WIX Archives
Re: Tim......How about an update on the Harpoon???
Posted by Tim Savage on Fri Jan 10, 2003 02:41:40 PM
In reply top Tim......How about an update on the Harpoon??? posted by Ryan Harris on Fri Jan 10, 2003 02:24:52 PM
Well, we are about to begin work on her again. Had to take a little time off to preserve liquid capital in this economy. I also recently bought a C-45, so that has consumed some of my time. I figured I had better get some taildragger multi time for the future.
My business seems to be acclerating again now, so I think I am ready to get going again. Still probably three years away from completion given the level of detail we are incorporation.
We have gotten a few interesting pieces together. We have the aforementioned Martin 250 from the Lanc (as well as another spare turret). This Lanc turret is kind of interesting because it was shipped up to Canada, but was never assembled in a Lanc because they shut the production line down. It is in cherry shape. I got it from O'Con aviation. We are going to use it as a demo model to restore the other one I have, and then go back and rebuild this one. Don't know which one will actually end up on the airplane.
We have found almost all of the interior bits and pieces now. Ox bottles are still a little elusive, but they will turn up.
The engines are at Day Air for overhaul.
I was able to have Carl Scholl create the Bell "Stinger" tail gun position for me, with all the glass etc. We used Kermit Week's only known surviving unit as a pattern. It is pretty neat. Carl did a great job.
I cannot say enough about John Lane and the guys at Airpower Unlimited. Incredible attention to detail and a real passion for the history of these machines.