Author Topic: Stearman Biplanes Now w/ some pics. (Read 758 times)

Don R · « **on:** September 07, 2011, 06:44:27 PM »

The annual Stearman fly in is underway and I'm a few miles from the airport. There were over 85 lined up here today along with a brace of T6's and what I think is a Boeing 1930's bomber. Tomorrow and friday the formation flying begins practicing for the contest and I'm in the flight pattern. Unmuffled radial engines overhead all day, too cool. I'll try to post some pics later in the week.

Don R · « **Reply #1 on:** September 09, 2011, 04:31:15 PM »

It's raining now and all the stearmans are on the ground but I hear someone doing aerobatics, really screaming. An early jet went smoking past to the airport a while ago but I couldn't see what it was.

demon78 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 10, 2011, 04:25:02 AM »

Don post when you can, love R 985's did hundreds at one time.
Bill the demon.

Don R · « **Reply #3 on:** September 14, 2011, 09:24:55 PM »

I got sick and didn't make it back out there. I'll post some pics from last time.

faux fiddy · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2011, 01:48:59 AM »

My uncle is a retired United Pilot. He loves the links and photos I can forward. Thanks.

Here's what he wrote:

THANKS FOR SENDING THIS.THE STEARMAN WAS A FUN PLANE TO FLY.I FLEW ONE IN PRIMARY TRAINING AT MINNEAPOLIS IN 1944.
IN 1946 YOU COULD BUY ONE FOR $1500. NOW THEY GO FOR OVER $50,000.HOW ARE YOU DOING?I HOPE EVERYTHING IS WORKING OUT OK.THEY TOOK THE SHIELD OFF MY LEFT EYE AND NOW IT IS 20/20,LIKE THE RIGHT ONE.IT WILL TAKE A COUPLE OF WEEKS TO STABILZE BUT IT LOOKS PROMISSING.I HAVE TO WEAR THE SHIELD WHEN I GO TO BED FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
Maybe he is up on the price of planes, but I bet the power plant might be worth $50k?

faux fiddy · « **Reply #5 on:** September 16, 2011, 05:15:57 AM »

demon78 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 16, 2011, 02:00:46 PM »

I'm trying to remember what we charged for a major on a P&W R-985 engine I think it was 8500 to 9500$ but don't hold me to that any how it's been a day or two.
Bill the demon.