SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1975

EDITORIAL FOR VINTAGE AIRPLANE

We have received seve ral comments regard ing our last issue of Vintage Airp/ane, and we were pleased that they were favorable a nd that we are able to continue to produce favorable res ults. However, in organizations such as ours, with our many and varied interests which range from the homebuilt, antique, classic, rotary wing and warbird aircraft, many times we find it very diffi­cul t to gather the enthusiasm for the overall movement which is necessary to ensure our total success.

We must assure that we have among us, both workers and a great deal of wisdom to meet the challenges that face sport/general aviation. In my many trave ls around the country I am privileged to talk to many who are involved in various phases of aviation . Across my desk each day come many letters expressing unha ppiness with aviation, in one way or another. How does one, in my position, meet these challenges of attempting to reduce taxa tion , ward off the continuing growth of restrictions on use of airports or this vast ocean of air above us . All too often one believes that he or she can join an organization and that the dues will do the rest. I must admit that I too at one time believed this same thing, but it did not take me long to learn that this is not the solution to our problems. The solution is to develop a strong, reputable, hard working force. One that is not made up of emotion, but is understanding and knowl­edgeable of the problems that we all face - regardless of the type of aircraft we fly. I am sure that in the last few yea rs, for example, many of you are concerned with the inability to use your own public airport as was pos­sible in the pas t; that you cannot drive, in many cases, to your hangar, or to load and unload your airplane on the ra mp; tha t yo u cannot sca le ten a nd twelve foot fences in some areas to ge t to the FAA Flight Service Station; that you cannot use the lavatory in the terminal building; that yo u cannot walk across some ramps to request fuel for your airplane.

You have been concerned with the increasing number of control towers that spring up across the country, and the inconveniences quite often caused by th em . You frequ en tl y lash out blindly at a three le tter word as being the cause of all our problems - FAA. It is like saying Uncle Sam is all bad . Within any organization or group, a nd in our government there are many divi­sions, departments and chiefs who make decisions that affect our lives. When a particular decision does have a major effect on our life, would it not be best that we prepare ourselves kn owledge-wise, to speak a uth or­itatively on the par ticular subject, whether it be TCAs, airport security, poss ibly the need for better a nd im­proved wea ther se~vice, rather than to lash out at the three letter word and accomplish nothing, but possibly lose the cooperation of many dedicated people in FAA?

True, there are those in FAA who perhaps are not as qualified or have the enthusiasm that one would expect. We too, in our organization, have the same problem. It may be a chapter preSident, an EAA member, or a n officer who at one time or another does not represent the true spirit of what we are trying to accomplish.

Oshkosh time is a good example of that spirit . The great many FAA people who come there to work - a working vacation for them as well as for many EAA members. They all serve the multitude and quite often, though tired and exhausted, are expected to perform perfectly or respond patiently to an individual or group of individuals who have recently arrived and are fresh and enthusiastic.

Paul H. Poberezny President

At the present time we have three Divisions within EAA - the Warbirds, the Interna tional Aerobatic Club, and the Antique/Classic Division . The purpose in found­ing these orga ni za ti o ns, under th e leadershi p a nd umbrella of EAA, was to ga ther within our membership, those wh o had a particul ar interes t in ass is ting EAA Headquarters by helping at our annual convention in providing forums, progra ms , parking ass is ta nce , judging, award presentations, and many of the other tas ks so necessary to have a grea t event.

Throughout the yea r, they sh ould aid Headquarters by in s tilling a spirit of coo p era tion in th e Division members; and by providing leadership and identification for the group's specific interests. All too often this re­sponsibili ty falls back on this office, and with the limited number of hours in the day, I find that we too, receive criticism for not being more than we would like to be. So few can only do so much.

This is why EAA and your divi sions need loyalty and support, and unders tanding that dues a re just not enough. Many expect to receive a publication the size of SPORT AV/ATIO N devoted solely to a ntique and classic aircraft, warbirds or aerobatics. However, with only 4,000 members in the Divisions, the numbers are not large enough to cover th e costs of printing, pub­lishing and mailing a publication that ca n onl y be in­creased in size through increase d me mbership and funds . Many times I wonder if we are not in competition with ourselves, when we must put out three ex tra pub­lications. Perhaps there is a better way to go, and yet have the identification of each group with the leaders to he lp us, not only throughout the year but in convention planning and at convention time.

I would like to know your ideas and thoughts so that I can present them to the Directors of the various Divi­s ion s. I can remember when we started with th e Antique/Class ic Division - for the first year we did not charge dues and very few joined. When a dues structure was set up, then people began to join.

I know that mos t of you are proud to wear the pa tches of the groups you belong to, and this is as it s hould be - whether it is an EAA Division, the Antique Airplane Association, th e Professional Race Pilots Association, Soa ring Society of America, Confederate Air Force or others. This identification of your interests and enthus ias m is seen on jacke ts everywhere. I take my hat off to all of those who belong to the many organiza­tions , and not only support them through membership dues, but through personal dedica tion and enthusiasm.

We must also use the same philosophy with the FAA to inspire those who may not be close to the problem or see the reality of the situation, to take a better and deeper look before making decisions. In my opinion, the day that FAA is separated from the Department of Trans­portation and the President of the United States sees fit to find and appoint a qualified Administrator of thi s important function, the better off we will all be .

I~f ~ ~IAbf ARPlA~f VOLUME 3 ­ NUMBER 9 and 10 SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER 1975

COVER PHOTOS (Top Right) (Joseph W. Naphas Photo) Chuck LeMaster's Ford Trimotor adds pure nostalgia to the Annual EM Convention at Oshkosh . This grand old lady was formerly owned by Captain John Louck, and over the years has carried many thousands of passengers at fly-ins around the country.

(Lower Right) (Photo fro m Si Meek Collection) Walter Beech on the left and Art Goebel with the famou s " Woolaroc". Picture taken at the Travel Air Field in Wichita, Kansas in 1927.

(Left) (Gene R. Chase Photo)

Smiling Bob Taylor , founder and president of AM, stands in front of the Hamilton " Metalplane" .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editorial . .. by Paul H. Poberezny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 The Story of Annabelle .. . by Herman J. Skok . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4 EAA's Oshkosh '75 .. . by Morton Lester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Badger Boeing ... by Doug Pfundheller . . ... .. . . ... . ..... . . . . .. .... . .... . . ... . 11 Antique Ai rmen, Inc. . .. . . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . .. . .. .. ... . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .. . 13 Douglas 0-46-A To Air Force Museum ... . . . . . . . .. . .... . .... . .. . . .. . . . .. ... . .. . . 16 Photos From The Collection of Si Meek . . . .. .... . . . ... ...... . . . .... .. . ... .... . . 17 Chris's Cra ft . .... . .. ........ . ..... ... .. . .. ... . . . .. .. . .. . ..... . .. . ... . .. . . " .. , 19 Reminiscing With Big Nick ... by Nick Rezich ... ... ...... . . . . . . .. . . . ... .. . . ... 20 AAA-APM Na tional Fl y-In At Blakesburg, Iowa . . . by Gene R. Chase . ..... .. . . . 24 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

EDITORIAL STAFF Publisher & Editor ­ Paul H. Poberezny Assistant Editor ­ Gene Chase

Assistant Editor ­ Jack Cox Assistant Editor - Golda Cox

ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC DIVISION OFFICERS

PRESIDENT -E. E. HILBERT 8102 LE ECH RD.

VICE PRESIDENT J . R. NIELANDER . J R. P O . BO X 2464

UNIO N. ILLINOIS 60180 FT LAUDERDA LE . FLA 33303

EVANDER BRITT P. O. Box 458 Lumberton , N. C. 28358

CLAUDE L. GRAY, JR. 9635 Sylvia Ave. Northridge, Calif. 91324

SECRETARY RICHAR D WAGN ER BOX 181 LYONS. W IS . 531 48

JIM HORNE

DIRECTORS

3850 Coronation Rd . Eagan , Minn . 551 22

AL KELCH 7018 W. Bonniwell Rd . Mequon, Wisc. 53092

TREASURER GAR W . WILLIAMS. JR . g S 135 AERO DR .. RT. 1 NAPERVILLE . ILL . 60540

MORTON LESTER P. O. Box 3747 Martinsville, Va. 2411 2

GEORGE STUBBS Box 11 3 Braunsburg , Ind . 4611 2

DIVISION EXECUTIVE SECRETARY DO ROTHY CHASE. EAA HEADOUARTER S

THE VINTAGE AIRPLANE is owned exclusively by Antique ClassiC Aircraft . Inc . and is published monthly at Hales Corners. Wisconsin 53130. Second Class Postage paid at Hales Corners Post Office, Hales Corners, Wisconsin 53130 and Random Lake Post Offi ce. Random Lake. Wisconsi n 53075. Membership rates for Ant ique Classi c Aircraft , Inc. are $10.00 per 12 month period of which $7.00 is for the subscription to THE VINTAGE AIRPLANE. Membership is open to all who are interested in aviation .

KELLY VIETS RR1 , Box1 51 Sti lwell . Kansas 66085

JACK WINTHROP 3536 Whitehall Dr. Dallas, Texas 75229

Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to Antique Classic Aircraft, Inc., Box 229, Hales Corners. Wisconsin 53130

Copyright @ 1975 Antique Classic Aircraft , Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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THE STORY OF ANNABELLE

By Herman J. Skok 2831 N. Mason Ave.

Chicago, Illinois 60634 Phone (312) 237-9712

Annabelle has been with me for more than 16 years. Annabelle is my Piper PA-14 Family Cruiser. When I took flying lessons 21 years ago, I started in a Piper J3 Cub as so many people did at that time. Later on I changed to a Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser and thought it was a very de­lightful airplane to fly and still think so. When the time came to think about buying a flying machine of my own, my thoughts were hovering around the Super Cruiser. "It's too bad," I thought, "that they don't make a four place Cruiser." Then I found out there is a four place Cruiser called the Family Cruiser and decided that was what I wanted. But I also found out so did everyone else and they just were not to be had.

I saw my first Family Cruiser at Chicago's Pal-Waukee airport with its proud owner, Harry Guenther of Pal­Waukee's shop. After he showed it off to me I was just going to tell him that I would like to have first choice if he ever wanted to sell it, but then he said that he would keep it for a long, long time so I thought there is not a chance.

Not too much later I saw an ad in the newspaper ad­vertising a PA-14 and since it had a Wheeling phone number I thought it might be at Pa l-Waukee airport. Much to my surprise it was Harry Guenther's Cruiser. At that time the snow was two feet high at the tiedown area so a demonstration flight was out of the question, but when I sat in the left front seat it made me feel like I sat on a comfortable chair and someone built an air­plane around me. I knew it was the airplane for me. It was love at first sight.

On the 24th day of February, 1958 she became my air­plane and still is today. I think all airplanes should have a name so when I was trying to find a good name for her, my current girl friend said, "why don't you call her my middle name, Annabelle?". Annabelle, she has been ever since.

She has taken me to Las Vegas , Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver and many other places. She is very active in Pal-Waukee squadron of the Civil Air Patrol flying search and rescue missions and SARCAP missions and CAP cadet flight s. I also use her on photo flights .

I almost lost Annabelle once, in a tornado at Pal­Waukee airport in 1966. Almost all the airplanes there were damaged or destroyed so the waiting list to have her repaired was very long. I could not wait so I took off the wings and fastened the tail in the trunk of a car and towed her down Milwaukee Avenue to Chicagoland air­port. Four months later Annabelle was in the air again. It cost me enough money to buy another airplane, but not an Annabelle . She has been at Chicagoland ever since.

In September of 1973 Annabelle had her first and only complete engine major overhaul at Schneck at Greater Rockford airport, and in March of '74 the air­frame was completely restored by Maintain-A-Plane at Wag Aero airpOlt . The tubing was sandblasted and coat­

ed with epoxy primer and covered with Stits fabric. She is painted with Aerothane and has Whelen wingtip strobes and what not. She is a new airplane.

I am always getting letters from people who want to buy her but Annabelle is not for sale. People keep tel­ling me that some day some one will offer me so much for her that I just won't be able to turn it down. Maybe that is so, but all I can say is I hope it will not happen.

(Ted Koston Photo) Interior of the Family Cruiser.

AN NABELLE PIPER PA-14 FAMILY C RUISER - 1948

Engine .. ........ ........ . . ... Lycoming 0-235-C1 HP - RPM .. .. .......... . ........ 115 at 2800 rpm Gross Weight .................. . ....... 1850 Ibs. Empty Weight ..... . ..... . ...... . ...... 1025 lbs. Wing Span ... . . . . ... . . .... . .... .... 35 ft. 51/2 in. Wing Area .................... .. .... 179.3 sq. ft . Power Loading .. .. ....... ... . ... . . . . 17.1 Ibs. hp Wing Loading . .... . ......... . ... " 10.3 Ibs ./sq. ft. Overall Length ......... . ............... 23 1/2 ft. Overall Height ......... .. ... . . . .. . ... . .... 77 in. Propeller . ... ..... . .... Sensenich Sky Blade 74 in.

2 speed prop. Top Speed .. ........ ... .. .. .... ...... . . 123 mph Cruising Speed . .. ............ ..... ... .. 110 mph Stalling Speed, Flaps Down ...... .. .. . ... 46 mph Take Off Run ................. .... . . . .. .. 720 ft . Landing Roll . . . .... ... . . . . . .. .... . .... ... 470 ft. Absolute Ceiling ...... . ........ .... . . .. 14,500 ft. Fuel Consumption ............ . . ... . . . 6 to 7 gph Fuel Capacity .. .. ....................... 35 gals. Performance figures all are with fully loaded air­plane. 523 Family Cruisers built in 1948 & 1949. Cost when new $4,000.

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________________===~He~rma~nJ~S~k ~~~~~~'tper PA-14 , hicago "" , ok of C , InOtS,,P _

()~ '75

By Morton Lester (EAA 55178) P. O. Box 3747

Martinsville, Virginia 24112

What's your bag? Homebuilts - Antique - Classic ­Rotary Wing - Soaring - Aerobatics - Sky Diving - War­birds - or just plain girl watching. . ..

It was all at Oshkosh . Beautiful, glonous , magmfl­cent and friendly Oshkosh, Wisconsin, located on t~e shore of serene and tranquil Lake Winnebago . This IS the home of the Experimental Aircraft Association's an­nual fly-in. This past July marked its twenty-third Inter­national Convention.

What is EAA? EAA is an organization founded by Paul Poberezny in Hales Corners, Wisconsin (a suburb of Milwaukee) in 1953 along with a number of local aVia­tion enthusiasts whose prime interest was in homebuilt or experimental aircraft.

Today, EAA has emerged as the leader and spokes­man of all phases of sport aviation , and now compnses more than 45,000 members from 53 countries around the world. One can readily see that it is an international organization.

Consider for a moment how fortunate we truly are, for nowhere else in the world would it be possible for such an organization to be founded, grow and flourish along with the cooperation and goodwill of .all layer~ of government. In many, ~any foreign c~untnes the n~ht to construct your own aircraft and fly It has been legis­lated and regulated out of existence. Thank goodness for America.

The highlights of this year's convention were many. There was a total of 8,000 aircraft attending throughout the week including 1338 show aircraft competing for trophies. The Oshkosh Fly-In is famous for its forums which provide a wealth of information for the new­comer or the veteran . FAA's acting director, James Dow, spoke to the convention and commented on the excel­lent job EAA is doing in promoting aviation and offered his compliments to the Association and its leaders.

Three Congressmen also attended the convention. These were Representatives Dale Milford of. Texas, Gene Snyder of Kentucky and Jim Lloyd of California .. AIl were impressed with EAA and spoke well of the thll1gs that the Association stands for.

Another outstanding highlight was this year's "Greats of Aviation Day". This group of 36 men and women were the guests of EAA and were recognized for their signifi­

(Photo by Dick Stouffer) During the Convention many aviation enthusiasts pass through these portals, many of whom are not author­ized to be on the flight line. In '76 the security system will be improved to stop the offenders who wait for the right moment to Slip past the guards.

(Photo by Ted Kaston) Oshkosh 1975 saw three antique Ducks on the field. The J2F6 pictured here was donated to the EAA flying Museum by EAAer and Warbird member Carl Mies of West Bend, Wisconsin, complete with a fresh-majored engine. Also in attendance with their Ducks were Frank Tallman of Palos Verdes, California, EAA member 78, and John Seidel, EAA member 17379 of Sugar Grove, Illinois. Bill Ross of Chicago has a fourth Duck under restoration.

6

cant contributions to the developing of aviation prior to WW II. Never before had so many of our "Aviation Greats" been gathered at one place to receive the heart­fel t tributes they so richly deserved.

The days were pleasantly spent browsing through the displays in the commercial exhibit building which com­prised 197 exhibitors . I could not have been more pleased to see one of the booths occupied by the Virginia Divi­sion of Aeronautics and ably manned by Jim G unter and his staff. This one visit to Oshkosh by this Aeronautica l Commission created immeasurable good will among the more than 275,000 people attending the convention, and well bought tourist attention to historical Virginia. It couldn' t have been better timed with the Bicentennial just around the corner.

Try as one might, it was almost impossible to get around to seeing all the handsome show aircraft, con­sisting of antiques, classics, warbirds, custom built and rotary wing. The broad range of exotic aircraft spanning from vintage to ultra-futuristic was enough to blow one's mind.

(Photo by Dick Stouffer)

The good ole days - Yes , we had a wet day at Oshkosh in 1975. If it were not for the modern aircraft in the background, one could say this was 1911, Dale Crites ' Curtiss Pusher and all . . . or did ladies dress that way then?

(Photo by Dick Stouffer) Tom Camp of San Francisco, California , a Warbird Director, can classify his P-40E as an antique. He and his lovely wife, Julie, spent many, many hours restoring this famous airplane, and have flown many hours in it to EAA and Warbird gatherings. This aircraft previously was owned by Gil Macy. It was flown in the movie 'Tora , Tora , Tora ' and was on display in the EAA Air Museum for several months.

(Photo by Ted Koston) Dick Bach, a long time avid antiquer, also likes a little variety. He came to Oshkosh with his BD-5 Jet, but you can be sure his heart is still with the antiques.

The demons tra tions and fl y-bys of so ma ny va ried a ir­craft defy descriptio n . Time was se t aside each a ft e r­noon espec ially for the Warbird fl y-bys. P-47' s , P-63's, P-40's, P-51's, J2F6' s, F6Fs, FSF s, FM-2's, F4U's, A-26's, 8 -25's, T-2S's, T-6's, P-3S's and the lis t goes on and on. As th e Wa rbirds thundered by o n low passes in flig hts of two's and three's with the high pitched w hine of the 51's, the shrill whistle of the P-3S's and the throa ty growl of the big radials , I could not help but notice ma ny an old pilot unas hamedly wipe a tea r from his eye.

I overh ea d one gentleman say that he had served as an in fan tryman during WW n. He advised that his ba t­ta lion often found it necessary to ca ll in air support, and they re pea tedly received it from a Thunderbolt outfit. With moist eyes h e exclaimed, " Tha t deep rumble of the P-47 is still the mos t bea utiful sound in the world ."

Dur ing th e full week of the fly- in , Oshkosh is the world's bus iest airport with aircraft movem ents number­

(Photo by Dick Stouffer)

Not many fly-in goers recognized this truly rare antique, a 1929 Alliance Argo, restored by owner James Browder of Peoria, Illinois. Only 3 are on FAA's books. The Argo was built by the Alliance Aircraft Corporation of Alli­ance, Ohio , which also produced the engine, a 7 cylin ­der Hess Warrier of 115 hp. Alliance folded in the early 30's as did so many light aircraft companies, but the plant was later taken over by C. G. Taylor to build his Taylorcraft series .

(Photo by Ted Koston)

Ed Wegner (EAA 33887) , 10 Stafford St., Plymouth , Wisconsin 53073, his American Eagle and his 1975 Grand Champion Antique trophy.

(Photo by Ted Koston)

Gene Morris , left, of Dundee, Illinois adjusts the Szekely engine of his American Eaglet. Gene's wife, Mary, and son, Ken , also fly the little ultra light.

S

(Photo by Ted Koston)

Another rare Waco model, a YPF-7 with a sliding hatch and a Jacobs 245 for power.

(Photo by Dick Stouffer)

A small section of the homebuilt line with the Antique/ Classic area in the background.

(Photo by Lee Fray)

Steve and Dorothy Wittman , Carl Guell of the Wiscon­sin Aeronautics Commission , and Blair Conrad, Mana­ger of Wittman Field, stand next to the Wisconsin His ­torial Marker honoring Steve for his great contribution to aviation for the years 1924 to present. The dedica­tion was attended by the " Aviation Greats" and many other dignitaries. The marker is located on the north side of the airport near the hangar where much of St€!ve's experimental and design work was conducted.

(Photo by Lee Fray)

EAAer Bill Turner presents the " Aviation Greats" to the members in the meeting hall at Oshkosh. A detailed story about these famous guests at the Convention will appear in SPORT AVIA TlON. The response to the re­ception given these wonderful men and women of aviation has been very heart warming. A special thanks is due Steve and Dorothy Wittman for the fine lawn party they hosted at their home in honor of these pio­neers .

ing 67,314. And speaking of impressive things, the EAA Air Education Museum, owned by the EAA membership, has grown to the point that it is now recognized as the world's largest privately owned aircraft museum. When you next find yourself in the Milwaukee area, plan to s pend a minimum of a day in the museum. You will be delighted and pleased that you did.

Oshkosh is a famil y affair with excellent camping facilities and activities planned for every member. The evenings are filled with programs equally rich in enter­tainment and information for a ll ages. One could not as k for a greater blessing than to spend a week in the relaxed wholesome atmosphere, being among old friends, creating new friendships, and joining and shar­ing in our common interest and bond of aviation - past, present a nd future.

But I has ten to pOint out that the EAA Oshkosh Con­vention is more than just airplanes. It's people, it' s ac­tivities , it's a meeting place, it's educational, it' s excite­ment, it's entertainment, it's the dawn of a bright new refreshing day - and it's for you .

Such are the great things of which Oshkosh is made. One of our "Aviation Greats" expressed himself so ap tly when he said, "EAA members represent the last of the pioneers, the last trul y indep e nde nt innovators. EAA symbolizes the American Dream."

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(Photo by Lee Fray)

Wittman Field, Oshkosh 1975. Shown is only a fraction of the great expanse of airplanes and people. Each year 's growth poses a gigantic task for the Convention planners. Some people say it is too big, but most say it 's wonderful. How would one go about making it smaller, keeping in mind that the non-aviation public in attendance represents only about 10% of those attending, and then only on the weekend or during the evening precision flight demonstrations?

(Photo by Lee Fray)

President Paul Poberezny in " Red 1" about ready to leave for a circuit of the Oshkosh Fly-In grounds with acting FAA Administrator Jimmie Dow. Also seated in the modified (EXPERIMENTAL) VW, is Mr. Dow's Executive Assistant and Frank Gomes, President of EAA Chapter 184 in Hawaii. Tom Poberezny standing.

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By Doug Pfundheller (EAA 74734) 103 E. Wilson

Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589

Honey, I'm going down to the bowling alley. Through the winter months this must be a common statement in many American homes after supper, however in Stough­ton, a town of 6000 just south of Madison, Wisconsin, it probably doesn't mean 3 lines, a 202 game, or a few beers with the boys. For the three of us it means the fac­tory is about to open at Badger Boeing.

The three of us are Bill Amundson, an insurance ad­juster, Dick Peterson, a welder, and myself, a church furniture salesman. We have been friends since school days, about 28 years, but the past few years our mutual passion has been building and restoring airplanes.

Now about the bowling alley business; you home­builders know you can start a pair of wings in the living room or the fuselage in the basement, but eventually you have to put it together and that takes room. We have found that the work goes better with several pairs of hands so we work together and together we are working on a Starduster Too, restoring a Waco UPF7, and a Piper Vagabond, all at the same time. We needed lots of space. The biggest basement in our town that seemed availa­ble was under the Badger Bowl on Main St. Lucky for us the owner is Dan Herbeck and better still, Dan is a pilot and part owner of a Tri Pacer. We got together with Dan and he OKed the idea and gave each of us a key to the back basement door. Now we were in business.

In a small town like ours everyone knows everyone elses business so it wasn't long before our basement projects were well known up and down Main St. and the basement of the Badger Bowl became known as Badger Boeing.

This past winter we should have kept a guest registry book at the door of the shop, and this winter we will. Visitors on Saturdays and Sundays numbered about 300 and from as far away as Australia. Sometimes it slows the work but we feel it's half the fun and we welcome one and all.

Over the past 4 years the crew at Badger Boeing had been fairly productive. The first plane was a Taylorcraft, N43538 that was totally rebuilt and converted from a model BC12D to a model 19. This one is owned by Bill, Irv Melaas, and sure enough our landlord Dan Herbeck. Next was Dick Peterson's lovely Vagabond N4469H. This one looked like a hopeless basket case after a wind storm. The tail section was broken off, the wings bent over and in general a real mess, but now it flys like a dream. Dale Detert, an A&I from Madison, Wisconsin supervised the

The basement of this bowling alley on Main Street in Stoughton, Wisconsin, is the location of "Badger Boe­ing" where much aircraft construction and restoration takes place.

Dick Peterson working on the Waco UPF-7 lower right wing.

Bill Amundson, Doug Pfundheller and Dick Peterson restoring the Waco UPF-7 wing. Man behind the Coke carton is unidentified.

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work on the Vag. and Rog Amundson, a local A&P, the Taylorcraft.

At present the Starduster Too is moving along on schedule. The wings and tail feathers are covered and the fuselage is about ready to cover. This coming spring should see N12DP in the air, the second Vagabond will also fly late next summer. The Waco will take at least another year, however the wings have been rebuilt and this winter work will start on the fuselage. After the Waco ??? well, who knows. We are having too much fun to quit.

If you happen to be going through Stoughton on a weekend, stop in at the Badger Bowl. The coffee pot is always on and where else can you bowl a few games and take a look at three airplanes in the works in the same building!

Doug Pfundheller admires the Starduster Too project.

17 year old Ron Peterson is mighty proud of his newly­restored Piper Vagabond.

ANTIQUE AIRMEN, INC. 8900 North Lavergne Ave.

Skokie, IL 60076 (Photos by Dick Stouffer)

Antique Airmen is a group of aviation buffs dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and display of antique, classic and Warbird aircraft. Their annual convention is held over the Labor Day weekend at the Ottumwa, Iowa, Industrial Airport.

The current officers are Bud Curtright, president; Dana Russell, vice president; Dale Gustafson, vice presi­dent; and Secretary-Treasurer Mrs . Jerry (Carol) Stur­wold.

Dick Stouffer of Lake Zurich, Illinois, took the fol­lowing photos of AA member's planes.

L-_________________________________

The Ryan line at Ottumwa.

Brad Larson's shiny Ryan, SCW.

Bill Ross arrives at Ottumwa in his beautiful P-38.

Norman Kleman's lovely Spartan Executive.

George Stubbs' Grand Champion Stinson SR-10G lands at Herrmann 's Pea Patch, near Ottumwa.

Bob McDaniels presents Max Strunk with the Courier Cup for his outstanding efforts to further Antique Air­men 's goals.

John Glatz poses in front of his Monocoupe 110 Special.

Jim Leahy taxis in in his Stearman PT-17, another prize winner.

Members' planes during a visit at Herrmann's Pea Patch, located about 12 miles southeast of Ottumwa, Iowa. Jerry Haggerty's unique Cirigliano. A 1930 Homebuilt.

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\ j j

Doc Packard ' s well maintained Waco IBA, a nice addi tion to any show.

Ed Erma tinger with his prize winning Swift, a real beauty!

EAA MUSEUM ACQUIRES TRAVEL AIR 16-E (Photo by Lee Fray)

Ruth and Wellie Ropp are all smiles because they had just found a new home in the EAA flying museum for their J-6-5 powered Travel Air 16 E, NC 12380, Ser. No. 3520. Each year, these dedicated EAAers arrive at Oshkosh early and stay late to help in any way they can . Thanks, Ruth and Well ie, for the donation of your rare antique aircraft, and for the many hours of work you have contributed at Oshkosh.

•

(Photo by Lee Fray)

Retired Airline Captain and avid aviation enthusiast, Wellie Ropp, presents the log book for Travel Air 16E NC12380 to Tom Poberezny.

15

DOUGLAS 0-46-A TO AIR FORCE MUSEUM

West Lafayette, Indiana . .. A Purdue University pro­fessor' s love for fl ying and the machines making it pos­sible has put the third Purdu e- res tored aircraft into the Air Force Museum in Dayton , Ohio.

The lates t, installed in aviation's shrine in May, 1975, is an 0-46-A, an observa tion plane built by Doug las which flew in the mid-1930s. It is the only model remaining of the 88 cons tructed for the old Army Air Corps.

The plane, model 35-179, came to Purdue in crates in 1972. As near as its history can be reconstructed, the plane landed down-wind in Ha rlingen, Texas, in 1942, flipped over and was left there for some time.

Later, it was acquired by the Antique Airplane As­socia tion of Ottumwa, Iowa, and " put in storage". The Air Force Museum traded a fl ya ble plane for it and, in 1972, asked E. R. Bla tchley, professor of aviation tech­nology, if he and his students would take on the job of restoring it to its original shape.

Blatchley already had in the museum two other planes, showing hi s and hi s students' handiwork - a P6E Cur­ti ss Hawk res tored in 1963, a nd a PT22 Ryan, rebuilt to an airworth y condition at the Purdue Airport facility.

An a uthority in airframe and power plant mechanics, Blatchley designed the airframe maintenance course in

16

Robert H . Hanson, EAA 11465 of Chicago, sub­mitted these 2 photos wi th a notation tha t he took them with his box Brownie as a kid at the old Check­erboard Field, Maywood, Illinois.

This Curtiss " Carrier Pigeo n" Model 1 was s hip number 7 as operated by ational Air Transport. These aircraft were first prod uced in 1925 and pow­ered with the 12 cylinder Liberty engine. They were equipped for night flyin g . . . note the la rge la nd­ing light on the upper surface of the lower wing, and the naviga tion lights .

Little is known about the Yackey Sport pictured in the open door of the hanga r. Close exami na­tion of the photo indicates ano ther Yackey Sport pa rked further back in the hangar. Can anyone fu r­nish information on these single-place biplanes?

(Purdue University Photo)

Douglas 0-46-A, U.S. Army Air Corps observation p lane.

the School of Technology and has accepted 25 aircraft over the yea rs as laboratory projects.

Th e course is self- s us taining - when res tored, the planes (except the three museum craft) are flown and even tually sold with the proceeds used to acquire air­craft for addi tional projects.

(Robert Hanson Photo)

1925 Curtiss " Carrier Pigeon " Model 1.

(Robert Hanson Photo)

Yackey Sport, manufactured by the Yackey Air ­craft Company.

Giant Keystone "Patrician" photographed at Bartlesville, Oklahoma on January 26, 1929. These majestic transports were the largest and fastest trimotors of the period. Records indicate that only 3 were built. This example appears to be powered with 3 P & W Hornets of 525 hp each .

Monocoupe Model 70 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma in 1928. This is Phoebe Omlie's " Chiggers" of Ford Tour fame.

Photos From The Collection Of Si Meek

The following photos were sent in by R. H. "Si" Meek, EAA 58319, of 3510 Gladstone Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64123.

In 1930-31 Si worked in the Arrow Sport factory at Havelock, Nebraska, and would like to hear from any of his fellow employees. He would also be pleased to learn the identity of the fellows shown in the accompanying photo.

Arrow Sport factory employees circa 1930-31. Si Meek is fourth from right. On his left is Mr. Ward, the engineer. Next 2 men are Piccolo Pete and "Frenchie" .

One of the original Arrow Sports is X595V.

Interior of the Arrow Sport factory at Havelock, Nebraska . 17

Si Meek's Collection

The 1927 Travel Air Model 5000 with which Art Goebel won the Dole Pineapple Derby in August of that year. This aircraft is on display in the Woolaroc Museum on the Frank Phillips ranch about 10 miles southwest of Bartles­ville, Oklahoma.

Art Goebel with a Travel Air Model 5000 in Wichita, circa 1927. Note the differences in the pilot enclosure and engine exhaust installation between this aircraft and the Woolaroc.

Walter Beech on the left and Art Goebel with the famous "Woolaroc· '. Picture taken at the Travel Air Field in Wichita, Kansas in 1927.

18

A Model 5000 Travel Air operated by National Air Trans­port in 1927 at Wichita. Picture taken at Travel Air Field. Can someone identify the gentleman for us?

Could that be a barnstormer in an open-cockpit Stearman biplane, a mint condition aircraft painted in the old Army Air Corps blue and gold? Possibly, though the pilot wears a modern air force helmet. But on the helmet is painted a witch, the same symbol that's paint­ed on the aircraft fuselage: A witch on a broomstick and the words "Chris's Craft" .

A modem Waldo Pepper type? A reckless fly-by-the­seat-of-your-pants pilot? Not on your life. The pilot is a woman, Chris Winzer, and she is a Federal Aviation Administration accident prevention specialist, the only woman in FAA to fill this vital role . Mrs . Winzer is assigned to FAA's General Aviation District Office No.3 at DuPage County Airport, west of Chicago, where she is responsible for accident prevention duties in northern Illinois.

As her district has the greatest volume of pilots and aircraft of any GADO area in the U.S., Mrs. Winzer's job is a big one. Clinics for pilots, symposiums and seminars for flight instructors, talks to students, speeches before civic groups , showing aviation films, narrating slide shows, conducting biennial flight reviews, organizing safety programs - these are her jobs and all are in the interest of improving safety in general aviation. Even though FAA's Great Lakes region, in which GADO No. 3 is located, has the lowest accident rate in the country, "the lowest can become lower", according to Mrs . Win­zer.

Oddly enough, considering her proficiency as a pilot and instructor, Mrs. Winzer began to fly because she was afraid of it. "After 10 hours of instruction I had learned enough about aerodynamics and aircraft operation to lose my fear," she said. Obviously no longer afraid, she holds certificates as pilot of single and multiengine air­craft, as an airplane and instrument flight instructor, and as a commercial glider pilot. She is one of fewer than 100 women to hold an airline transport pilot rating: hers is for the classic DC-3. Mrs . Winzer has logged 2,800 hours as an instructor in more than 50 types of single engine aircraft and more than 10 types of twin engine models . Her more than 5,000 hours of flight time include 45 minutes as pilot of a blimp.

If and when time permits, Mrs . Winzer is looking for­ward to completing her flight-instructor-glider and sea­plane ratings, as well as upgrading her ATP to turbo­props. "My goal since I first started flying has been to aid in improving aviation safety," Mrs. Winzer said. "As accident prevention specialist, I will continue to learn and become more proficient as a pilot, as well as help others to do so."

The new accident prevention specialist took her first flying lessons in Danbury, Connecticut, where she worked as an executive secretary to pay for further instruction. She wears the gold Amelia Earhart medal of the Zonta Clubs, which awarded her a scholarship for more study. She has been chief flight instructor at Ohio State University, at Manchester, New Hampshire, and at Grosse lie, Michigan. And she has "barnstormed" through the Middle West and New England in her Stear­man. In one recent year she flew the Stearman for 10,000

(FAA Photo)

Christine Winzer, FAA Accident Prevention Specialist.

miles. She joined FAA as a flight inspector and examiner. Mrs. Winzer's son, Dr. Stephen Winzer, learned to fly

before he could drive an automobile . He is a research scientist for the Martin-Marietta Company in Columbia, Maryland, where he builds and flies radio-controlled model airplanes and gliders . Her daughter, Janis, temporarily has given up flying lessons to return to the University of Rochester, where her major is labor rela­tions .

Mrs . Winzer is a member of the Ninety-Nines, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the International Aerobatic Club, the Soaring Society of America, the Antique Airmen, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Associa­tion, Zonta and the International Management Council.

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11.:

THE ALL-AMERICAN AIR MANEUVERS

Part I

The recent announcement of the Second Annual Mid­Winter Sun 'N Fun Fly-In at Lakeland, Florida reminds me of the good old All-American Air Maneuvers held in Miami from 1928 'til 1941. I did not attend the 1928 show but by 1938 I accumulated enough money and experience (thanks to Howard Aircraft) to attend every year thereafter.

One of the highlights of the Miami Races from 1938 on was the Light Airplane Cavalcade to Miami. Better known as the "Gulf Oil Tour" . I believe that this was the greatest single contribution to sport flying in American aviation history.

It was also sometimes called "The Cavalcade of Cubs. " It was co-sponsored by Aeronca, Taylor-Young Aircraft, Piper Aircraft and the Aviation Department of Gulf Oil Company with Gulf picking up the tab for all the gasoline and oil. The tour was divided into three divisions - Eastern, Central and Southwestern.

The Eastern Division started in New York from Roosevelt Field, Central Division originated from Bow­man Field, Louisville, Kentucky and the Southwestern Division started from Dallas, Texas. Each Division had sub-divisions that joined them along the way which then became a caravan.

The original plans were that all the Divisions fly to Orlando, Florida where the entire group would assemble for a massed flight to Miami on the opening day of the races. The idea was great, but somebody forgot to inform the weatherman about the plans.

The reason I think it was the greatest thing that happened to sport flying was all one had to do to par­ticipate was to fill out an entry form giving your airport of origin, type of airplane, engine, some personal history and agree to display the Gulf Oil decal on your airplane.

20

REMINISCING WITH BIG NICK Nick Rezich (EAA 225)

4213 Centerville Rd. Rockford, III . 61102

(Nick Rezich Photo)

" Ted and our taxi driver at Valdosta , Georgia."

It was as simple as that. In return, you received a packet which included a very detailed flight plan listing the airports and the Gulf Oil dealers along your route; also included were the dates and cities where your division caravan originated and the caravan route. A book of gas and oil tickets was issued for the round trip which you used to pay for your gas and oil. They allowed quite a bit for getting lost - as most everyone had tickets left over after reaching home.

We also received listings of available overnight park­ing, list of hotels at special rates, overnight stops that had planned entertainment and passes to the races.

The first year of the Cavalcade some 210 light planes participated but after the word was out that Gulf Oil

(Courtesy Big Nick)

" This is your captain speaking. I have some good news and some bad news. First, the good news: We have a tailwind and are making good time. Now for the bad news - we're on a mountain top somewhere in Tennes­see." was picking up the tab for all the gas and oil, the figure rose to over 1000.

In 1939 during a press conference Mr. Claude Pullen, president of the Miami All-American Air Maneu­vers, announced that on the morning of January 5, 1940 would mark the birth of a new day in American aviation history when over 1200 airplanes or 10% of all the pri­vate airplanes in the USA would be on the Miami Municipal Airport. Well, when that big fat Moon Over Miami gave way to a bright sunny dawn on January 5, there indeed were over 1200 airplanes in Miami for the races, thanks to the Gulf Oil Company and the Light Plane Cavalcade.

Wouldn't it be great if some young enterprising P.R. Directors for Gulf Oil and Piper Aircraft announced a similar program for the coming Sun 'N Fun Fly-In?

The tour that I had the most fun on was when I was t[lit\ated into the Alligator Club.

My flying partner for the tour was Ted Linnert, one of the original engineers for Howard Aircraft, who owned the Lycoming powered T-Craft we flew.

Accompanying us was another original Howard engineer, Ted Patecell, flying a Continental 50 Cub and two of my buddies from Harlem Airport, Bruno Gramont and Jimmy Merrick, flying Jimmy's new Cub Coupe. Ted and I left from Rubinkam Airport on Chicago's far south side and the others from Harlem Airport. Our first stop was Indianapolis where we topped off the tank and were joined by several Cubs and T-Crafts en route to Louis­ville to join the Caravan and our first overnight stop. Our first taste of southern hos pitality came about after our landing a t Bowman Field where it was s till overcoat weather but a big improvement over the 2° above zero we left behind in Chicago . We shut down in front of the Gulf gasoline pump and before you could say "willy whiskers" two linemen grabbed our bags and led us into the warm office and notified us that they would top off the tank, check the oil, clean the inside and put the air­plane in the hangar for the night.

In the meantime a shapely young beauty informed us that our transportation was on the way and that she would call the hotel and notify them of our arrival ­Wow!! All this and free gasoline!

Arriving at the hotel, we met a bunch on their way to dinner who informed us of the party to follow and sug­gested Bishops as a good place to ea t. After dinner at Bishops, it was back to the hotel to get rid of the over­coats and hats and join the party. During the introduc­tions at the party, we met another Chicagoan from Ash­burn Field fl ying a 50 hp Aeronca Chief ... who's sole purpose for going on the tour was to party! And party we did, all the way to Miami! 9 years later Mr. Party, Jack Woods, became my co-pilot on a DC-3 fl yi ng for the nonskeds.

The next morning, hangovers permitting, we were off for Bowling Green, Nashville and Chattanooga, our 2nd scheduled overnight stop. Our departure from Louis­ville was in dear, cold weather and the trip to Nashville was pleasant and uneventful. At Nashville we were advised that there were low ceilings between Nashville and Chattanooga and that it would be advisable to sit in Nashville until the weather moved through Chatta­nooga.

While si tting on the ground for a couple of hours and still wearing that damn overcoat, I decided to exercise my knowledge of mountain flying - Why no t? - I'd flown this route before and didn' t have any problems ­no sweat!!

I proceeded to give Ted a snow job about pushing on, but Ted was not quite ready to buy my line of bull. We sat fo r another hour and by then I was really getting antsy. I checked the new Chattanooga wea ther and it was better, in fact it was good. I put the arm on Ted

(Nick Rezich Photo)

Ted Linnert in the bridal suite at Valdosta , Georgia. Note the portable Lea Radio on the night stand.

again and this time he knuckled under and agreed to go. Yep!! you guessed it - 30 minutes out and the clouds

were pushing us down . I dropped down about 1000' where the visibility improved quite a bit . For the next 30 minutes I kept going lower and the terrain kept getting higher until we were into the mountains. As the visibility deteriorated, I kept turning trying to keep sight of the mountain tops and the horizon. Next thing I knew, mountain tops and clouds were now one.

Ted was busy with the map trying to trace all my turns with one eye while keeping a lookout for trees with the other. A suggestion was made about this time, that we turn back and land at an airport that Ted spotted in the lower terrain, to which I replied in classic form, "Don't worry, Ted, I'll fly along the ridge, pick up a road

21

and follow it over to the other side." We continued blindly for about another 10 minutes when I spotted a saddle in the ridge. I turned and we squeaked through only to find total obscuration .

As I made a turn to parallel the ridge, I said to my­self, "Nick, I think you just in your mess kit!" Ted was not saying a word but I knew what he was think­ing.

The next 5 minutes convinced me that this flight was going to terminate in the boondocks, when suddenly I spotted a field out the left window that looked like an Iowa hay field . I chopped the throttle and with a nose high turning slip was on the ground in seconds - narry a ripple.

As I taxied up to the fence - or did we roll out to the fence? - I turned to Ted very assuringly and said, "See!! I told you I knew these mountains." As we shut down and got out, Ted handed me the map and said, "Show me where we are!!"

My 25,000 word vocabulary shrunk to - "Ah!! Ummm!! Ah!!"

We spent the next hour or two exploring the moun­tain top trying to figure out a way of spending the night without freezing to death. By then the weather kept improving until we could see the mountain tops clearly.

(Big Nick)

"Airport manager at the mountain top airport in Tennessee collecting his landing fee" ­

We agreed that we had enough fllel and Ciaylight to make Chattanooga, if we were where we thought we were. I climbed back into the left seat and Ted gave the prop a twist and we were off into a brisk northwest wind with a run of only about 300 feet. We made a climb­ing turn and rolled out on a southeast heading and in 22

(NiCk Rezich Photo)

Ted Linnert tying down the T-Craft at Miami. Holding Ted's head is another Howard Aircraft engineer, Ted Patecell, who is now a captain for Pan American. After World War II, Ted fixed up a DGA-15 to look like Mr. Mulligan, including the original NR-273Y registration number. He also was the first sales representative for Lear Jet aircraft sales. Jim Merrick's Cub Coupe is in the background.

(Nick Rezich Photo)

Ted Linnert and the T-Craft somewhere on a mountain top along the Walden Ridge in the Crabapple Mountains northwest of Chattanooga. Ted, a former engineer for Howard Aircraft, is now with the A.L.P.A. Safety Board.

about 20 minutes we were past the last ridge .. . there was the Tennessee River and Chattanooga dead ahead. The landing at Chattanooga was routine, and again the southern hospitality and the very fine Gulf Oil service was quite evident with two' line · men greeting us and treating us like we were VIPs.

The evening was spent partying and meeting about 30 or 40 tour pilots from Ohio and Kentucky who were joining the Caravan.

The cold front we had been chasing was now lying across Atlanta, so we spent the following day sight­seeing. I spent the morning rooting around in all the hangars where the find of the day was the 1930 Thompson

trophy winning Laird Solution being used as a skywriter for 7-Up.

The next day we planned for a take-off at dawn in hopes of reaching Orlando, Florida by night fall . The next morning some 50 plus light planes lifted off the run­way at Chattanooga headed for the land of the sun .

All went well until reaching Valdosta, Georgia. Land­ing at Valdosta, we learned that the cold front was now a warm front that covered all of North Florida with ceil­ings varying from 0 to 200 feet , with drizzle and fog and no improvement until the next day .

I again tried my sales pitch on Ted, telling him about my previous experiences along this route and the bit about no mountains, just flat ground and plenty of air­ports. He took one look at me and said , " Nick-O-Louse, this is not a race and I know all about your experiences and I don't care to spend the night in the swamps with the alligators!!"

By sundown every square foot of the Valdosta Air­port was covered with airplanes . And every motel and the hotel were full. We managed to squeeze into a

single room in the town's only hotel, while many of the others camped out with their airplanes. Georgia laws didn't permit much partying so it was a hamburger and off to bed .

The next morning the weather had cleared and we all were off for Orlando.

Arriving at Orlando, it looked like Oshkosh '75 ­there must have been 200 airplanes on the ground and another 50 in the pattern.

After landing we were quickly guided to our tiedown area where we were met by a chauffeur driven limou­sine collecting people for the trip to the hotel.

At the hotel the driver announced that he would re­turn at 6:30 to pick up all those going to the Alligator Club initiation at the Country Club - Wow!! What ser­vice . This is the best tour of all!

Next Month "JAWS"

The Alligator Club Initiation

(Courtesy Big Nick)

O.K., you sharp-eyed antiquers, what is it?

23

AAA-APM National Fly-In At Blakesburg, Iowa

By Gene R. Chase

(Photos by author unless otherwise noted)

The Fifth An n ual Na tional Fly-In sponsored jointly by the Antique Airplane Associa tion and the Airpower Museum was held August 24 through September 1, 1975 at Antique Airfield, Blakesburg, Iowa. A record numbe r 355 planes attended and if bad wea the r, particul a rl y to the north , had not pers isted , this numbe r woul d have been grea ter.

This is an invita tional fl y- in open onl y to AAA mem­b e rs a nd th eir gu es ts a nd thi s yea r th ese de di ca ted p eople came from th rougho ut the United S ta tes a nd some pa rts of Canada. Many EAAers a re also members of AAA and th eir prese nce a t the Fly- in was obvio us because of the many "white caps" in evidence.

The th ree ca tego ri es fo r judging purposes are a n­tique, class ic, a nd unique, the la tte r being the home­builts. As always there we re many outs tanding exa mples of fin e workmanship and also some very rare aircra ft.

One plane in particul ar which combined both of these qualities was an immacula te ly res to red 1929 Hamilton " Me ta lpl a ne". Th e ow n e r a nd pi lo t, Jac k Lysd a le of South St. Paul , Minnesota, res tored the craft in the colo rs of the old Northwes t Airways, Inc., the predecesso r of

orth west Airlines. It is a big plane, with a wing span of 54'5" a nd was trul y the " hit of the show" . The H amil ­ton was voted the Grand Champion of the Fly-In and it also received four other awa rds.

The runne rup w hich received the Sweepstakes Trophy was a beautiful Chall enger-powered Curtiss Robin fl own to Blakesburg by its owner, John Bowde n of Lampasas,

17 year old Susan Oacy and her Stearman wh ich she flew from her home in Harvard , Illinois . The pair teamed up to win 4 awards at Blakesburg.

Texas. This aircraft received fi ve awards, including the Sweepstakes.

Th ere we re ma ny mo re awa rd winning aircraft in atte ndance and some of these will be described in a more de ta il ed a rticle cove ring the Fl y- In in the Novembe r, 1975 issue of SPORT AVIATION.

Bob Taylor, the man w ho s tarted the A ntique Air­plane Associa tion in 1953, is to be congratulated fo r his efforts in making pOSSible, this popular Fly-In each La bor Day weekend . For many devoted AAA members , the annual trek to Blakesburg is a way of life.

The Grand Champion of the Fly-in , this 1929 Hamilton " Metalplane " owned and flown by Jack Lysdale of South St. Paul, Minnesota .

I "

Dick Hill, Burlington, Wisconsin , and his 1930 Taylor E-2 Cub, NC13179. Dick has loaned this plane to the Air Power Museum where it can be seen throughout the year.

This bazaar is managed by the gals, who accumulate items throughout the year for sale at the Annual Fly-In. This profitable venture brought in $2500 for the Air­power Museum.

1937 Welch OW-8M, N17117 owned by John Schildberg, Greenfield, Iowa, and flown by C. C. Cannon. Behind the plane is the pilots ' lounge , a favorite evening gathering place at Antique Airfield.

1931 American Eaglet with a 35 hp Szekely up front, owned by Gene Morris, Dundee, Illinois, and flown to Blakesburg by his son Ken .

25

Jack Rose with one of his creations, the diminutive Rose Parakeet. Judy Lindquist of Prairie Village, Kansas , owns this aircraft.

Everyone knows Sam Burgess of Honolulu, Hawaii, pictured here with his Pitts Special. Sam was one of the aerobatic pilots who performed at Blakesburg .

The pilots' compartment of the Hamilton" Metalplane". 26

Dwaine Trenton , Enid, Oklahoma, and the new Great Lakes in which he performs an outstanding aerobatic routine .

John Bowden, Lampasas, Texas , props his " Sweep­stakes Award" winning 1928 Challenger-powered Cur­tiss Robin .

Captain Doug Rounds, founder of BTB Airlines, proudly unfurls his home state flag . Doug is from Zebulon, Georgia.

27

BTB Airlines personnel and friends relaxing at the end of the flying day under the wing of one of the flagships, a 1928 Stinson SM-2. Left to right: Doug Rounds, Bob Brown, Carl " Wing Low" Francis, Eddie Ratliff, Doug Rounds, Jr., Bob Jenkins, Connie Dake, Steve Carroll, Nathan Rounds, Virginia Morman, Dorothy Chase andLETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Paul, A friend of mine has a Liberty V12 aircraft

engine with about 20 hours on it, and is want­ing to sell it. As far as I know, it is fairly com­plete, with cooling system, etc. His name is:

David Hudson Route 1 Box 970 Laveen, Arizona 85339 602-276-5972

If anyone is interested in it, please have them contact David Hudson directly.

Sincerely, Carl Schmieder, EAA 84886 537 W. Kaler Phoenix, AZ 85021

Dear Paul, Reference your letter of June 11 , 1975, in

respect to the aircraft a Mrs. Griffith has here in the jalopy jungle. The aircraft is a severely damaged Stinson 108-1, which was torn up in a wind storm some 8-10 years ago and all that is left is a skeleton for a fuselage and a pair of badly torn up and crushed wings. I don't be­lieve it to be worth taking home for a distance of 15 miles, let alone out your way.

Have my QCF under restoration and hope to grace the EAA Fly-In grounds in the near fu­ture. The ship has an interesting past since it is the prototype F-2 originally manufactured in early 1931, and was purchased by the Con­tinental Aircraft Engine Company of Detroit, Michigan, and used as the test bed for the then new Continental R-670. Many famous early pilots flew this aircraft as a factory demo.

My main interest has always been the "Golden Era" , and so little is recorded com­pared to the war periods and military activity. I was elated to see the representation of the Antique/Classic aircraft by the EAA. The grand aircraft of this time period disappeared from the scene almost unnoticed, and now we see basket cases as prizes and replicas a com­mon sight in order to reclaim what was almost lost.

If we can be of further assistance please call on us again.

Marvin H. Havelaar, EAA 47909 RR 1 Box 133-A Rapid City, SD 57701

Prototype Waco QCF, NC11241, Ser. No. 3453, mfd. 5/12/31. Photo was taken at Mines Field in 1932 and the proud "pilot" was the gas boy who wanted to sit in this new airplane. This aircraft is currently owned by Marvin Havelaar. Photo is from the collection of Henri De­Estogat (now deceased).

28

Charlie Morman.

Dear Paul, We are pleased to enclose a colour photo of

my restored 1937 Fleet Model 21 M CF-DLC for use in SPORT AVIATION.

The aircraft, to our knowledge, is the only aircraft of this model left in the world and is shown in flight over the Niagara River. Occu­pants in this photo are the writer and 15 year­old son, as co-pilot.

The 330 hp Jacobs-powered aircraft is based at our plant in Fort Erie, Ontario, and is used for public relations and advertising use. En­closed is a copy of an old specification/data sheet on this aircraft and a copy of our present general facilities brochure which outlines our present activities.

Best regards, H. Bruce MacRitchie EAA 69435 Sales Manager, FLEET INDUSTRIES P.O. Box 400 Fort Erie, CANADA L2A 5N3

EDITORS NOTE Fleet Industries, a division of Ronyx Corpora­

tion Limited was established in Canada in 1930 to design and manufacture aircraft for the world civilian , transport and military markets. During the years 1939 to 1945 several hundred military aircraft were produced in Fort Erie and delivered from the company's 2400 foot airstrip.

Today the company no longer produces complete aircraft but fabricates major air­craft components for the prime Canadian and United States manufacturers of airline equip­ment.

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FLORIDA SPORT AVIATION ACTIVITIES - The very act ive Florida Sport Aviation Antique and Classic Association has a fly-in some­where in the state almost every month. The decision on the location of the next fly-in is usually made on too short notice for inclusion in The Vintage Airplane, so we recommend to all planning a Florida vacation that they contact FSAACA President Ed Escallon , 335 Mil ­ford Drive, Merritt Island , Florida 32925 for fly-in details . Join the fun!

JANUARY 19-25- LAKELAND, FLORIDA-2nd Annual Mid-Winter Sun 'n Fun Fly-In . Contact Martin Jones, 1061 New Tampa Hwy., Lakeland , Fla. (813)682-0204.

JULY31-AUGUST8-0SHKOSH, WISCONSIN-24th Annual EAA International Fly-In Convention. Start making your plans NOW!

Back Issues Of The Vintage Airplane

Limited numbers of back issues of THE VINTAGE AIRPLANE are available at $1 .00 each . Copies s till on hand at EAA Headquarters are:

1973 - MARCH , APRIL, MAY, JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, OVEMBER, DECEMBER

1974 - JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL, MAY, JUNE, JUL Y, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER

1975 - JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL, MA Y,JUNE, JULY-AUGUST

CLASSIFIEDS

WANTED - 1940 Piper J4-A Coupe pa rts. Front s truts, jury struts wheel pants, nose cowl , nose cowl grills and "Coupe" name plates for cowling. Please call or write: James R. Bentch, Rt. 1, Box 162, Broadway, Va. 22815, Phone 703/896-2363 .

AERONCA ENGINE OWNERS - Send your present and anticipated future requi re ments for plain insert- type con rod bea rings a lo ng with cra nkpin dia me ter, if known, to: Tom Trai nor, 4604 Briar.wood , Royal Oak, Michigan 48073 .

TRADE - Metal spar J-3 wings . Need little work before covering. Not for sa le but will trade for GOOD wood spa r wings for earl y '38 J-3. Will conside r later model wood s pa r wi n gs for )-3 if in rea lly good sh ape . Would also like an engine cowl fo r a 40 hp )-3 or )-2 . Dave Workman, Zane Auto Top , 400 South St. , Za nes­ville, Ohio 43701.

FOR SALE OR TRADE - Contin ental R- 975-46, Se rial 101592. Compo r~ tio 6.3:1. For sa le or trade towa rds an 10-360 Lycoming. No logs . Overhauled and tested 1-11-63 at Pe nsacola NAS. On o rig in a l p all e t and s tored in school. Make offer. Bud Rogers, Lafolle tte High School, Madison, Wisc. phone 608/222-3652.

FOR SALE - 1938 Arrow Sport, Model "M". 125 Me nas­co, 204 TT. Airfra me 200 TT, recovered in 1973 with S tits fa br ic a nd finis h es . Onl y exa mp le built by factory and is identica l to Ford V-8 " F" except fo r engine. Cruises 100, s tall 35, cl imb 1000 fpm . $5000 firm . David C1eav inger, 18611 Maplewood, Livonia, Michigan 48152. Phone 313/477-7121.

WANTED - For Laird Super Solu tion project. The Florida S port Av ia tio n A ntique and Class ic Associa tion is res toring this his toric racing aircra ft and they need a p ro p eller. Th e pl a ne was fitte d with a H a milto n Standard , ground adj ustable, design no. 21Al-7 SI 36382 - 36385. Please contact Ed Escallon, 335 Mil­ford Dri ve, Merritt Is land , Fl orida 32952 (305) 453-0481.

WANTED - Blackface Cub altimeter, Szekely engi ne o r pa rts or ma nuals. Phil Michmerhuizen, 186 Su nse t Dr. , Holland , Mi. 49423 .

WANTED - An airworthy p ropelle r for 200 hp Range r fo r my Fokker DVII which is nea rly ready to fl y. Dr. Stanley R. Morel, 812 E. Park Row, Arling ton, TX 76010.

WANTED - Left and right fu el tanks for Bellanca Model 14-13, Louis S. Casey, 3909 Ingomar St. NW, Wash­ington DC, 20015. AC 202/537-1991 .

WANTED - 2 each , 12 volt strobes for fu selage mounti ng (top and bo ttom) for an Ercoupe 415C. Please give full particulars firs t letter. Fred Sa mpson, 35 Allman Place, New H artford, N. Y. 13413 .

RANGER AIRCRAFT ENGINE, model 6-440-C5 (200 HP) 443 TT, OSMOH, long term preserva tion, 1946, not mainta in ed , mags, logs, bes t offer . RANGER AIR ­CRAFT ENGINE, m od e l V-770 (520 HP), no t p re ­served, no logs, sa lvagea ble parts. Best offer. W. B. Nixo n, 609/452-5111. Please submit bids to Princeton U nive rs ity, Box 33, Prince ton , New Je rsey 08540. Attn : Philip Krier, Assis tant Director of PurchaSing.

WANTED TO BUY - Gull Wing S tinson SR- 7 th rough S R-10, V-77 & A t-19 for res tora ti on p rojec t. E. W. Brockman, No. 1469, 14320 Joy Rd., Detroit, MI 48228.

WANTED - Old CO TINE TAL A-40-4 Aircra ft Engine compl ete, also la ter Model Cont. 65 H .P., Wha t have you? Please give full pa rticulars, price - firs t le tter -Chas. Opalac k, 1138 Indus tr ial Ave. , Potts tow n, PA 19464.

WANTED - Pip e r C ub )-3 abo ut 1938-39-40 Models, complete or in parts . Need a 1939 )-3 Cub FUSELAGE mostly for one project, will also buy a Taylorcraft and Aero nca comple te airp la ne needing res to ra ti on for a noth er project. G ive FULL de tails in you r firs t le tters please and fa ir p rices, if you ac tuall y wa nt to se ll. Chas . Opalack, 1138 Ind us tr ial Ave., Potts town, PA 19464.

FOR SALE - H amilto n Standa rd propelle r - 2B20-220 (6135A -15) and governor & la rge spinner from Ces­sn a 190 . 4 h rs . s ince overha ul a nd poli sh : w/tags . $695.00 or trade fo r Curtiss-Reed 96x71 in like condi­tion . Also Cessn a 190 cowl and engine moun t: $150.00 each . Carburetor for W670-23 Cont. $125 .00. Dennis K. Owens, 140 Second St. , Deposit, NY 13754.

WANTED - PA-7A Pitcairn Ma il wing Wheels needed for a Smithsoni an Res to ra ti o n . Th e aircra ft h as to go bac k to the Smithsonian by ea rly 1976. Joe Toth and Cha rl es Las h e r of Miami a re re buildi ng thi s one . Contact Charli e Lasher if yo u kn ow w here they can obtain a set of w heels a t: Southern Aeronautical Co. , 14100 Lake Cand lewood Ct. , Mia mi La kes, Fla. 33014.

WANTED - A pair of original J-3 w heel pants. Howard C. H olman, Sky Ran ch , Way ne, Maine 04284.

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