Biplane Forum Gallery

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IMG_0065[1].jpg530 views

IMG_0062[1].jpg477 views

Engine.jpgEngine459 viewsTrial fitting the Kevin Murray exhaust for the first time, fits like a glove. Thought this day would never come.

IMG_0064[1].jpg457 views

DSCN2838.JPGA little extra curve and fullness in the belly.435 views

IMG_0066[1].jpg413 views

IMG_0016.jpgtie down412 views

skybolt.jpg412 views

Image17.jpgpiccy400 viewsFirst startup of the Buick engine

IMG_0063[1].jpg400 views

Blowby_Tube.jpgBlowby Tube398 viewsAluminum rear blowby exit tube from a Christen Eagle.

Sheet_Metal_1.jpgOn The Spit394 viewsI would never try to build a fuselage without a good spit.

Rear_Instrument_Panel.jpgInstrument Panel387 viewsI know the compass probably won't work, but it meets regs! Also, the upper airspeed indicator is to be replaced with a oil pressure/oil temperature gage.

DSD00736.JPGStraightened belly stringers386 views

Rear_Stringers.jpgRear Stringer Detail384 viewsStringers sanded so that fabric flows flush off the stringers to rear diagonal just forward of tailpost. Thinning them out and tying them off to U-shaped welded on clip is a-la Christen Eagle. Temporary PVC tube allows rear pushrod to move back and forth in position without difficulty. Fifty lbs worth of dirty shotbags keep the tail down with the engine on the nose.

Dscf0516.jpg372 views

Sheet_Metal_2.jpgCockpit Sheet Metal372 viewsWorking on a cardboard mock-up of the rear open cockpit cutout.

Blowby_Tube_Mount.jpgBlowby Tube Mount368 viewsMount for blowby tube. Also allows access to tail spring bolt for maintenance.

DSCN2835.JPGModified wing tips368 views

Sonerai_II.jpgSonerai II367 viewsBuilt in 1984, Lots of fun

DSC01405.jpgBuilding the left lower wing.362 views

DSCN2837.JPGGear attacment361 views

Image4.jpglump359 viewsRadiator fill saddle tank, helical geared PSRU for constant speed prop and corvette radiator. Dual distributors firing each plug. One slightly retarded for easy start-up.

P1000320s.JPG357 views

Completed_Rear_Panel.jpgRear Panel354 viewsI was determined to have everything on the panel. Radio, transponder, everything.

DSCN2832.JPGFresh from the barn351 views

DSC03195.JPGmilestone pic349 views

DSD00524.JPGCrude paint booth349 views

Smoke_Tank_Mount.JPGSmoke Tank Mount349 viewsThe only real modification I made to the structure. Added a couple of cross tubes for a smoke tank.

firebolt.jpg347 views

DSD00849.JPGMaking and fitting the turtledeck346 views

DSCN2834.JPGAluminum interior panel345 views

DSD00424.JPGplanning the instrument panel and instruments345 views

Dscf0517.jpg342 views

DSC01401.jpgFitting the left lower wing.341 views

P1000372s.JPG341 views

DSD00528.JPGPainting various parts, including wing parts336 views

Turtledeck_Mount.JPGTurtledeck Mount336 viewsTabs with single hole are for riveting the turtledeck sheet. Tabs with nutplates are for the rear cockpit sheet metal. Forward tab is for mounting the cockpit surround tube with a fork.

DSD00946.JPGOne finished fuselage!334 views

Image20.jpganother pic332 views1975 version of Buick 215 cid all aluminum engine bored to 260 cid. Tuned headers, log intake manifold, PS-5C carb. Accessory case on back of engine contained upper engine mounts, fuel pump, oil pump, dual positive displacement coolant pumps, alternator and vacuum pump. Dry sump oil resivor just below engine on firewall. Heavy black hose from valve covers are inverted oil return lines.

DSCN2833.JPGRestyled tail group331 views

Pitts.jpgPaul Muhle's Pitts S1-SS329 views

Stringer_Mount.jpgStringer Mount 2329 views

Dscf0515.jpg328 views

Image10.jpgProwler328 viewsTwo seat Prowler built from 1988-1993 in Redding California by George Morse. Powered by 350 Chevrolet

DSCF0052.JPGclipped wing skybolt327 views

Ready_To_Blast.jpgReady To Blast327 viewsGetting ready to make a beach in the woods.

DSCF0051.JPGskybolt326 views

Image6.jpgengine324 viewsCustom made fiberglass cowling. Everything firewall forward was custom made.

DSCF0053.JPGcockpit interior323 views

Dscf0518.jpg323 views

pitts2.jpg321 views

tiny_13_Aug_07_Lift_Struts_On_3.jpg321 views

DSD00293.JPGfuel tank320 views

DSC02149.JPG319 viewsWing attachment brackets

Dscf0513.jpg318 views

Dscf0523.jpg316 views

DSC02839.JPGFitting the skin panels.315 views

firebolt2.jpg315 views

DSC03051.JPGheel plates309 views

Stringer.jpgStringer Mount309 views

Dscf0514.jpg307 views

Trim_Servo.JPGTrim Servo306 viewsElectric elevator trim. Hope it works well.

DSC01878.JPGrudder pedals and brakes305 views

DSCN0311.JPGFairings and tabs302 views

DSC02461.JPGTorque tube idler and control system301 views

DSCF0073.JPGcockpit interior299 views

Boring_Instrument_Panel.jpgBoring Instrument Holes298 viewsMaking instrument holes in the 0.090" thick panel the accurate way. All big and little holes were laid out and put into position on the mill.

DSCN0142.JPGTorque tube298 views

Me.JPGMe298 viewsI think everyone should put a photo of themselves on the site.

P1000284s.JPGEngine Installation298 viewsEngine just after getting hung

DSC00917.JPGtail fin welded on297 views

P1000340s.JPG297 views

DSCF0054.JPGcockpit interior296 views

DSCF0092.JPGcockpit interior296 views

Dscf0519.jpg295 views

Blasting.JPGBlasting Day293 viewsUsed a pressurized $100 blast rig from Harbor Freight. Highly recommended.

P1000370s.JPG293 views

DSC01784.JPGEmpennage292 views

Smoke_Pump.JPGSmoke Pump Installation292 viewsI believe this is where Hale Wallace put his fuel boost pump. I like pressurized fuel lines on the other side of the firewall myself.

DSCF0074.JPGcockpit interior290 viewsunusual floor stowage, front cockpit

Pitts1.jpg290 views

DSCF0069.JPGcockpit interior289 views

skybolt_01_1.jpg287 views

IMG_1898_1_1~0.jpg286 views

P1000368s.JPG285 views

After_Powdercoat.jpgPowdercoated284 views

DSC01574.JPGSpring gear284 views

DSCF0075.JPGcockpit interior284 views

DSC01994.JPGStarting stainless firewall283 views

DSC02792.JPGAluminum seat pan282 views

DSCF0060.JPGskybolt282 views

pitts3.jpg282 views

DSCF0066.JPGcockpit interior279 views

Skybolt0008.jpgBrazilian Skybolt beauty277 viewsI love this plane

Battery_Mount.JPGBattery Mount275 viewsTwo long AN4 bolts through the mount hold the RG-35 size battery in place.

DSCF0055.JPGcockpit interior274 views

DSC02775.JPGThrottle panel270 views

DSCF0067.JPGcockpit interior270 viewsunusual stow away behind seat

DSC01432.JPGCabanes welded on269 views

DSCF0071.JPGcockpit interior269 views

DSCF0058.JPGaileron gap267 views

foto_1228.jpg266 views

DSCF0093.JPGcockpit interior265 views

DSCF0078.JPGnice vent264 views

DSCF0070.JPGcockpit interior263 views

Image18.jpgtxt here263 viewsmore txt

IMG_1905_2_1.jpg263 views

DSCF0079.JPGnice vent262 views

DSCF0080.JPGcockpit interior262 views

DSCF0072.JPGcockpit interior261 views

skybolt_05_5.jpg261 views

Before_Powdercoat.jpgBefore Powdercoat260 viewsAt the powdercoaters right before the process begins.

DSCF0076.JPGcockpit interior260 views

DSCF0077.JPGcockpit interior260 views

DSCF0090.JPGcockpit interior258 views

DSCF0095.JPGcockpit258 viewsnice duct idea

aug_2008_003.jpgNeighbors are in awe.257 views

DSCF0099.JPGair vent257 views

Dscf0520.jpg257 views

P1000281s.JPGAssembled Engine257 viewsEngine fresh after assembly

DSC00628.JPGFinal instrument panel layout256 views

IMG_0032.jpgtie down256 views

skybolt_04_4.jpg256 views

DSC00665.JPGJigging the top ladder over the bottom ladder.255 views

DSCF0096.JPGjavelin255 views

DSCF0097.JPGinverted oil system255 views

foto_1227.jpg254 views

DSCF0098.JPGfuel vent253 views

P1000371s.JPG253 views

DSCF0106.JPGrandy doin' his stuff251 views

DSCF0068.JPGcockpit interior250 views

DSCF0094.JPGaileron hinge250 views

Dscf0508.jpg250 views

DSC00964.JPGFitting the engine mount249 views

Dscf0502.jpg249 views

Dscf0511.jpg248 views

DSCF0062.JPGfuel tank247 viewscustom gas tank in skybolt upper wing

DSCF0082.JPGcockpit interior247 views

Dscf0512.jpg246 views

tiny_Completed_Starboard.jpg245 views

DSC00046.JPGBuilding the tables.244 views

P1000369s.JPG244 views

DSC00718.JPGBasic fuselage welded up243 views

DSCF0049.JPGskybolt243 views

DSCF0065.JPGaileron hinge243 views

DSCF0081.JPGcockpit interior243 views

DSCF0101.JPGcockpit interior243 views

Toot_352.jpg243 views1 comments

DSCF0050.JPGskybolt242 views

wings.jpgWings242 viewsHere are the wings after drilling for drag/antidrag wires.

DSC01270.JPGElevator241 views

DSCF0064.JPGi-strut241 views

DSCF0100.JPGvertical stabilizer wire241 views

leadingEdgeBow.jpg240 views1 comments

DSC00638.JPGWelding up the bottom ladder.239 views

DSC01123.JPGBuilding the hinge straps239 views

DSCF0088.JPGI-strut fairing239 views

P1000168.JPG239 views

DSCF0063.JPGcabane fairing238 views

beej4.jpgBrazilian Beauty237 viewsMy fav pic of the Skybolt

P8270006.JPGM14p237 viewsSKybolt radial

Wing_Tips_2.JPG236 views

DSCF0084.JPGelevator234 views

Dscf0507.jpg234 views

NotchTube645.jpgNotching Tubing234 viewsThis is my Accujigger that I used to notch all my tubing. It does a pretty good job of holding the tubing securely and at the right angle. Notice the spin index that clamps the tubing in place. It is just like the spin indexes that you find on a metal lathe. It allows you to accurately spin the tubing 180 deg and notch the other side.

DSCF0086.JPGrudder hinge233 views

DSCF0087.JPGaileron hinge233 views

Dscf0522.jpg233 views

aug_2008_004.jpgMy Kids Love it232 views

DSCF0085.JPGtail wheel232 views

SKINNING_01.jpgLR view232 viewsStill a couple of panels on the sides of the rear cockpit plus the belly to skin. That 2024 sheet is expensive as heck. Then the hard stuff. Putting the rags on. Yuck.

DSCF0059.JPGfunny231 views

DSCF0089.JPGaileron hinge231 views

Dscf0504.jpg231 views

IMG_0019.jpgtie down230 views

DSCF0103.JPGtail wheel229 views

foto_1224.jpg229 views

TailwheelAssy.JPGTailwheel Assembly229 views

020_(2).JPGConverter228 viewsConverts Fuel into Noise.

DE2.jpg228 views

DSCF0083.JPGstabilizer wire228 views

DSCF0091.JPGcockpit interior226 views

FrontCockpit2.JPGFront Cockpit224 views

IMG_0337.JPG224 views

Tiny_31_Jan_05_over_the_shoulder.jpg224 views

DSCF0102.JPGscott tail wheel 3200223 views

center_wing_hardware_3.JPGrear spar hardware from aft view222 views

Dscf0505.jpg222 views

skybolt_03_3.jpg221 views

Toot_306.jpg221 views1 comments

DSC00521.jpgTommyj's canopy218 viewsHow the mechanism works on a macro-scale. Essentially the front of the canopy slides back, the back pivots up and over the turtle deck, and then the whole thing rotates open.

DSCF0061.JPGfuel tank218 viewscustom gas tank in skybolt upper wing

Dscf0560.jpg218 views

s_this_for_CLOSE.jpg218 views

DSC00523.jpgTommyj's canopy217 viewswhat locks the canopy down. Just two spring-loaded shot pins going through an adjustable tie-down lug. I will cut holes in the outer skin to allow one leg (handle) of the shot pin to protrude out of the plane, thus it can be opened from outside. To keep the shot pin from closing notice the cylindrical protrusion on the bottom. Housed in that is a ball-detent that makes the shot pin resist the spring until the operator actuates it

IStruts.JPGI-Struts217 views

DSCF0048.JPGcockpit interior216 views

foto_1226.jpg216 views

aug_2008_001.jpgI am getting anxious!214 views

foto_1229.jpg214 views

Dscf0558.jpg213 views

Picture_042.jpgUpper Wing213 views

foto_1222.jpg212 views

foto_1223.jpg211 views

Pat_Mini_007.jpg210 views

DSCF0047.JPGcockpit interior208 views

Dscf0506.jpg208 views

Mike_Conry_258HB.jpg208 views

orange.jpg6-1-07208 viewsReplica project in June 07. Fitting Wheelpants, fabricating strut attach points, also underway are control push-pulls, fuel tank, rudder pedal assemblies, tailwheel assembly, etc

aug_2008_002.jpgRigged and ready for flying wires!207 viewslsa pitts, aerobatic lsa, lsa biplane

center_wing_5.JPGcenter wing with bottom skin on207 viewsAt this point, there is only a fuel tank and top skin to install. On the scale it weighs 35.5# and represents 5' of the upper wing. The remainder will not add much. We believe the weight penalty for the 3-pc wing over the standard to be about 20-25#.

DSC00714.JPGInstalling the combing and side panels207 views

M_Conry_258HB_3.jpg206 views

Dscf0490.jpgAcrosport205 viewsportrait

IStrut2.jpg205 viewsI strut

leadingEdge.jpg205 views

skybolt_parts_080.jpgFirst parts with new mini-lathe205 viewsMacarena is turning the end caps for the compression tubes in the Delta upper wing as a first project with her new lathe.

DSC00525.jpgTommyj's canopy204 viewsHow the mechanism works on a macro-scale. Essentially the front of the canopy slides back, the back pivots up and over the turtle deck, and then the whole thing rotates open.

DSCF0045.JPGcockpit interior204 views

DSCF0046.JPGcockpit interior204 views

LWwingwalk.jpg204 views

Old_vs_New_Aileron.jpg204 views

Wing_tip_bow_filled_with_foam_and_epoxy_glassed.jpg204 views

PC150017.JPGSalvage bolt203 viewsThis is how she came

center_wing_4.JPGbottom skin glued to center wing section202 viewsIt took some creative clamping to hold the skin in place while the glue dried. The cam straps were something we had. The scrap wood over the front edge of the skin needed four temporary screws to keep it in place.

RearCockpit3.JPGRear Cockpit202 views

skybolt_parts_001.jpgYear-end collection202 viewsThis is our pile of fittings at the end of the year (80 hours of work). Some are complete and some are in progress. Lower left fittings are for the D wing attachment.

FrontCockpit1.JPGFront Cockpit201 views

PICT1195.JPGLeading edge201 viewspreparing to glue other side

DSC00773.JPGSkins finally fitted all over200 views

Dscf0503.jpg200 views

foto_1220.jpg200 views

P8170012.jpgAileron slave setup200 viewsPlans shot

Toot_343.jpg200 views1 comments

DSC00524.jpgTommyj's canopy199 viewsHow the mechanism works on a macro-scale. Essentially the front of the canopy slides back, the back pivots up and over the turtle deck, and then the whole thing rotates open.

DSC00527.jpgTommyj's canopy199 viewshow the front of the canopy slides back. On the front right corner the canopy is mounted on a spherical rod end that slides on a piece of tubing. So the canopy can slide back but also rotate in any plane. On the left front is simply a shot pin (third, fourth, and fifth pics) that holds the canopy down when it is closed.

foto_1225.jpg199 views

PC150016.JPGSalvage bolt199 viewsThis is how she came

warner.jpgwarner powered duster199 viewswarner radial duster

foto_1221.jpg198 views

P8090002.JPGLanding gear197 viewsPlans shot

Samson.jpgsamson197 viewsSamson Paint

Pa290002.jpgChip Cottens bolt196 viewsme posing

Picture_041.jpgUpper Wing196 viewsAll wings are complete and awaiting covering.

skybolt_parts_046.jpgWingtip bow jig196 viewsWe like using the router with a long plexiglass base to cut a radius. We cut a second radius about 1 1/2" smaller and not completely through to attach clamps.

skybolt_parts_086.jpgcompleted lathe work196 viewsThese are the completed compression tubes. The second lathe job was to drill the upper tubes for the rudder pedals for the 3/16" threaded rod (hinge pins). The holes came out perfectly centered.

226HB_Photo_Pass.jpg195 views

skybolt_parts_058.jpgMore fittings195 viewsPictured are Delta cabane mounts, small brackets for the Hale Wallace canopy, landing gear and wing attachments, landing gear washers, drag links, brake backing plates and some parts to build the 3-pc wing attachments.

Toot_037.jpg195 views

foto_1217.jpg194 views

Istrut.jpg194 viewsI strut

PB250005.JPGShop194 viewsPrior to extending

DSC00531.jpgTommyj's canopy193 viewspics of the mechanism at the right rear of the canopy that allows it to pivot over the turtle deck and also rotate open. If I ever build another of these I’ll clean up the design some but this will work just fine in it’s present incarnation

foto_1219.jpg193 views

TailwheelAttach.JPGTailwheel Attach193 views

021_(2).JPGAft192 viewsAft view

foto_1215.jpg192 views

HPIM0472.JPGWho's the BOOB in the Seat?192 views

Toot_330.jpg192 views1 comments

StabWires.JPGStabilizer Wires191 views

New_Rudder_Mounted.jpg190 views

center_wing_hardware_2.JPGhardware at rear spar189 views

leadingEdge2.jpg189 views

StabJoint.JPGStabilizer Fairing189 views

stearman_black.jpgBlack/Red189 viewsBad Black Stearman

DSCN1100.JPG188 views

P3120220.jpgRick posing188 viewsWe all do it!

TailwheelAssy2.JPGTailwheel Assembly188 views

trailing.jpgTrailing edge188 viewsI dont know if others have done this...but i used steel piper channel as the trailing edge for my aileron bay.

TrimServo.JPGTrim Servo188 views

skybolt_parts_023.jpgMore fittings187 viewsHere are a few more fittings recently completed. Upper left are front and rear outer wing attachments (Delta). Bottom right are mating attachments on the center wing section. These have a 6.5 degree bend. The aluminum angle is to attach the outer rib. Upper middle are some 3/16" links with a 2 degree bend. Right of that are brake parts and idler arm posts. All matching parts were meticulously stacked and clamped for drilling.

Dscf0573.jpg186 views

Wing_tip_foam_epoxy_glassed.jpg186 views

DSCF0044.JPGcockpit interior185 views

Dscfboxsection0333.jpgi strut box section formed185 views

P8170010.JPGAileron well185 viewsSoaking in dishwasher cycle

RearCockpit1.JPGRear Cockpit185 views

skybolt_parts_009.jpgbrake pedal tubing miter box185 viewsThere is an extra cut in this miter box to keep the two miters in the correct plane to each other and size the tubes to 3" long.

DSC00532.jpgTommyj's canopy184 viewspics of the mechanism at the right rear of the canopy that allows it to pivot over the turtle deck and also rotate open. If I ever build another of these I’ll clean up the design some but this will work just fine in it’s present incarnation

DSCN1185.JPGS. Hawley & G. Clement over S. Georgia184 viewsBucker Jungmann formation photo taken by J. LaBarre from B. Karli's Jungmann front cockpit, Oct. 2006 en route to Live Oak, FL, somewhere over south Georgia.