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Last update was back in April. A lot has transpired since then, but precious little VISIBLE work on the airplane. Where to begin...?
We didn't make it to Paris. Politics,family foundations, $$/ego, back biting etc. got us bumped. Then the $$/ego bailed! So there was no Paris re-enactmtnet of Lindbergh's arrival on May 21, 2002, at all! Of course we were pretty bummed, but actually it has worked out quite well. A number of other (quite different!) business opportunities have come our way AND a number of original items have been made available in the interim (think working Pioneer Earth inductor compass!!!). With the deadline no longer looming, accuracy to original is our prime focus.
Spars have been signed by all involved, varnish is proceding at this time. Tail feathers complete. Landing gear has come to a screeching halt, as a heretofor unappreciated photo has resurfaced showing A VERY IMPORTANT structural feature. How important? Let's just say that no fully loaded "long wing" Ryan could take off without it.
Drawings detailing NYP structure are taking shape. Estimate twenty 24"x36" sheets to cover most of a/c with one 24x72 sheet on the intricate spars. Steam tank for bending the le ply is on hand. Port wing tip is nearly comlete( it only took three attempts at various planking methods to arrive at the one that most looks like the skimpy photo data AND meets with the Ryan axiom "quick and cheap-cheap and quick" !!!- it will prove very interesting to us exactly how the tip was built IF the original a/c ever has its fabric removed!). Cannot emphasize enough how important good quality photos can be. We've even computer enhanced a number of them, pulling out details nobody has appreciated for over 70 yrs. Please know we're not bragging here, but rather find this is an exciting, yet humbling experience.
When all structure and fairings are complete the a/c will be assembled and photographed extensively before cover. We have come to appreciate that a lot of hard earned discoveries will be unseen, thus mostly unapreciated, once it is covered. Would appreciate any and all serious input and/or questions regarding points of techno historical interest from airplane builders, modelers, historians etc., on the project.
Airplane can be viewed most any day, 10.00am to dark, at the Visalia Airport. Phone first,if you'd like to make sure someone is there for the "tour".
559-625-3011
Charlie
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16 June 2002, 06:13 AM
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