Lady Lodestar .... new plans....
Fri Aug 01, 2014 2:03 pm
Hi all. The museum deal is not going to materialize, so a contingency plan has been instituted....All the wings and tail feathers have been committed to another party, so what I have left is a fuselage, and a past due bill for storage...seems past due is getting to be a familiar term with me...
My plan of action is to attach a custom built trailer frame to the fuselage, and turn it into a traveling museum. I would like to be able to take it to schools around the country so the kids could have a hands on experience with a piece of history...leave the troop carrier seats in so they can strap in for a brief history lesson and a Q&A session. It would be fun to take to airshows as well. Sadly, the nose art will have to be cleaned up for the young-uns, but the name could be kept, or I am open for suggestions...
I have spoken with close friends, and they have suggested that I try to separate the center section from the fuselage, instead of using the cut-off saw ....I am in favor of this option, but would require a bit of help....would take a small party equipped with compressors and drills....so I am humbly seeking any help from any interested party.
To those that have offered to help out with the storage on the old girl, again I thank you. I hate to beg for donations, but not having the proverbial pot to whizz in, I propose a different option ...If anyone would be so kind to help support this venture, I will offer to pay back any what you offer plus 10%. I have some sponsorship now, but will be able to raise more capitol once I get her back to Kansas City. My estimate of costs to bring her home is right at $3500...then I can start work on the custom trailer and other mods needed to prep her for duty next year. All sponsors of this project will have the fuselage available when in your area for any special events the you may have planned.
Thanks for your time
Gary
My plan of action is to attach a custom built trailer frame to the fuselage, and turn it into a traveling museum. I would like to be able to take it to schools around the country so the kids could have a hands on experience with a piece of history...leave the troop carrier seats in so they can strap in for a brief history lesson and a Q&A session. It would be fun to take to airshows as well. Sadly, the nose art will have to be cleaned up for the young-uns, but the name could be kept, or I am open for suggestions...
I have spoken with close friends, and they have suggested that I try to separate the center section from the fuselage, instead of using the cut-off saw ....I am in favor of this option, but would require a bit of help....would take a small party equipped with compressors and drills....so I am humbly seeking any help from any interested party.
To those that have offered to help out with the storage on the old girl, again I thank you. I hate to beg for donations, but not having the proverbial pot to whizz in, I propose a different option ...If anyone would be so kind to help support this venture, I will offer to pay back any what you offer plus 10%. I have some sponsorship now, but will be able to raise more capitol once I get her back to Kansas City. My estimate of costs to bring her home is right at $3500...then I can start work on the custom trailer and other mods needed to prep her for duty next year. All sponsors of this project will have the fuselage available when in your area for any special events the you may have planned.
Thanks for your time
Gary
Re: Lady Lodestar .... new plans....
Sun Aug 03, 2014 12:53 am
Would you be willing to part with the center section? To a worthy aircraft of course!. 
Re: Lady Lodestar .... new plans....
Sun Aug 03, 2014 12:08 pm
The center section is twisted. It can be repaired, but at great expence...that's why it was determined by previous owners too costly to repair.
Re: Lady Lodestar .... new plans....
Mon Aug 04, 2014 5:54 am
Hi Gary,
The Sabena Old Timers association, here in Belgium, are restoring a Lodestar to flying condition.
I don't have contact with tem, but perhaps they could be interested by some specific parts or componenents. (And It would be nice to see some part of Lady Lodester flying again)
Their website's contact page : http://www.sabenaoldtimers.be/?Contact
Regards
Loïc
The Sabena Old Timers association, here in Belgium, are restoring a Lodestar to flying condition.
I don't have contact with tem, but perhaps they could be interested by some specific parts or componenents. (And It would be nice to see some part of Lady Lodester flying again)
Their website's contact page : http://www.sabenaoldtimers.be/?Contact
Regards
Loïc
Re: Lady Lodestar .... new plans....
Mon Aug 04, 2014 9:09 pm
Iclo...English fine...and message sent...Thank you!
G
G
Re: Lady Lodestar .... new plans....
Fri Aug 15, 2014 6:01 pm
Date set for getting to work dismantling the old girl is set for 29th of this month. If anyone desires to come and turn wrenches on her, you are welcome...don't know about the security set-up there, so get in touch with me so we can keep the airport personnel happy. Thanks, G