Warbird Information Exchange

Got a new one. Which warbird do you think is the cheapest operate? Like how much to buy, fuel and maintain.

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The conquest of space is worth the risk of life. - Gus Grissom

Well, Barnstormers.com has a Stearman available for sale at $35K. Unsure if its operational though. The military J-3 Cubs (L-4s I think) have sold on Ebay for $25-30K (Again I do not recall the operational status). Unless it is a useless rusting fuselage, I have not seen anything cheaper WWII era-wise. That's just what I've seen.

I'd say buy a L-2 with a fresh annual, keep it in a friends hanger and fly
it on cheap car gas (cheap being a relative term).
A $35,000 Stearman sounds like a project with a run out engine.

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Don't touch my junk!!

There's an L-2 nearby that may be for sale soon. Don't know what the exact condition is or the asking price.

Ryan
P.S. Even an L-2 isn't cheap if it needs an engine repair! I know from experience Taxied right into some gopher holes about a month and a half ago in one and messed the prop up...

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Aerial Photographer with Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites: Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, DoolittleRaid.com and Lbirds.com.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31 - Train, Practice, Trust.

Thanks. Just was wandering, not like I have 35k sitting around .
Would be really cool if I did though.
No trust me in a few years (10-12) ill let you guys know when im in the market.

_________________
The conquest of space is worth the risk of life. - Gus Grissom

I have a Culver Cadet project for sale. In nearly flyable condition, $12,500. Was a civilian pilot school training aircraft in WW2.

http://www.courtesyaircraft.com check out these guys

Boeing B-75N1 Stearman
N55099 s/n 75-230
Price Reduced! $67,500

Recovered in 1980 with Ceconite process
Annual inspected thru March 2006
Full electrical system
Seat cushions

Give me 12 or so years and ill take it of your hands.

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The conquest of space is worth the risk of life. - Gus Grissom

Nachang CJ6, T-6 performance on 13-15gph. Parts are inexpensive and they sell for 65-100,00 and some more expensive. Great flying airplane. and not bad looking to boot. Don

I sure hope your saying $65.00-100.00

_________________
The conquest of space is worth the risk of life. - Gus Grissom

Does that include an engine?

Ryan

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Aerial Photographer with Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites: Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, DoolittleRaid.com and Lbirds.com.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31 - Train, Practice, Trust.

Remember that Erco supplied the Ercoupe 415 to the CPT during the war. I can't imagine ANYTHING (even an L-2 or Culver) that would be cheaper to purchase and operate that wore stars & bars. I also have no idea what challenges you'll face convincing the marshallers to let you park on the warbird ramp.

http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay ... O/GA12.htm

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

Any of the low-powered warbugs are the least-expensive to operate. The L-2/L-3/L-4 were all powered by 65HP engines -- as simple an engine as they make. All were produced for the same purpose for the USAAF.

Performance varies a bit between them. I've flown all three types, at one point or another. The L-2 is by far the fastest of the three (110-115 mph)but probably the least well-behaved of the bunch at low speeds. Not dangerous but not tolerant of gross mistakes while slow. The L-2M has spoilers which allow for some truly spectacular steep approaches

The L-4 (J-3 Cub) is extremely docile and well behaved at all speeds. Top speed on the one I used to fly was about 90mph. The later model L-4s could be flown solo from the front seat.

The L-3, IMO, is the nicest looking of the three. Performance is just slightly better than the L-4.

Operating costs for all three should be about the same. Assuming
5gph x $4.25/gal local fuel costs;$750 annual;$700 insurance; $600 tie down:

For a 100 hour/year flight program: about $42/hour excluding any set aside for engine overhaul; recover; repaint, etc.

For a 200 hour/year program: $31/hour

But of course!

http://community.webshots.com/album/150585939DEGTVV

Needs some TLC. Willing to deal to get this out of the hangar to make room for putting the wings on my T-6.

BK

Already been done... a couple years ago. There are some incredibly knowledgeable volunteers parking aircraft on the Warbird ramp at OSH.

=R=