For Baldeagle

[astixjr]

Chris Mahoney, a grandson of B.F. Mahoney, sitting in Baldeagle's Ryan M-1 replica at Creve Coeur. Chris is trying to fill in the missing pieces of the NYP story. B.F. Mahoney played an important part in the history of the Spirit of St. Louis but his story has largely been forgotten.

[barnbstormer]

[quote="astixjr"]Chris is trying to fill in the missing pieces of the NYP story. B.F. Mahoney played an important part in the history of the Spirit of St. Louisquote]
Has Chris uncovered any new and interesting information? He would be hard pressed to come up with a more complete story than the book, and numerous articles, by Ev Cassagneres. Cassagneres has spent a lifetime tracking down leads and researching every Lindbergh, Spirit of St. Louis, and Ryan aircraft history, for about 40 years, or so, I'd guess. I recetnly came across an original photo of a "Special Gold Plane For Lindbergh" of an all gold-colored (inside and out) sister ship to The Spirit of St. Louis, in the files of the Curtiss Wright Company. It was in their files because it used their engine. I have a couple of signed items by Ryan, (including aviation items Before "The Spirit of St. Louis" project.) but B.F. Mahoney items are rare. Does Chris have any archival or family items? Has he found any repositories/museums that have any extensive Mahoney holdings or items? Would be interesting to know.

[Baldeagle]

Pretty neat. If he comes back you should have him sign the door next to Eric Lindbergh's signature. Reeve Lindbergh also signed one of the wing ribs, one of the short tail ones behind one of the wing tanks. Also, one of the original Schweizer brothers (Paul?) of glider fame was in the shop one day and I had him sign the spar just because.




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[astixjr]

Barnbstormer, certainly there is no shortage of books on the subject of CAL and the Spirit of St. Louis. I've read maybe seven or eight of what I was told were the best ones while I was chasing the registration of that "special gold plane for Lindbergh". I really wanted to build a replica NYP and a Brougham for our museum using the replica that was hanging at Lambert's main terminal as a pattern. It never happened but that's another story. In any event, I always felt that one of the people that remained a mystery in this story was B.F. Mahoney. He played an important part but was only on stage for a brief time. He vanishes from the story after 1928. Considering all the family members and descendants that came onto the scene during the 50th anniversary of the flight, I don't recall anyone from the Mahoney family being interviewed. Let's be honest, B. F. Mahoney's part in the story is mostly told by people that either did not know him or were at best, somewhat indifferent to his role. I do believe that in the near future, Chris will help bring some much needed detail into focus regarding his grandfather. I'll let him finish the story when he's ready. By the way Joe, I'm looking for some valves for the 180/200 HP Wright Martin Hisso on our J-1 Standard. A photo is below. Can you help?

Baldeagle, I thought about asking him if he would sign it when we were both looking at Eric Lindbergh's signature on the inside of the front cockpit door. I will not let that opportunity go by me again if it comes up.

Here's that valve Joe. Got any of these or know where to find some?