Stearman Tailwheel - S52 Sikorsky

[Cherrybomber13]

This might be a long shot. It seems that the S52 nose wheel is the same as a Stearman tail wheel.
We are in dire need of finding at least one soon so we can continue the restoration on our S52. We have 2 under static restoration ans both of the nose wheels vanished years ago.
If any one has one lying around the junk pile (this does not have to be airworthy or have a tire attached) please consider helping us out

Attached is a little back ground on why getting these 2 choppers finished is so important to the Legacy of a dear and beloved man.

Joseph P. LoSardo

Joseph P. LoSardo, age 94, Carmel Terrace, Framingham, Mass., previously of Monroe, died July 9, 2010.

He was the beloved husband of Annette (Carlin) LoSardo for 66 years, devoted father of Joette LoSardo, Beth LoSardo of Hammond, Ind. and Michael P. LoSardo of Paris, France. Grandfather of Emily , Alexander, Joseph Martin and Anthony Great-grandfather of Madeline, Eleanor and Lillian. Brother of Dr. John P. LoSardo. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mr. LoSardo was an Aerospace Craftsman who worked for Sikorsky Aircraft for many years. After leaving Sikorsky he worked at Avco-Lycoming supervising the sheet metal department. After retiring from Lycoming he used his extraordinary skill and talent as a tireless volunteer in the restoration of the Sikorsky VS-44A Flying Boat, now on permanent display at the New England Air Museum at Windsor Locks, CT. Joe had been a major contributor to the original construction of that aircraft in the 1930s.

While in his 80s and 90s he was a member of and volunteer for the CASC (Connecticut Air & Space Center) restoring the Sikorsky S-52 there. In 2003 he was honored for his CASC volunteer efforts with a plaque presented by (then) Connecticut State Senator Dr. George Gunther.

[JBoyle]

Here's a long shot..did you check with the Vertical Technologies folks in Florida?
They make the Hummingbird kit helicopter based on S-52 components. I believe they had S-52 airframe parts at one time.


If that doesn't work, but a small ad in Barnstormers or Trade a Plane.
I believe there is also a Stearman club.There are so many Stearman projects out there someone might be able to help you out.

Also check with the AAA...the Antique Airplane Association. They seemingly know everyone in the old plane hobbby.

http://www.antiqueairfield.com/

[Cherrybomber13]

Thanks for the advice. I was not aware they had s52 parts possibly.

We are also looking for a canopy for our Bell 47E, again were begging around for something that isn't airworthy. Ill take the directive and check all these guys out.

[bdk]

I think there is an adapter ring that someone has an STC for to use go-kart tires on a Stearman. Are you sure you couldn't just adapt a go-kart wheel and tire?

[Cherrybomber13]

BDK - The short answer is I don't know. When you say go cart wheel do you mean a high end, high speed job or a Wester Auto 5hp deal? Thanks for the heads up though!

I received an email telling me that the wheels were the dame dimensions. But of course, no dimensions were included so I will have to recheck the sizes.

[JBoyle]

For the Bell 47 canopy....
BTW it would be a H-13E canopy, there was no Bell 47E...
ask the guys at the Bell 47 association. Somone might have a used one or one with a flaw or small crack at a reasonable price.
http://www.bell47helicopterassociation.org/
A canopy for a Bell 47D or D-1 (H-13D) would also work, the models were the same but the H-13E was a three seat ship. The one pictured as my avatar is a former H-13E later converted to civil Bell 47G (H-13G) standard.

Beware of canopys for late civil Bell 47G3 G4s and G5ss and OH-13Ts...they are wider more "blown" in front and would be incorrect for a Korean War-era H-13E.

[bdk]

BDK - The short answer is I don't know. When you say go cart wheel do you mean a high end, high speed job or a Wester Auto 5hp deal?

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/lgpages/azusa.php

http://www.gokartsupply.com/rims.htm

http://www.gokartgalaxy.com/wheels.htm

And of course tons of stuff on eBay.

[N3Njeff]

I think there is an adapter ring that someone has an STC for to use go-kart tires on a Stearman. Are you sure you couldn't just adapt a go-kart wheel and tire?

Now thats funny!!!

[Jerry O'Neill]

I think the Stearman set up requires a tapered wheel to match the tapered axle.
I think Harland Avezzie might have one. he's checking.
Jerry