Quote:
Originally Posted by brinesharks
I assume you will use the orignal beaching wheel set up?
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Bryan,
Yes, I intend to build that, I do have the drawing for it. But, I am suspecting it will be used more for nostalgia, and photo ops.
I envision use for the Baby to be somewhat limited, and well planned. For one thing, the original had a 2.25 hour endurance, this with a reserve tank behind the pilot. I don't quite yet know what I will do about the main fuel tank, if it ends up a bit larger or what? A long way from there. Still, I can see a limited range developing.
So Florida has 3 public use seaplane bases with fuel available. One is Jack Brown's seaplane base which shares space with the Lakeland airport, an hours drive from my assembly site.
So this means, I have to buy or rent a hangar at that airport, and then dolly the plane to the ramp at the seaplane base. The dolly, likely being a modern version with a hitch for my car, or tractor tug.
Now, I can fly to various lakes in central Florida within range of Lakeland, with many having soft white sand beaches and or grassy shores,... "Now where did I leave that dolly"?,.."Oh yes, back at the airport"!
So you see, I'm quite limited as to where I can go with this aircraft but, that's OK. Anything further, like say Key West, would require well planned fuel stops with waiting handlers at each location. Not your typical cross country bird, but well worth it I would think!
Can I tempt you with a nice pretty Nieuport!
