How many L-bird folks do we have here?

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 30, 2007 6:09 pm

With some website updates I hope to do in the future, I got to wondering how many L-bird operators, restorers, or owners we have on the WIX board. I'd like to compile a list of links or information of those who would be willing to give me the information.
I also would be interested in collecting some pictures - both new and old as well as stories on restorations, where aircraft were found, etc.
Of course stories of the pilots who flew them in WW II would be very welcome.
The Alamo Liaison Squadron is hoping to reprint Box Seat Over H e l l soon, and I'd like to start gathering more information and pictures.

Ryan

Dan Jones · **Posted:** Thu Aug 30, 2007 6:51 pm

Hi Ryan,

I have an Aeronca 7CCM Champion that was born an L-16B but the USAF cut the contract back before it was completed, so although it started out to be a military L bird it has always just been a civvy Champ.

(Guess that would only count for half a point?) :wink:

Taylor Stevenson · **Posted:** Thu Aug 30, 2007 7:58 pm

Ryan,
I've got Stinson L-5-G-VW "Sentinel" 45-35050. She's still in pieces in the midst of a restoration by Cowtown Aerocrafters, but she should be flying next summer. She has 394 total time on airframe and was built in early 1946. She has been disassembled since 1958. Her logs go all the way back to the factory and she has both her original AAF data plate and original bootcowl data plate. I hope to finish her off in the scheme of the 1st Cav. Div.'s L-5s in use with the Japan occupation forces from 1946-1948. The wings are virtually done and covered and we will soon be moving to the horiz. stab. Here are a few update pictures:

"5050" and myself in our hangar.

Data Plate

Here's what she'll look like!

Paul Draper · **Joined:** Fri Apr 30, 2004 12:17 pm **Posts:** 125

Another L-bird owner here!

Stinson OY-1 - What an awesome L-bird. In fact I was just out flying it. There's nothing like a nice night of L-bird flying to top off a day!

mgeorge51 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 30, 2007 11:02 pm

Here is my L-2M with working spoilers and an 85 HP motor. Taken from my buddies L-2B. Also have an L-2M project waiting for it's turn.

Cvairwerks · **Posted:** Fri Aug 31, 2007 2:12 am

I've got an L-5B project stashed in storage. I can't remember the s/n offhand, but it had some interesting mods from the military that are not on record. One mod was adding brakes to the back seat rudder pedals. Pretty snazzy design, but with some crude implementation. Might just have to see about getting an STC for it, as it is a bolt on conversion.

L2Driver · **Posted:** Fri Aug 31, 2007 6:50 am

L-2M ex USAAF 43-25985. Opted for a very different paint scheme this time around. Traded the OD green for RAF camo.

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 31, 2007 8:00 am

Here's the L-2 I've flown from the tower at Cannon Field.

An L-5 that used to be in the squadron - don't know where it is now.

A Blast from the ALS past - I don't know for sure where this was taken, but think it may have been at Ft. Sam Houston.

More coming later.

I'd be very interested if any of you guys would be willing to write up something with some pictures that I could use for an L-Bird compilation. Also if you have a website or links - PLEASE email me. Send stuff to doolittleraidersATgmailDOTcom (replace the AT with @ and the DOT with . ).

Ryan

P.S. I know the invasion stripes on the L-2 aren't authentic - I didn't paint the plane and since the paint's in good shape, I doubt it will be changing any time soon. If we ever did, I'd like to get it more "authentic."

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 31, 2007 8:04 am

Here's an L-3:

I wish I could fly this bird as well... but it's privately owned by one of the squadron members.

Ryan

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 31, 2007 8:23 am

A photoshop job - this is a composite of a picture my sister took (from the ground) while I was flying the L-2, with a picture I took over our ranch.

Ryan

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Sat Sep 08, 2007 1:02 pm

Taylor,

Recognize this plane?

Picture from Airsho 2006.

:wink:

Ryan

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Sat Sep 08, 2007 1:08 pm

I am a member of the Keystone Wing of the CAF. Great people at our squadron which has an L-5 that flies, and an L-9 that is under restoration

Taylor Stevenson · **Posted:** Sat Sep 08, 2007 3:22 pm

I recognize that Civvy L-Bird~! Airsho sure was a lot of fun... I hope to see you there this year, Ryan. Mustangdriver, I have heard SO many great things from all the CAF folks about the work being done at the Keystone Wing. You all deserve a LARGE pat on the back bc I have seen pics of the L-9 and shes coming along greatly and of course your L-5 is beautiful!
Taylor

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Sat Sep 08, 2007 3:30 pm

Thanks, I am a newer member, hte ones before me did the great work. I try to help out there when I can between work. There is going to be a great hangar dance next weekend. Should be a blast.

K5DH · **Posted:** Sat Sep 08, 2007 10:18 pm

We have an L-3 and an L-5 on display in our main hangar.

Cheers!

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