Derelict Stearman, Hondo, TX, 1987

[HogDriver44]

While going through some old photos albums, I found these snapshots I took of a Stearman at the Hondo, Texas airport in December of 1987. I believe this one was a duster, judging by the modified cockpit coaming, square instrument panels, high-lift wingtips, tailwheel assembly, and what looks like a hopper filler-neck behind the cockpit. It sure would have made a great restoration project. Too bad I was a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force at the time, with no money or free time.

Enjoy the photos. Sorry for the scan quality.

(BTW, I know it's a long-shot, but anybody have any details on this airplane, and whatever became of it?)










Wings stacked in the weeds beside the hangar.


Buck Wyndham
WarbirdAlley.com

[bdk]

Could be the oil tank behind the cockpit to balance the bigger engine. Looks too far aft for a hopper.

[marine air]

YOu can have the Stearman bones. I'll take that original W.W. II era hangar with all that fantastic glazing (windows) on all four sides!

[Pogo]

Good eye, boy - you got my vote!

[Obergrafeter]

Don't know about the plane, but the hangar burnt to the ground about ten years ago, last of the WWII hangars at Hondo. Only a handfull of WWII buildings left.
Wayne Nelson
Hondo Army Airfield Museum Inc.

[RyanShort1]

Hondo Army Airfield Museum Inc.

Another good cause for WIXers...

Ryan

[Second Air Force]

Don't know about the plane, but the hangar burnt to the ground about ten years ago, last of the WWII hangars at Hondo. Only a handfull of WWII buildings left.
Wayne Nelson
Hondo Army Airfield Museum Inc.

Yep, those wooden hangars are especially vulnerable. One good lightning strike or grassfire and they're gone forever. On the other hand they're actively tearing down WWII hangars in Kansas because the cities/airports don't want the liability of their existence. I'm glad you still have at least a few buildings left down there.

Buck,

You don't happen to have any other photos of the hangar or other WWII structures at Hondo? It'd sure be nice to see them if you do! Thanks for the thread.

Scott

[Obergrafeter]

We are working on documenting what is left of the WWII buildings now. Only two of the hundreds of barracks are left and one admin. bldg is about it. We are getting one of the barracks ( cross fingers) for a permenant home, and will post pictures when able.

[mustangdriver]

I'd love to find a Stearman like this one day!

[Second Air Force]

We are working on documenting what is left of the WWII buildings now. Only two of the hundreds of barracks are left and one admin. bldg is about it. We are getting one of the barracks ( cross fingers) for a permenant home, and will post pictures when able.

I'm glad to hear you're in line for a barracks building. I've spent many hours taking photographs of buildings, chimneys, water towers, foundations etc. at the Midwest airfields as a way to document the sites. We're heading out again soon for some more airfield exploring.

S