Warbird Information Exchange

NX87451 Seabee prototype 1946 (Republic Aviation photo)

Hi!

New to this group, I am glad to see that many of you share my interest in the Republic RC-3 Seabee (my favorite aircraft)!


SE-AXB (s/n 268) Sweden July 1999 (Photo: Steinar Saevdal)

For a few years I have been making a website dedicated to the Seabee at:

http://www.seabee.info/seabee.htm

I am trying to research the individual histories of all 1,060 Seabees built 1945 - 1947 (+ 2 built in the 1970s from parts by Fulton Ivy). I am also trying to find photos of each and every one of them... You will understand that I still have a LONG way to go... When joining this forum of dedicated airplane "nuts", I was wondering if any of you can help me in my Seabee research?

I am interested in any Seabee photos you can contribute. Especially I am looking for old photos of Seabees that now are in "Seabee heaven" - i.e. that have crashed, been scrapped, etc. There are many hundred Seabees I am still missing photos of. Any historical details for ANY Seabee will also be of great interest! If you have any Seabee stories to tell, I would be glad to publish them on the Seabee website.

If you can help, you can send to my e-mail address at the website (high resolution if possible). On request, a "snail"-mail address (Norway) can be provided too.


SE-AXB (s/n 268) Sweden August 2008 (Photo: Steinar Saevdal)

Thanks!

Warmest wishes from Norway (ambient temp: -20 °C / -4 F)

My brother had a Sea Bee for about 10 years or so. It had sunk in the Ohio River and was disassembled when he bought it. He got it flying in about 3 months and flew it for the next 10 years or so. They also used it for instruction at the seaplane base in Cadillac, Michigan. I believe the registration was N27CB. Painted white over all with tan/chocolate striping.

Did all the Bees' come with Franklin engines?

Originally I believe they were. Since then they have had all kinds of engines!

Seabee, good to have another flying boat nut aboard. I'm into PBY/Cansos but why dont you quiz the guys on PBY@yahoogroups.com? Obviously it's a PBY website but the wealth of experience among the members, many of whom have flown many other types of boat or float, you may run into another Seabee fan there.

Doug Ratchford, 'Canso42'