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| The
"America" is scheduled to
fly in September, 2007. Pictures are listed below and don't show
the amount of work that has been completed by Art Wilder (Head engineer
at the Curtiss Museum) and his tribe of dedicted workers. He has quite
a team but could always use more help (hint, hint). More pictures to
follow
when they become available. Please check back often for the latest
update. (To view photos in full size, right click on the photo and
select "View Photo") Thank you. |
September 2006 |
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The
wings above have been
varnished and are on display in the main
museum floor (74 foot top wing!). I understand they have covered the
bottom wings and are in the process of "stitching" the ribs. The
fuselage is coming along as well and is planked for the most part and
is being sanded as we speak I am sure. Rigging the stab and tail
feathers is coming along nicely!
Update! The wings are totally covered and rib stitched. The hull had to be rotated around its longitudinal axis so the hull could be planked and reinforced (not an easy task). This was completed and the airframe was rotated back upright on November 18, 2006. The serious business of interior and "tail feather" work is now the main priority. See photos below! |
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November 2006 |
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| November 2006: As you can
tell work is progressing at a racing pace! Bill Bardin came down from
Rochester (photo 1) to weld the engine mounts and other metal work,
while others work on the hull and planking. The wings are covered
(except for one small center panel) and are ready for interior cable
work and paint. The hull was planked as the original was with two
layers of 1/8" spruce planks reinforced with polyester fiber in
between. It was then filled, sanded and turned over for the final work
inside the hull and out. |
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(Update May 31, 2007)
May 2007 |
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Hello George,
I Know that you are interested in the
Curtiss Flying Boat "America," so will bring you up-to-
date. I went down to the Restoration Shop Monday for some current
photos and to lend a hand.
The "America" is coming along
nicely . It is scheduled to fly at the Curtiss Seaplane
Homecoming on Keuka Lake in mid September. The wing
structures are all complete, prime coated, and are in the process
of having the U-V coating applied.
They are working on the interior of
the hull installing the controls and seating. The hull, wings and tails
all coated internally with a marine varnish. The hull exterior is
coated with an epoxy varnish that is compatible with the fabric
covering.
The following two pictures were taken
a few months ago while the rudder and elevators were being constructed
and fitted.
The next photo shows the detail that is put into securing the joints. If the "America" was being made to just "look at," this structural detail would not be necessary. The next photo of the hull was taken Monday. Note that the engine supports are being installed and the upper wing will go way up on top. Two original Curtiss 100 hp OXX-6 Water-cooled, overhead valve V-8 engines are being professionally reconditioned since they do intend to fly the "America" to other air shows, perhaps Oshkosh, either this year or next. One engine has to be modified for counter rotation of the propeller. Trim tabs are being installed on the rudder and elevator. The attached QUESTION/ANSWER sheet (Adobe
Acrobat Format) will provide most of the details. I just
realize it missed the weight. As I recall, Jim Poel, our
pilot, estimated slightly over 3000 pounds. Incidentally, we have
four pilots who are all multi-engine, seaplane qualified.
You can find further information on
the web site WWW.GlennHCurtissMuseum.Org.
You can also forward this email to
your "fly guy" email list if you would like. I have copied Jim Poel who
will fly the "America." He indicated he would be glad to answer
any questions you might have.
Best regards,
Jim Lally
PS to Jim Poel. George Palmer
was former Chairman of Aero Engineering at Purdue and was involved with
Olmsted Pusher back in the 1970's.
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July 2007 |
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Click on images to see full size! |
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| Update July 2007: Things are getting
close to completion with the "America"! All parties concerned can't
wait for the big day. September 14th through the 16th. It is going to
be quite a sight. If you would like to register or the event, you can
go to the Curtiss
Museum restoration website and download it or click
here. |
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Videos from YouTube.com©
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Interview with pilots (Jim and Lee) and Art Wilder (Engineer) |
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Art Wilder video about the fabric |
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Questions about the Seaplane Homecoming? Contact Curtiss Museum at http://www.glennhcurtissmuseum.org/
Updated July 26, 2007
©2007 The Curtiss Museum