Beechcraft Staggerwing

[19000rpm]

Don't ask me where I got this hairbrained idea from, but one day last fall I decided to convert my Super Cub into a biplane. More specifically, a vintage Model 17 Beechcraft Staggerwing.

www.beechcraftheritagemuseum.org/collection/NC499N.html

Well I started the project, but got distracted by other things and it's been sitting there in a partially built state. Now I'm getting back into it.



I used the original wing with ailerons cut down 8" and added a new wing on CF tubing.

I'll power it with a brushless 480 or 10 motor.

This should be fun to fly.

[Dave]

One of my favorite planes ever made. Wish I had been working at the airport when they were around. It was the Cadillac of it's day

Dave

[19000rpm]

Right Dave, the Staggerwing was the best of the general aviation planes at the time.

My Dad sold Beechcraft for a while. I was lucky enough to fly in a bunch of them, but never a Staggerwing. My favorite was the type 35 V tail. Eflite has it in a kit. Hmmmm.

Before I get distracted again, back to the Staggerwing. Next step is building the struts. I'll be using balsa and some hardwood dowel.

It's taken a while to find a cowl that will fit. It turns out the GWS Corsair cowl is the right diameter and the length can be cut down to fit.

The wing fairings are going to be a bit of a challenge. I'll probably make them out of styrene plastic.

Unfortunately, I'll probably not build the beautiful wheel pants since I fly off grass so much. Or, maybe I'll find some that are quick to take off and install.

[akent]

Looks great so far!

[19000rpm]

Thanks Kent. The thick foam wings look bulky, but I'm hoping the wing fairings make them look sleeker.

[Gabe]

Wow, that's a heck of a transformation for the Super Cub. Very nice work.

[19000rpm]

It's been fun so far. I'm going to order the cowling today. The weather's crappy so maybe the struts will get built today.

[19000rpm]

Well, the struts didn't get built yet, but the cowl came in. I cut it down to fit. I think it's going to be just right.

Now to get after those struts.

[Solitaire]

Hmmm, three words...fairings...vacuuform...Ray.
But, I'm sure you've already thought of that.

[19000rpm]

A vacuform would be perfect. I'm going to go with the old methods on this one though since the thick wings already compromise asthetics.