Warbird Information Exchange

When the Corsair was going to the new owner I had a gap to fill, a new challenge to find. I looked at many warbirds, homebuilts and antiques.

I kept going back to a Gee Bee. I located a Z project in Northern Illinois and pestered the builder for about a month before he agreed to sell it to me. First, I would like to say I still thank him for selling me his project of 11 years. His workmanship is beautiful. I was hoping to be much further down the road in one year than I am. I have spent just over a year researching this plane. I am posting photos of the Gee Bee Z project as purchased to try to shake out some further detail before we finalize our CAD drawings and start cutting wood and metal.

I have posted some photos and ask for the experts to point out any errors in the project. I know of some variance from the original and will change those that I find objectionable. I only ask that if you slam some part of the Z, just let me know what would be correct.

"Paint" I will paint the finished exterior as original as possible. I will not paint the tubing black, I want to easily inspect the structure for cracks. Now that is out of the way.

Pirate Lex
http://www.BrewsterCorsair.com

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An ego is no match for gravity.

Awesome Lex!
Good luck with the project from someone who hails from Granville Brothers Territory!!!!
Jerry

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"Always remember that, when you enter the ocean or the forest, you are no longer at the top of the food chain."

I hope to see more of your project in the future, keep us posted with picture updates.
I saw your project last May at Blaine Aviation Weekend, I'm the guy with the Champ project across the alleyway from your display.
Jim

Jim,

Thanks for the interest in our project. Yes, I remember you, your Champ and the MG.

The little tornado we had almost got the project that weekend. It touched down on the south end of the airport and damaged several of the hangers as it tracked north, including the one it was in. It was suppose to be in a tent which was shredded and blown about 300'.

I would also like to thank those who have emailed me with information.

Pirate Lex
http://www.BrewsterCorsair.com

_________________
An ego is no match for gravity.

I think it's great that there'll be another(hopefully accurate)Gee Bee Z out there. There is however one problem that I can see with your project. The way the landing gear is attached to the wing stub is wrong. If you are already aware of this please pardon my description. The original gear was mounted so that it could be adjusted side to side with a hinge pin at each upper mount point that went fore and aft. The gear was located by the rigging wires and this gave the capability to adjust whatever camber was desired. I think that using a solid mount is a mistake and not having that bit of flexibility may cause your mount to break which would have serious consequences. I have a pic of one of the brothers standing with one gear before aircraft mounting. I hope this is of some help and not aggravation.

GeeBeeZ1931,

Thank you for the constructive critique. I am aware of the variation, and I will construct a new gear as you suggested. Please feel free to continue. I want to know what is different from the original now, not later. I have just found the Fantasy of Flight has posted, on their website a video of Kermits first flight. I will post a link when I find it again.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your knowledge of the Z.

Lex

_________________
An ego is no match for gravity.