Mr Tweed in N.America…

Second visit to the CWH – this time a Saturday, where the Stearman was being used hard, and the Lanc (see seperate thread) did three flights.

I’d like to extend my thanks to those of the CWH who were very helpful and hospitable, particularly Jim B – (good to meet at last) and to Peter and his ‘crew’.

Enjoy.

My guess is that it’s a new-build YMF from the WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation, after studying the photos on their web site:
http://www.wacoclassic.com/intro.html

Had a very nice lunch in the sun, and no thretened upchuck either, thanks.

Off to watch a Lancaster go fly tomorrow.

I’m meant to be writing a book (or 8) Shhhhshhh!

You see, James, the way this holiday/vacation thing is supposed to work you venture forth to see and discover new and exciting places and experiences.

Now put the computer down, son, and go see some Canada. Aye?

As for using your gloves, well as my old friend MOTF says…”Any port in a storm!”

I’ve been told by Robbo that some people use their gloves. 😀 I’ll keep my brekky down, ta. I need it, if I’m going to grow big an stwong like Andrew O.

Just a little over a week before James and I meet up at Oshkosh (as well as Mk 5). Remember James, don’t eat that damn full English Breakfast before we go flying. I’ve only got a couple of those “little bags” in the back seat.

It’s not a Stinson

We know what it’s not…a Stearman, N3N, and Moth and judging by the fuselage shape, I don’t think it’s a Travel Air.
I agree the sweep of the leading edge of the vert. stab. reminds me of a Stinson 108 series, BUT IT’S NOT A STINSON.
Looking through my Putnam series “General Dynamics” book, the only Stinson bi-plane they show is the prototype Detroiter.

Trouble is there were lots of U.S. made planes in the 20s-30s….rather like the early years of the automobile whem most industrial American cities had a factory there.
Considering the plane in the ad is outside, its probably flyable.
I’m still guessing WACO…based on sheer numbers of them. 🙂

Thanks John, I agree that Stinson bipes are rather rare 😉 but I’m not entirely convinced by the default to Waco theory either… Hmm. A puzzle.

I don’t think so…

And there’s vintage aviation everywhere if you look closely enough. The current issue of Gourmet Magazine has this pic in Stinson tail methinks.

I don’t think it’s a Stinson….I’m not aware of any Stinson bi-planes.
My motto: When in doubt abouit a 30’s era bi-plane, call it a WACO.:)

Thanks JDK and Glen for your replies. The rate of progress on the Halifax is amazing.

Regards,

Paul

I’d love to get there Dave, but I’m not leaving Ontario for elsewhere in Canada this trip; and Manitoba is a ways away. It’s a BIG country! Getting quite a lot on the BCATP anyhow. Lots of Aussie and Kiwi connections. Liv Ulman’s father was a Norwegean pilot based at the temporary ‘Little Norway’ base on Toronto Island airport – today’s amazing factoid.

Thanks for the confirmation Glenn – I was going to give you a shout, but we only went at the last minute – so thaks for the tips, maybe next time!

Cheers / Salut

Hi James,

It looks like you’re having a great trip. I was wondering whether you will be visiting the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum at Brandon? It looks from their website to be an excellent museum. And as an Ausie you may find it particularly of interest I guess.

http://www.airmuseum.ca/contents.html

Cheers
Dave

I’ll follow-up with some words from the boys working on it but last I understood the engines would be in running order, but the aircraft is to be stored in the new museum and not to be taken outside again for sometime. When I initially asked if they were going to get it flight worthy, they told me that it would take far too much money, too much work (they’re all volunteers) and that, rather their desire is more to have a more exact reprensentation of the aircraft, as it was, for display purposes as a tribute to those who served in the Halifax.

The engine with the plastic cowl for display is really something to behold and one can turn a crank at the back and watch all the gears operating to spin the propeller shaft… It is amazing, really…

As well, JDK, you are correct. The new museum is to be laid out more as a showcase to display artifacts relevant to the RCAF and that once the Halifax is in place, there it will rest for some time.

Of note: We shall soon be getting a Yukon back that used to be the Prime Ministers version of Air Force 1. I believe it is the only one left…

“Where’s the… Chipmunk!” I hear you cry. Here you go Steve…

Hee hee… Cheers mate! 😀

Couple of observations on the Halifax.

I really like the way they’ve put that transparent front casing on one of them; internal workings of big radials are beautifully complex, and it’s great to see it being shown to the masses in such an innovative way. 🙂

Classic example of how magnesium alloy deteriorates; take a look at that tailwheel leg. Utter mush…

Okay, so there’s three observations. (Slightly smug mode, ON) See the cowl gills on the non-transparent engine? They’re held on by the cowl gill actuator arms, which attach to the ring via four bolts and a nut plate each. And I cleaned and packed the nut plates which are in that engine. (smug mode OFF) Funny how the little things in life make ya smile, innit? 😀

My understanding is that it will not be able to get out for a breath of fresh air, so to speak. Disappointing, but I think that is the plan. I could be wrong though … Glen … Peter?

I’ll probably drop by the museum to visit in August. Any special photo requests?

Charles

Hi 357,
The building design looks good, but it’s very much ‘museum’ rather than ‘hangar’ if you know what I mean. I don’t know the answers to your questions for fact.

Maybe Glen might be able to comment more authoritatively?

Cheers /Salut

The museum has great plans for expansion, underway at the moment, and thus a lot of a/c will be brought under cover and there will be room to erect the Halifax; though the proposed building won’t seem to allow it out.

It’s great that she will be ensconced in a warm new building, but it would also have been nice for her to come outdoors for the occasional daylight airing.

Was this ever a consideration or was it just deemed too impractical?

Will she be capable of ground runs if allowed out? The restoration looks amazing by the way. Great craftsmanship, a credit to all involved.

Regards,

Paul

Yes indeed! I was at the Halifax restoration myself again today looking for the manager. No luck yet HP57, as Bill was out on the golf course enjoying the morning when I popped by! The cheek!

Things are really looking great with NA337 these days!

Thanks JDK,

Some years ago we were dependent on the website’s updates, and now it seems that people visit the restoration daily with photographic updates.

Are we being spoiled?

Naah

Keep them coming.

Cheers

Cees

Some bomber? Oh, alright then…