Tech College Unlisted Warbirds

[JohnB]

I hope the H-13 gets returned to the air as such and not just a Bell 47 (not that i don't appreciate them as well), what a time capsule to still have the paint from 1954.

The paint scheme is secondary to having a vintage aircraft back in the air.
It's a H-13G, the military 42G (it's nice how that worked out...it usually doesn't) the last of the line with the wood blades and Franklin engine.
I was recently told by the firm that now owns the 47 ATC (Scott's helicopter Service out of Minnesota) that they seriously doubt their ability to support the Franklin-engined models in the long run and find it difficult to support some of the early er Lycoming variants as well. So at this point, I'd settle for any flying G (either 47G or H-13G)...whatever the paint scheme.

Besides, there are plenty of later civil 47G-3s out there with phony faux "MASH" schemes out there.

The 47G I flew (see photo at left) was an ex H-13E...converted to a G after if was surplused. It's been re-registered and withdrawn from use, and may have been broken up for parts. The last I heard it was in Ft. Worth. with a outfit named "Heartland Helicopters".

If anyone knows more, I'd like to learn about it.

[4RG.I.'S]

"It's a H-13G, the military 42G (it's nice how that worked out...it usually doesn't) the last of the line with the wood blades and Franklin engine."

Interestingly the auction listed the engine as a Lycoming VO-435, and there was a VO-435 on a stand as part of the sale as well. I didn't look closely at the engine so I can't say which it is. I agree there are some faux M*A*S*H* paint jobs around, my thought is as the original paint is still on it, how much more authentic can it get? Would be nice to honor all of the pilots that trained in this type.

[JohnB]

Would be nice to honor all of the pilots that trained in this type.

I agree. I've never seen many (any?) photos of them being used as basic trainers in the 50s at Ft. Wolters...if anyone has any please post them.

A community college trade school near here has a intact TH-13T in its Army orange scheme...it's the Vietnam-era instrument trainer based on the 47G3B. I believe they used to fly it in their aviation program. It would be nice to see that get a good home where it could fly.

[OH13G]

I bought the OH13G from the sale. I plan to have it flying shortly and will keep it as an OH13G.

[4RG.I.'S]

OH13G wrote:
"I bought the OH13G from the sale. I plan to have it flying shortly and will keep it as an OH13G."
Glad it went to a fellow WIXer. Please keep us posted with the progress updates.

[Chris Brame]

I bought the OH13G from the sale. I plan to have it flying shortly and will keep it as an OH13G.

Welcome to the wild and wooly world of WIX!
Congratulations and keep us posted about its restoration! Glad to know there weren't any restrictions on making it fly again.
Did you get the set of doors for it? I noticed those were being sold as a separate lot.

[JohnB]

I bought the OH13G from the sale. I plan to have it flying shortly and will keep it as an OH13G.

Lucky guy!

Well done....I'd love to see photos.

Great to learn it will fly again and not end up as a parts source.