The prototype Beech 18, (probably the first modern business aircraft before becoming a military transport) is being restored.
http://www.antiqueairfield.com
It first flew on January 15, 1937 and was later taken on charge by the RCAF as 8650. I didn’t even know it had survived, but one book says it was in storage at the National Air and Space Museum.
Seven thousand eighty-eight Model 18/Super 18s were produced….with the Super 18 superceeding the original model in 1957. The final aircraft were delivered to Japan Air Lines for use as trainers in late 1969.
More details on the prototype would be appreciated.
By: J Boyle - 20th June 2012 at 00:06
No, Walt owns it. Future plans? Rebuild it and fly it!
That’s good, I’m not a big fan of the NASM’s restoration policies….which seem to favor the obscure over planes that have made a real difference to aviation.
Recall they restored the Aichi M6A submarine-borne floatplane and DO 335 before lifting a finger to restore the B-17D Swoose, the sole survivor of it variant and a survivor of the early, dark days of the Pacific War.
I’m not against either being preserved, but I do question the management of their restoration queue.
I’d love to see the prototype fly.
It’s amazing that it and the prototype beech 17 “Staggerwing” still exist. Though the Staggerwing has been rebuild from a crash.
By: Avro Avian - 19th June 2012 at 23:39
Very, very cool. I hope Walt puts the bump cowls back on it.:)
By: Mike J - 19th June 2012 at 21:53
No, Walt owns it. Future plans? Rebuild it and fly it!
By: J Boyle - 19th June 2012 at 21:45
The last time I saw it, it was being stored by Fred Patterson at Gnoss Field.
Does the NASM still own it?
Any idea about future plans?
By: Mike J - 19th June 2012 at 17:45
The last time I saw it, it was being stored by Fred Patterson at Gnoss Field. Walt Bowe now has it under restoration at Schellville, now that he’s completed his lovely Laird Speedwing.
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June 19, 2012 at 4:47 pm