For Stearman Lovers Everywhere
As winter turns into spring (sort of) here in Washington, it is time for our Stearman's annual inspection. Good thing that way we know it will be safe for a sunny season of flying. Since all the access panels are removed I thought I would take some pictures and share them with you.
This plane was restored over 20 years ago after years of neglect on a farm in California. It is a pleasure to ride in. The owner shipped it too Australia and flew around the Outback. This aircraft is restored to very original conditions with very little modernization in place.
Here you see the two left hand panels removed and can see the structure in the forward (student) cockpit. The silver cylinder is the left brake master cylinder, the red handle is the control lock.
Here is the right hand view of the aircraft.
The view from the bottom
The forward cockpit (student).
The aft cockpit (instructor).
Now if there were only some great kits in 1/48th or 1/32 scale.
"Now if there were only some great kits in 1/48th or 1/32 scale". - You took the words right outta my mouth as I was perusing these magnificent photos. One thing that struck me odd (not knowing a better, I suppose), was the fact that those rudder pedals look awfully small. Do the soles of one's feet fit those or are they designed for just the heels of the foot?
post script: given the popularity of such an airplane, I wonder WHY there's no kit of the Stearman? Now that's a bi-plane model I WOULD buy. Not my favorite genre, however...all that rigging and such on most - yeeeech!
Rudder pedals on a Stearman fit your feet.
that's really beautiful walt...i took a hop in one in reading pa a couple years ago...shear pleasure...thank you for the pictures
Oh man what I wouldn't do to go for a ride, one of my all time favorites. Thanks especially for the cockpit shots. Now I might go ahead and scratch build an interior into the ole Lindberg 48th kit. Time to head fown to BFI to get some shots of the B-17 "Aluminum Ovecast." Thanks again for the great pics!
What is that engine? Doesn't look like a "shaky Jake" - are you guys running a Continental in there? I used to be a member of a Stearman club in Sacramento back in the 70s. Boeing-built PT-17. The N number was 747JR, and we called ourselves in as "Boeing-seven-forty-seven-junior." I ended up with 500 hours in her, back when normal people could afford to fly airplanes.
Great shots.
Yes it is a Continental. It sounds great and runs sweet. This one was restored in Redlands, CA, by the owner. It was his first, then he did a De Havilland Beaver. I was involved in that restoration and am currently working on his Grumman Goose.