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Post by nikonbob on May 16, 2011 8:34:24 GMT -5
Sorry no photos to post of this rare sighting. I was doing some spring painting outside and heard the clatter of a radial engine which caught my attention as you don't hear them that often here. Spotted a lovely red biplane on approach and an hour later heard and saw it leaving. Only then did I realize it had no landing gear showing so I was likely looking at a Beech Staggerwing confirmed by a call to the flight refueling centre. I will be kicking myself for a long time for not going to the airport to investigate instead of painting. This link shows the exact red Staggerwing that used to belong to Vintage Wings of Canada en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beechcraft_Staggerwing . It was on it's way to a new home out west. Even from a distance a gorgeous plane to see flying. Bob
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photax
Lifetime Member
Posts: 1,915
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Post by photax on May 16, 2011 12:43:51 GMT -5
Hi Bob !
I know exactly what you mean. Some years ago a three engined WWII Ju 52 made a turn exactly above my head. I was so fascinated that I forgot to grab the camera and take a picture... The Beechcraft is a fantastic plane, just had a look at your link.
MIK
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daveh
Lifetime Member
Posts: 4,696
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Post by daveh on May 16, 2011 13:38:45 GMT -5
This could prove to be an interesting thread - like the fish that got away. Perhaps it should be subtitled "the competition winner I almost photographed". I know that I have missed several classics by not having a camera to hand. The trouble is that I don't have a photo to remind me what they were.
What an elegant plane the Staggerwing is. Thanks, Bob, for putting us in touch with it.
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Doug T.
Lifetime Member
Pettin' The Gator
Posts: 1,199
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Post by Doug T. on May 16, 2011 13:38:58 GMT -5
Hi guys! Too bad I've never seen a Staggerwing, and have also never seen a Tante Ju except in pictures. It was similar to the Ford Tri Motor, wasn't it? Doug
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Post by nikonbob on May 16, 2011 16:07:00 GMT -5
Well at least I got to see her in her natural element and not on static display. Doug yea, the JU52 and the Ford Trimotor look to have a lot in common. About 10 years ago I saw a JU52 clattering along over Hamburg. I think it was the one Lufthansa restored www.lufthansa-ju52.de/. You never know when you are going to see something interesting. Bob
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Post by olroy2044 on May 16, 2011 22:08:22 GMT -5
Turn around, Bob! I'll do it for you!
I did the same thing a couple of weeks ago. The unmistakable snarl of a Merlin pulled me out side, and I stood and watched a P-51 circle around for about 10 minutes.------------------------------Camera? What camera?!
The Beechcraft Staggerwing is (imho) one of the most elegant general aviation aircraft ever built. Comfortable, fast, even by today's standards, and a joy to look at. That big radial is hard on gas, but it really pulls that plane through the air!
I've got to dig through my old slides. I have quite a few shots of them taken at air shows. Haven't seen one in years.
Roy
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Post by nikonbob on May 17, 2011 7:55:48 GMT -5
Roy
Thanks for the offer, I am getting tired hopping around on one leg trying to do it myself. Some moments are made to be enjoyed not photographed. Yea, elegant is the word for them.
Bob
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