Partly Complete Vintage Aircraft Kit Found In An Old Barn

by Terry

This isn't really a flying story, or a complete antique airplane, but I thought I'd see if you could help me here. I'm looking for information....

I have stumbled across something in an old barn that you may find interesting. I'm not sure what to do with it.... or just what it is.

This looks like a 50% completed vintage air craft kit from the 30's or 40's???

The interesting thing (besides the age) is that it is completely constructed of wood. The wings are completed and hanging from the ceiling. They are approx. 20' long and "skinned" in wood... no fabric. The superstructure (struts, spars, ribs, etc) is all wood framed ... like model airplanes are, only these have actual gussets with brass nails.

There fuselage is built, along with the wings, the rudder, and the rear elevator.The rest of the pieces appear to be there... some just not assembled. There is no engine that I can locate in the building.

The airplane looks to be a two seat, low wing and kinda looks like a 60's Navion.

Any thoughts on what it is. I was unable to take pictures (but I'm working on that)

Thanks for your time. Terry

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Mark and Judy answer....

Thanks for writing to us. We don't have any thoughts on what it might be. If you manage to take some photos, please do send them along, and we'll post them here. Maybe someone will see them and answer your question for us.

If anyone out there has any ideas, you can comment on the bottom of the page or send us information on the "Contact Us" page. (We don't post e-mail addresses here, but if you send us yours, we'll connect you with Terry.)

Depending on where you are in the U.S. you should be able to find someone who actually restores antique airplanes rather than just writing about them. Check with aircraft museums close to where you live. One good place to contact would be the EAA's Vintage Aircraft Association. We hang out at the Red Barn when we go to Oshkosh, and we can tell you that there are lots of members who might know what you've found. Here's a link for their website. VintageAircraft.org

Please keep us informed if you find out anything... we’d love to know what you’ve found!