Full Plate

2012 is off to a good start for the team. We're currently working on four projects which are; Stinson SR-8C, Stinson V77, Waco Taperwing and D17S Staggerwing.

The SR-8's parts are OD green, the V-77 gloss black. As of now we are planning on the SR-8 exterior to be Black and Red with gold pin stripe. Colors for the V-77 are TBD however, it's going to have a R-985 Pratt & Whitney up front which should make for an exciting airplane.

Both Stinsons have been completely stripped of all parts and all the sub assemblies have been stripped down as well. Both fuselages have been blasted, tested and re coated.  All of the small parts are out for plating, chrome and paint. It wont be long and we will be going back together with the "twins". The wood shop got a leg up on SR-8 before it went for blasting by building and fitting the door and window frames as well as the stringers.

It's Alive!!

First ground run and leak check of the Doyle Stearman were performed today! So far, everything is green light go! The fuel injection and extended exhaust make for little different sound.

N966CD

For the first time in a while N966CD sees the light of day as a completed airplane!

N966CD

The holidays and lots of travel the past two weeks makes the blog long overdue for an update. The Doyle Stearman is near completion with just a couple of details remaining. It's standing proud in the shop looking good. Now we're hoping for some warmer temps to get it in the air! Lets hope the mild winter continues.  

.

A line up shot of inventory at RARE Aircraft Ltd in 2003. How many WACO's can you count in this picture?

A Pair of Stinsons

We dove into our next two full restorations this week, two Stinsons. One is a SR-8B which will end up a C model powered by a R-680 Lycomming. The other is a V-77 what will have a R-985 Pratt and Whitney up front. The SR-8 will be complete first and will call Brazil home. With the V-77 fuselage completely stripped and ready for a make over you can see the SR-8 next to it in the photos. Having three Stinsons total in house (one airworthy) and rumor of another on the way is like having a herd of elephants to care for!

N966CD Stearman Update

For those of you following the progress on the Doyle Stearman you may have noticed it's been quiet on the update side of things. A build up to a finale perhaps.....
BIG things to come after the holidays.

Thanks for checking in!