Texas Jones (Spanner) and the Fairchildren of Doom!

SPANNERmkV · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 3:27 pm

There is something inherently exciting about viewing long lost warbirds. Sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a sad way.
These two PT-19 beauties were donated to the Houston Wing of the CAF after the owner passed away. Unfortunately they have marinated for about 20 years in a boat shed.
All's they need is EVERYTHING refurbished, replaced or "buffed up." :supz:

StangStung · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 4:08 pm

At least we know there are still barn (boat shed) finds out there. Gives me hope.

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

We discussed with him my buying those aircraft several years ago, but we never finalized anything.

Last time I saw him was probably 2005 or so.

Did not know he had passed away.

May he rest in peace.

Saludos,

Tulio

Pogo · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 8:24 pm

OUCH ... gotta love the Houston climate, where you drink your air. :shock:

ALOHADAVE · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2016 9:58 pm

Like they say:
"You can't take it with you"

What are their current status? Are they for sale?

Cvairwerks · **Posted:** Tue Feb 23, 2016 7:59 am

Spanner: I'd suggest talking to Mike Kelly with the Fairchild Club about inspecting the spars before you guys do anything with the airplanes restoration wise. If the spars are in need of major work or total replacement, you would need to have a frank discussion about whether the squadron wants to take on that much of a task. I think Mike figures a couple of hundred manhours to build up a new set of spars. Turning a new set of spars into a flight ready center section requires a few hundred more hours. Also casein glue doesn't like super high humidity, so watch out for that problem too. Were they mine, new wood without a doubt.

BTW, the second picture looks like there is some spar/rib material on the floor.

Obergrafeter · **Posted:** Tue Feb 23, 2016 10:07 am

Fairchild with the center section from Hell!
HE!! there you get the idea!

SPANNERmkV · **Posted:** Tue Feb 23, 2016 10:10 am

Not to worry- The wood you see on BOTH of those wings will never fly again.
They ARE being kept as patterns, and of course, for the inner metal parts.

What the Wing (as in Organization) needs are some retired wood-working folks in search of a project (or two.) :lol:

Dave Hadfield · **Joined:** Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:31 pm **Posts:** 1672

The woodwork repair and replacement takes a lot of time in these Fairchilds. (I own an F-24 and have been involved with the restoration of 2 PT-26s.)

Short version: if you have free labour of high quality through your Volunteers, then the projects are viable.

But if you have to pay for labour, then the cost of restoration of a PT-19 may be more than the market value of the airplane when completed.

Dave

SPANNERmkV · **Posted:** Tue Feb 23, 2016 12:13 pm

Absolutely correct Dave!
I spent more on repairing my wings than the initial cost of a flying (but aging in not readily apparent ways) aircraft.

The same is true of MOST car restorations and antique airplanes...

You'd better love them, because they will test you!

SPANKER ... er I mean

michaelj2k · **Joined:** Thu Jan 21, 2016 5:42 am **Posts:** 22

Another thing to consider is that the wings and center section are skinned with 3/32 45 degree mahogany ply @ $250/per 4 x 8 sheet. The stabilizer and vertical fin use 90 degree mahogany.

Spars - Forward and aft center section spars will be about $20K for materials and labor if you farmed them out. Expect the same for the two spars in each wing panel.

If not for the volunteer labor, building up a PT basically from scratch will be much more expensive than what is already available on the market not to mention the time spent (years) to make them airworthy.

Good luck with your projects, I hope to see flight photos someday soon!

Warbird Information Exchange

Texas Jones (Spanner) and the Fairchildren of Doom!

Who is online