Hughes S-43 Flying Boat March 3, 2008

[Pogo]

Stopped in at Brazoria County Airport today, thought I'd take a few pics of the Hughes S-43 for any interested parties out there. She looks to be in fair shape, considering she's been sitting for how long? 10 years? Being idle takes its toll, but thank goodness she's hangared, hey?





Below: Murphy's 7th Law: Everything looks better from a distance. Seems there's a bit of possibly ominous looking corrosion along the keel.

[Ztex]

Great to see this old bird!

Sure hope to see her in the air again one day...what a classic and what a history!

Thanks for posting those.

[Sean Curtiss]

Yep. Really excellent post!

[Warbird Kid]

LOVE THAT BIRD!

[bryan ribbans]

Would you mind if I right-clicked and formed these into a gallery on the S-43 on my site at www.seawings.co.uk.....??

You have done exactly what I would have done given the chance - superb detail shots for modelers.

[Pogo]

Shucks, I'd be honored. If anyone wants any specific shots just let me know and I'll see what I can do. Having an excuse to stop in and visit the bird is never a burden.

[bryan ribbans]

Shucks, I'd be honored. If anyone wants any specific shots just let me know and I'll see what I can do. Having an excuse to stop in and visit the bird is never a burden.

Thanks so much! These shots will be just great. If you EVER get the chance to visit her again, I would just LOVE detail close-up pics of the details; the wheels, oleo's, struts, floats etc etc all the detail stuff (that makes a good model, great) and if anyone evers say's do you want pics of the interior, wow! That would be the icing on the cake!!

Once again, thanks for your time and trouble and your kindness in letting me use these.

Will you go to www.seawings.co.uk and e-mail me off-board with your full name and location so that I can properly credit the shots, I would appreciate it.

[T J Johansen]

I note the name Ron Van Kregten on the right side of the a/c. Was he on the original crew, or a later owner? Seems to be the same guy who had P-51D N5444V sitting outside at San Jose, CA for years. I think he passed away a few years ago.

T J

[Canso42]

Hi Pogo, I remember you from Monday after Airshow, we were shoving Stearmans round with the tug.
Obviously you were able to enter the S-43 hangar. I was planning to try to get close to it during Tora practice but was told that the owner had it tightly closed up. How'd you get in?

Doug Ratchford LSFM

[Pogo]

Eh, you know how it is... I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.




PM sent.

[Canso42]

Roger that. But since you obviously like flying boats I'll let it slide. lol
Doug

[RickH]

Ron Van Kregten was the guy who bought the aircraft from the Hughes Estate. He then had the aircraft restored. Unfortunately he passed away some years back, his wife just passed away recently. Apparently the kids want everything sold but the executor of the estate knows nothing about aircraft and I understand he wants an unreal amount of cash.

[Canso42]

RickH,
That's the same as what I heard. People delete a few expletives when they hear the asking price. You could buy a real nice warbird fighter and lots of 100LL for their money.

Doug

[Warbird Kid]

If she is up for sale, i have a new reason to hit the lottery. I wish this one could come back to Stratford.

[Canso42]

It's a beaut but for that money, I'd buy a first rate PBY, a hangar to house it, and lots of avgas to burn in it. I already know people to crew it.
dreamin' on,
Doug