Warbird Information Exchange

Aww come-on Rob, just one???? That's not fair.

I'm the world's biggest Stearman fanatic, but I own two PT-19A's, a PT-19B, two PT-26A's and a PT-23 (all are projects of course, and some more basketcase than others).

Guess I'll say PT-23 (since that's the one that is getting all of my attention right now) because they are rarer than Stearmans, parts are less expensive, nice wide track landing gear, and you still get that awesome "round sound". BUT, I will be the first to say, they do have to be the ugliest duckling of the whole bunch.

Biggest drawback....No prizes for the answer here.....WOODWORK, and lot's of it.

Steve

that was not hard

_________________
Long Live the N3N-3 "The Last US Military Bi-Plane" 1940-1959
Badmouthing Stearmans on WIX since 2005

I don't think anything beats the look of a moth doing lazy chandelles in the evening sky.....

_________________
One day I looked up and he's pushing 80...
He's got brown tobacco stains all down his chin.
To me he's one of the hero's of this country, so why is he all dressed up like them ole men....

Were holding strong.............."Nothing beats the look of a beautiful N3N and her big wings bringing her into a beautiful 3 pt landing in the grass"

_________________
Long Live the N3N-3 "The Last US Military Bi-Plane" 1940-1959
Badmouthing Stearmans on WIX since 2005

Has anybody noticed that the question is about PT trainers, but you have listed BTs' as a choice. Not the same catagory. And what about the ever famous N2-T that the Navy used. While not quite as ugly as the PT-23 it still has its own charm.
But from the list I would have a Stearman just because parts are so available.
Wayne

Although not included in the poll, I'd take a PT-22. I love the lines of those Ryans...

Zack

_________________
Curator - EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh, WI
"Let No Story Go Untold!"
http://www.timelessvoices.org

Dam, everyone is catching up, guess I need to get the N3Nowners & restorers assn membership in here to vote.

_________________
Long Live the N3N-3 "The Last US Military Bi-Plane" 1940-1959
Badmouthing Stearmans on WIX since 2005

I, also, cannot vote.

For me it's a toss up between the Timm N2T and the Waco UPF-7.

Let's put it this way: For you bachelors out there--pull up on the ramp in either one of these and you'll be peeling the babes off with a spatula!

Or so they tell me... (SWMBO just entered the room)

_________________
It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

DHC-1B obivously, or Focke-Wulf Fw 149D or Pilatus P-3 or T-34A, etc.

_________________
Olivier Lacombe -- Harvard Mk.4 C-GBQB

Tsk, tsk, tsk. You forgot the Ryan PT-16/20, also known as the STM or militarized version of the Ryan ST-A:



Surely the prettiest Primary Trainer to have ever taken wing!

N.

_________________
"Live to Fly; Fly to Live"

Hi Rob--

Of the group you've noted, I'd opt for the Tiger Moth. As has been mentioned you have the Valiant on there which isn't a primary trainer. You're missing the Fleet series, too--strictly a prewar bird in US terms, but very extensively flown in wartime in the BCATP and an excellent machine.

S.

Yes the UP f seven. Definetly on my short list when I win the lottery.

Neil, as I mentioned before, I'm pretty taken by the classic lines of the Stearman, but I have to agree with you here. The little Ryan "-16/-20" is one good looking little bird when it's all polished up!

Parts and services are abundant in the US for the Stearman. I know that there are specialists in the UK that cater to the Moth too. Seems to me it depends where you are to best answer this question.

I am rebuilding a FAIRCHILD PT. I think the trainers will be more and more popular. The big warbirds are becoming so exspensive to buy as well as operate.