----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
on 2/18/03 10:35 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > I know that at least one wooden coupe was built in 1941 while all of the > aluminum > was being used for the war. It was quieter than an aluminum 'Coupe since the > wood absorbed the vibrations of the engine. Unfortunately it was also > heavier, > and ERCO didn't put it into production. I've never seen a picture of it but I > presume that it looks just like any other 'Coupe. > > If I could find any detailed information on it then it might be fun to > recreate, > but for now, I know that I'm not qualified to re-engineer the plans to make a > wooden craft. > > Chris > http://chris.trent.net > > On Tue, 18 Feb 2003 08:20:58 -0800 (PST), Nick Striglia wrote: > >> Chris & Group >> >> I recently obtained a copy of "The Ercoupe" by Stanley G, Thomas and read >> where >> Erco actually designed, >> build and flew 2 Ercoupe's out of wood. I have never heard anything about >> them, >> is there any history? >> Pictures ect.. I wonder what became of those woodcoupe's... >> >> Regards >> >> Nick Striglia >> N99154 ------------------------------------ Yo, Guys Rumor is two "wooden" coupes were constructed. At least one of these (Model 415-CA) was flown powered by a C-80 with Marvel carburetion. It's serial number was not in the 415-C series. Erco correspondence to the CAA in 1945 states both were "disassembled" and further work on certification or production was contemplated. If you have access to a copy of Saletri's "Touch of Class", a "Highlights and Headlines" clipping for the year 1942 (page 77) describes these as "...practically the same as the 415-C with the exception of substitution of resinous bonded plywood for most of the sheet aluminum construction in the original...". Go to page 88 and you will see a picture of half of a 415-CA fuselage being lifted from the "mold" "..."to be joined with section on bench to left". The caption did not indicate Saletri perceived this as a 415-CA production photograph, as it suggests this was an attempt to accomplish a wartime repair with "...major components out of plastic...", which is misleading, at best. You can't see it very well in these photos, but the fuselage had beefy aerodynamically faired longitudinal reinforcements in place of our aluminum angle side-canopy (leveling) sills, and at the point of wing attachment. I have collected a reasonable amount of information (some of which conflicts) on these aircraft (and more pictures) which will eventually appear in an upcoming book on Ercoupes. This information leads me to believe wing ribs, spars, etc. were in the same configuration as the metal unit but assembled together like a big model aircraft wing (one piece, tip to tip) and then (permanently) joined to the fuselage. Further information would be appreciated as may be available. For you aviation history buffs, the most useful and well-known aircraft so constructed was the Mosquito aircraft designed and built in Great Britain. Regards, William R. Bayne <____|(o)|____> (copyright 2002) ========================================================================== ==== To leave this forum go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm Search the archives on http://escribe.com/aviation/coupers/
<<attachment: winmail.dat>>
