Warbird Information Exchange

Sorry I'm late to the party guys...

You're all either close, or kinda right on the I.D. This is indeed a heavily modified Fairchild PT frame, converted to a cropduster after the war, not by Weatherly, but by Funk. The wings as well as the horiz. and vert. stabs are of metal construction, and the wings are not tapered like the wood Fairchild PT wings. It is a new build high lift wing, designed for the new role she would play in "agricultural application". And yes, they were metalized fuselages, (at least the couple that I have owned were). There were only a few of these modified by Funk, and a few modified by Weatherly. John Weatherly went on to build many more dusters of completely new design after he experimented with a few Fairchilds.

It has since been further modified into a "Japanese Sonjia" replica by Malcolm Laing (FW-190 owner and of Texas Air Museum fame). He put a Jacobs engine on it if my memory is correct, along with a PT-26 canopy and was going to build these for re-sale to supplement "Tora"-like acts at airshows. He bought a PT-23 frame from me, and a PT-19 frame from another fellow up here in the North Woods, but I don't know if he ever went any further than building this one example, which I believe he still owns.

I haven't talked to Malcolm in a while, but Dave M. has probably been in contact with him lately because of his FW-190, maybe he would be able to get more info on the Sonjia replicas if somebody is interested.

Hope this info helps.....

Steve

COOL! Thanks for the info!!!

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Trae

Steve

You are correct that I am talking to Malcolm re 190s and the like. I have asked him about the 'Sonia' and he will describe the conversion to me at a later date , which I will post ( at the moment I need to keep him focussed on what I need though )

Dave

Thanks Dave,

Yeah, keep him focused, I am hoping you can get all the details on his FW-190 adventures too. I would imagine I might see some info on this in one of your articles in Classic Wings in the near future???

Take care my friend,

Steve

Steve

Upcoming issue will feature the 190A series Survivors.

Dave

Thanks Dave,

I appreciate all of your great contributions to that fine magazine. I am enjoying your Sea Fury Survivors article right now....

Steve

Thanks Steve. Here is what Malcolm has to say
Sonyas started life as a PT-23. Fuselage and wing metalizing STC was by D. D. Funk, who was hoping to sell crop dusters in the 1960's. I went in and installed the canopy from a PT-26, reinstalled missing componets from the front cockpit and painted. Engine is a Jacobs 275. Only 12 were ever made. 3rd Sonya is on gear and being fitted out. Engine should be hung by early summer.

Here is a couple pics of it flying at Midland. Don't know if this helps at all but I remember thinking at the time, "what the hell is that? I'd better get some pics"

An intersting and unique aircraft, no doubt. However, it bears very little resemblance to the Sonia!

Thanks for the confirmation Dave,

Looks like I remembered most of the info pretty well. I'm suprised. Usually I do a pretty good job of messing the details up.

Steve

WOW, now thats an ugly wing! I wasnt there for the Midland show to see it in person. My Father is the one who took the picture! Thanks for the different view!!!

_________________
Never drive faster than your Guardian Angel can fly!!

http://www.390th.org/
www.LSFM.org

Trae

I apologize for not visiting this thread sooner.

I believe that it is a PT-23. The canopy though, comes from something else.

Ooops!!!

Just reade Steve's explanation....

Steve, a question:

Do you know if the are any of these wings and center sections (metallic) around?

Saludos,


Tulio

NOTE:

I am still looking for PT-19 metal seats and hardware.

Yes Tulio, there are some metalized wings and center sections still around. I will P.M. you in a day or so with contact info for the owners of these pieces. I know one for sure is looking to sell, and maybe the other is too. I'll keep my eyes peeled for you for some seats, etc.

Talk to you soon,

Steve

Steve, after Tulio, I'd be interested also in a set of the metal wings also if there are several. Thanks, Steve.

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