Photos of the Stuka in Chicago sitting on the floor

[Pat Carry]

Last edited by Pat Carry on Wed Feb 25, 2015 9:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[TAdan]

Awesome shots Pat! Thanks for sharing.

[cooper9411]

Pat, thanks for sharing.

[Chris Brame]

Nice job Pat! Wonder why the wheels were removed?

[Pat Carry]

After the plane was lowered down it had to be moved sideways so they took off the wheels and used wheeled dollies to get it where they wanted it.

[Pat Carry]

I was just reminded that I did not mention the photographer's name. My wife Linda is the expert picture taker.

[DH82EH]

Thanks for posting all those Pat.

Cool!

I'm sure another reason for removing the wheels, is that they wouldn't want to risk them bursting, after 70 years of supporting nothing.

Andy

[Steve Nelson]

Well, they aren't the original wheels. They're American replacements..I've heard that they were either from an AT-6 or possibly a Beech 18. I wish they could have some mockup wheel pants made for it. The plane kinda looks naked without them.

Thanks for posting the pics. I've shot countless pics of the plane hanging from the ceiling..It's great to see her from another angle. What's the plan for the engine? During my last visit in the fall of 2013, it was on display separately in a completely different part of the museum. I presume it was removed from the aircraft to reduce weight.

SN

[APG85]

It almost looks like they are prepping the engine for re-installation back into the plane. Why else would they be working on it at the same time?

[bdk]

Wow, that thing is more hammered than I remembered!

[Pat Carry]

It almost looks like they are prepping the engine for re-installation back into the plane. Why else would they be working on it at the same time?

The engine along with the Merlin for the Spitfire have been until just recently in long term storage at the museum. The museum is currently building a new exhibit for these 2 power plants. The engines are just to heavy to be placed back in the aircraft while they are displayed in a hanging position.

[Lynn Allen]

Would be nice if they could fab a new set wheels and pants for it. I bet Nelson could do it..

[Steve Nelson]

Sorry..the only airplanes I work on are about 72 times smaller.

SN

[Speedy]

Please correct me if I'm mistaken, but didn't the Stuka's on the Eastern Front fly sans wheel pants to keep slush/snow/ice from building up and keeping the plane from nosing over?

[Jesse C.]

Please correct me if I'm mistaken, but didn't the Stuka's on the Eastern Front fly sans wheel pants to keep slush/snow/ice from building up and keeping the plane from nosing over?

Indeed they did