Ed Couch
Jul 08, 2009, 12:43 PM
Sometimes the tron gods are just kind and as I have only a couple of projects in the wings a friend called and asked that I go with him to pick up a few unfinished models. Talk about a set up. Fred Bowles is an old time modeler and full size aircraft builder whom is getting on in years and having trouble with his sight. He is also off on another project of rebuilding a 1950 Ford tractor in his shop and needed the room to spread out a little so a dozen or more models had to go. I was to lend a hand and truck to help move the models out of his shop but between Fred and Herb they figured I just might want the Stork that had been setting unfinished for over 10 years. It was built by another (Savage) and passed through several hands. I was flabbergasted when he handed it to me and refused to take any money so I dragged her home yesterday morning.
The vehicle is an enlargement of plans drawn by a gentlemen by the name of Al Backstrom whom I had known for many years. He had designed and built the full size glider referred to as "The Plank" many years back and also several others of which I can't remember. A great man and a lot of fun to be around at the Boys Ranch in Bedford Texas. Several years back he moved to the Austin area to be with his family. He was sorely missed here in Dallas/Ft Worth area. The plans appeared in Flying Models magazine as plan "CF791" if anyone is interested. This version is 108 inches in span and should come out at about 6 to 8 pounds all up. All other projects set aside and the building table has been cleared off (almost) so here we go.
From the modeling community I need a little help though. First off I need some color on this one. I figured it was linen and dope so antique Coverite or similiar covering would be ok for the wing and tip assemblies. The area around the motor is probably aluminun sheet and the fuselage looks to be solid wood sheeting. The aircraft is presently painted with several coats of dope so the final finish is not that far away. Struts/gear are also to be built. Again, need help with any details anyone can come up with.
Attached are a few shots of the unfinished vehicle.
ed
The vehicle is an enlargement of plans drawn by a gentlemen by the name of Al Backstrom whom I had known for many years. He had designed and built the full size glider referred to as "The Plank" many years back and also several others of which I can't remember. A great man and a lot of fun to be around at the Boys Ranch in Bedford Texas. Several years back he moved to the Austin area to be with his family. He was sorely missed here in Dallas/Ft Worth area. The plans appeared in Flying Models magazine as plan "CF791" if anyone is interested. This version is 108 inches in span and should come out at about 6 to 8 pounds all up. All other projects set aside and the building table has been cleared off (almost) so here we go.
From the modeling community I need a little help though. First off I need some color on this one. I figured it was linen and dope so antique Coverite or similiar covering would be ok for the wing and tip assemblies. The area around the motor is probably aluminun sheet and the fuselage looks to be solid wood sheeting. The aircraft is presently painted with several coats of dope so the final finish is not that far away. Struts/gear are also to be built. Again, need help with any details anyone can come up with.
Attached are a few shots of the unfinished vehicle.
ed