Stearman Kit # 803

[heywooood]

Display model build of the Guillow's classic Stearman PT-17 with the 7 cyl Continental 220 HP engine.

here is the paint scheme I will finish it in..


and here is the progress so far


I plan to detail the cockpits and use the pilot figure. Not sure how the engine will look using the Guillow malformed nose/crankcase part but it is installed. I guess we'll see how it pans out.

[heywooood]

So I decided I don't like the Guillow plastic engine crankcase and nose section - it bears zero resemblance to a Continental 220HP crankcase..so I sliced it off and made my own.
It isn't perfect - but it's better than the trapezoid thing that comes in the box.

[heywooood]

so now we have this instead...

[Bill Gaylord]

Good subject and underbuilt Guillow's kit. Built one about 4 years ago. Flew well and donated to a local WW2 vet who flew them back then in training.

[heywooood]

nice looking flyer there, Bill.

I built this kit once before, years ago - maybe 1990 or so. It was built to the plans and tissue covered in the same AAC paint scheme as yours (though not as nice a result as you have depicted) ...I was just getting started with balsa models and wasn't very good at it.
I thought that since I still love the Stearman and might have learned a few tricks since then I might take another shot at it. I hope it works out..

waiting for his ride


looking at some aftermarket wheels and tires..


a decent panel (or two) is instrumental

[Bill Gaylord]

Yep, I've built some of these kits more than once myself, usually looking for a better result the second time. Reminding me I still need to fly my 3rd 400 series FW190 r/c build. The second flies well, but I wanted a better rendition. The first came back at me like a boomerang and almost hit me, back around 04.

[heywooood]

some progress - the lower wing is completed and attached to the fuselage with the mating surfaces sealed. I also have fabricated and installed the belly pan.
As you see the cockpit coamings are in place and all of the holes are drilled in the forward exhaust collection ring (or what will be that) to accept the cylinder exhaust pipes.

I had to fill in and cut a new opening in the upper fuselage for the oil cooler scoop as I had put the original hole in the wrong spot..Who doesn't love extra work?

[heywooood]

meantime - and as the sealer dries, I have been flying the Otter...

[heywooood]

a bit of progress

[heywooood]

engine is installed with the exhaust plumbing completed..also the cockpit coamings are done

[heywooood]

panel lines have been added

[elkhart]

Looks fantastic! Is it for static display or RC?

[Chris A.]

Really nice! The Stearman is one of my favorites, my daughters gave me a retirement present of a 30 minute training flight at Virginia Beach. Bucket list thrill. I didn't stop smiling for a week.

[Chris A.]

Really nice! The Stearman is one of my favorites, my daughters gave me a retirement present of a 30 minute training flight at Virginia Beach. Bucket list thrill. I didn't stop smiling for a week.

[heywooood]

thank you.
this Stearman is a display model.
one of these days I plan to take a ride like that - we have a Stearman and an old Travel Air biplane that offer rides locally