This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Tue Oct 22, 2013 6:25 pm
I am attempting to assist a team in Oklahoma City working to restore the prototype Aero Commander. This aircraft, affectionately known as the "Blue Goose," sat on pylons at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds for many years and is missing many components, including the landing gear.
This aircraft was built in Culver City, California. It was designed by Ted Smith and assembled by a group of Douglas Aircraft employees in their spare time. Many of its components came from other aircraft.
The restoration team has been able to obtain copies of many of the original blueprints for the airplane. A note on one of the prints described the nose gear strut as a "YRE 173 strut purchased from Interstate Eng. Corp., El Segundo, Calif." Another note on the drawing calls it a "YRE 173 Firestone gear."
It was thought that the strut might have come from an Interstate TDR-1 drone, but photos don't bear this out.
Can anyone tell me what other aircraft used this component? Who made it? Interstate or Firestone?