cily CA 907 10 videos, pins, airmail cachets, etc. We also have RIC documentation exdusive to this If you love biplanes - join us and be a part (%13) )%6-5609 fax (%13) 510-%1%4 historic aircraft. Sale of these items support of Biplanes Forever. Annual Convention, operating expense to keep this "Jenny" flying quarterly newsletters, museum forthcoming, for the aviatio public. We appreciate your annual membership $25.00. National help. Write for your free price list. Virginia Biplane Association, Dept. VA, Jones-River­ Aviation Co., PDv-8, Box 294, Warrenton, VA side Airport, Tulsa, OK 74132. 918/299­ 22186. (C/11-90) 2532 or 918/742-7311. (12-3)

SUPER CUB PA-18 FUSELAGES - New TOP SCALE ACCURACY RATED 1930'S manufacture, STC-PMA-d, 4130 chrome­ Aircraft Model Plans by Vern Clements, moly tubing throughout, also complete EAA 9297, 308 Palo Alto, Caldwell, ID fuselage repair. ROCKY MOUNTAIN 83605. Catalog. $3.00. (12-3) AIRFRAME INC. (J. E. Soares, Pres.), 7093 Dry Creek Rd ., Belgrade, Montana. 406­ ANC-19 Bulletin - Wood Aircraft Inspec­ Where The Sellers and Buyers Meet . . . 388-6069. FAX 406/388-0170. Repair sta­ tion and Fabrication, 1951 edition, now A new classified ad section in tion No. QK5R148N. available as reprint. Early aircraft Service THE VINTAGE AIRPLANE Notes, rigging data, other titles available. Parachutes - Toll Free 1-800-526-2822, Send SASE for listing and prices. John W. 25~ per word , 20 word mi nimum New & Used Parachutes. We take trade-ins, Send your ad and payment to . . Grega, 355 Grand Blvd ., Bedford, OH 5-year repair or replacement warranty, 44146. (c-3/92) THE VINTAGE TRADER many styles in stock. Parachute Associates, EAA Aviation Cenler, Inc., 2 Unda Lane, Suite A, Vincentown, NJ PO Box 3086 , Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086 08088,609/859-3397. (C/7/92) WANTED: ' ~t6 ' C-26 Champion Spark Plugs - New and Want Aeronca C-3 Parts, E113 engine and re'Xlnditioned. New - $14.75, reconditioned parts, Continental A-40 engine, carb, mag, - $5.75 to $9.75. Eagle Air, 2920 Emerald hub and parts. Young, 11 Willow Court, Drive, Jonesboro, GA 30236, 404/478­ Totowa, NJ 07512, 201/256-1342 (dial ac­ 2310. (10-3) cess code 286 if requested). (1 0-1)

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By George Hardie

Here's a special purpose design that "The cockpits are so situated that the action are standard equipment on the will add a little variety to our Mystery airplane can be flown solo from either Fairchild 21. They are unusual in a Plane series. The photo was submitted cockpit without the use of ballast. The plane of this type. by Pete Bowers of Seattle, Washington. dual controls located in each cockpit "A tail wheel which replaces the con­ Answers will be published in the include rudder pedals, brake pedals, ventional tail skid is carried in a fork January, 1992 issue of VINTAGE control sticks, throttle, mixture control, which is free to travel the full 360 AIRPLANE. Deadline for that issue is ignition switch and gasoline shut-off degrees. November 25, 1991. control. "The Genet engine installed in the The July mystery plane is the Fair­ "Wings are ofconventional construc­ Fairchild 21 is a five-cylinder air­ child 21. Marty Eisenmann of Garret­ tion with box spars and spruce ribs .. . cooled, radial type. A Hamilton tsville, Ohio sent a page from the ailerons are balanced to compensate for wooden propeller was selected as stand­ January, 1929 issue of Aero Digest yaw . . . the fuselage is constructed ard equipment." which gives a complete description of entirely of welded chrome-molyb­ Only one was built. Evidently, the the airplane. Quoting from the article: denum tubing, reinforced at the joints. design was a victim ofthe Great Depres­ "The new Fairchild 21, a two-place Tail surfaces are constructed of built-up sion then getting underway. Other low wing semi-cantilever monoplane of Alclad channels riveted together and answers were received from Charley simple construction, has been designed covered with cloth, forming stiff, light Hayes, Park Forest, Illinois; Glenn Buf­ specifically for the instruction of stu­ structure. fington, El Doraro, Arkansas; Cedric dent fliers. The two cockpits in tandem "The landing gear is of the split-axle Gallowat, Hesperia, California; and are easily accessible, and the design al­ type, having an unusually wide tread of Ralph Nordell, Spokane, Washington. lows excellent range if vision from both. 8 feet . .. Brakes of simple and positive

VINTAGE AIRPLANE 33 , ------le·-O·------­ I \_~

"FAIRCHILD-21 " Low WING MONOPLANE ENGINE-80 HoP_ "GENET"

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34 OCTOBER 1991 Antiques & Classics­ You're Welcome Here!

I s there a pilot among us whose heart doesn't swell when a WACO, Stearman or a pretty little Jenny flies overhead? On the wings of these airplanes, we all experience the leather helmet days before radios, nose wheels and controlled airspace. We're fortunate your EAA is dedicated to keeping our flying heritage alive. Keeping antique and classic aircraft flying means investing substantial money as well as time. AVEMCO's antique and class ic air­ craft coverage provides protection of your financial investment at a surprisingly reasonable cost. In ad­ dition to liability and hull coverage, you can be compensated for your labor if you make repairs yourself. After all, who knows your airplane better than you do? Stop by and see us at Oshkosh. Your antique and classic aircraft, as well as your enthusiasm, is welcome here.

CALL DIRECT TOOA Y FOR AN IMMEOIA TE, NO OBLICA TlON QUOTE. 1-800-638-8440

rHf SPORT AIIATION ASSOCIA1ION This is intended as a brief description of the coverage INSURANCE COMPANY offered. Certain exclusions and limitations apply. We will be glad to send you a sample policy for your review. By Aviation People ...For Aviation People AAA04·0 (6/90)