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Post by nhutton on Feb 22, 2016 22:22:37 GMT -6
Ok. Hopefully this will be the begining of lots of updates on the V-Witt I purchased from Ohio. One of the things I really liked about this project when I first started looking at it, was the history that came with it. I have been going through all of that information. There are letters to Steve, race rules, letters to other V-Witt racers, race number rosters, and pictures. I will try to share as much of it on here as I can. So there will probably be a lot of that cool information before there are any updates on the actual plane. The plane does look to be in really good shape. I do plan to blast the frame to inspect all welds and then get a fresh coat of zinc chromate on it. There is some small damage on the wings that will have to be fixed. (I will need advice on that.) There is a partially completed Prop extension. Luckily I have access to lathes, welders, etc.
So the journey begins.
Neil
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Post by dmar836 on Feb 23, 2016 3:10:10 GMT -6
Great news! I saw an obscure link in my Aircraft Spruce VWitt plans to some for the prop extension. I wonder if they are still available? Mine is complete except for the Continental prop hub.
Looking forward to updates!
Dave
Kansas City
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Post by Supervee on Feb 23, 2016 5:52:27 GMT -6
Thanks Neil. If you are interested in Supervee Competition, I had already assigned race #69 to that airframe, but there are plenty of other numbers if you wish to change that. Would hope that you may be able to get back the original N-Number, N39V ??…..
One of the owners /builders was Ralph Korngold, I believe, who was a Wittman friend and Tailwind builder. That project has been all over the country, from Minnesota to California, to the pacific Northwest, to the midwest, and now Colorado…. One of the builders, Ken Sheppard, I believe, had full intentions of racing it in FV competition. At one time I believe a Woman owned the project. We would like to hear more of its history, and keep up with your restoration …
Note…If you plan on using Zinc Chromate over tubing after blasting, Plan on using an Epoxy to cover the Chromate on the tubing..Today's fabric glues melt the Chromate…I use green Stits Epoxy on all my structures these days…...Ed
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Post by Supervee on Feb 23, 2016 5:55:03 GMT -6
Another note…..Any blasting done should be done very carefully, without harsh sand…The V-Witt structure has a large amount of .028 wall tubing, which could be damaged by excessive blasting pressure or medium…..Ed
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Post by nhutton on Feb 24, 2016 19:28:41 GMT -6
Dave, I have the complete plans for the prop extension. The pro shaft is complete and the cone is started.
Ed, yes I hope to compete! Race number doesn't really matter to me. N39V is reserved, but will keep trying to get it. Yes, î saw all the people you mentioned other than the lady.
Also, should I still zinc chromate the frame or just spray it with the epoxy? Yes, I plan to blast it with plastic media and a lower pressure, mostly cause that is the capability of my air compressor. The 0.028 tubing and the training edges, I will be careful around.
Neil
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Post by dmar836 on Feb 24, 2016 20:08:30 GMT -6
Neil,
FYI, Neither Super Seam(Randolph) nor Polytack, or whatever that glue is, will adhere to zinc chromate. The system books all say use epoxy primer. Stewart might work but fast airplanes need secure fabric so.....
Dave
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Post by Supervee on Feb 25, 2016 6:08:44 GMT -6
Yes, I use Stits two part green epoxy on the tubing….The Poly-Tak glue does not 'melt' it…...
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Post by dmar836 on Feb 29, 2016 15:13:10 GMT -6
Neil,
Were you able to get some pics for us? I'm really interested in seeing the details of your V-Witt as the plans are pretty basic and few of these are built the same.
Dave
Kansas City
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Post by Supervee on Apr 5, 2016 11:16:24 GMT -6
Neil, Any progress on the new V-Witt?…...
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Post by dmar836 on Apr 8, 2016 22:56:42 GMT -6
I think Neil commented on the Facebook page so he's out there. I know how daunting it can be starting such a project. I'd really like to see what he has to work with. Linda and I could justify a long weekend to lend a hand to him. I am fortunate to have a good friend at our airport who runs the FBO. I can borrow tools, welders, paint, parts, and anything else I don't want to drag to the airport, but most importantly advice on a daily basis. He's done it all before so all I have to show is motivation and he'll let me jump in. We here on the forum can be advisors to those who aren't so blessed. That's what lives on that was so great about FV!
Dave
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Post by Supervee on Apr 9, 2016 8:07:02 GMT -6
Dave, Yes, true…Here's an example of the camaraderie we had in the past. Charlie often helped a guy with an engine problem at a race, when he should have been tweaking his own mount. He would make sure that the other guys machine was doing its best, and sometimes, that machine would beat him!! That's the philosophy and fellowship that existed… Rick was a super engine man, that's what he did for a living….I remember at Albequerque we , for the most part, were having issues with adjusting our blasted POSA carbs for the thin air out there(We were all east coast guys) Rick spent a day, with Charlie, helping each contestant to adjust and tweak the mixture on our carbs….
FV 's stand on prize money….The group, as a whole, knew that it cost as much to prepare and transport a racer that was a last place finisher, as it did a winner, so the Prize money was stacked in an almost linear fashion. A guy that placed last was awarded a sum that was not much less than the championship winner….It was not about money…..
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Post by dmar836 on Aug 3, 2016 22:04:09 GMT -6
Neil,
I sure would like to see those plans for the extension. Mine is complete but I'd like to see what bearing is called out and any other alignment tips Wittman included.
BTW, a C65 prop hub is way too big for mine. Appears to be the typical 3 degree taper but not sure of the hub. What's an A40 hub look like?
Dave
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Post by nhutton on Oct 5, 2016 10:38:39 GMT -6
Ok. It has been way too long since I have posted anything on here. I have a bunch of history on this plane and would love to post it. Before I do, I want to make sure I don't get myself or this forum in any trouble. I will block any address or phone numbers before I post the documents. Is there anything else I shouldn't post? Can I post the prop extension plans or do I need to just send them to Dave?
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Post by dmar836 on Oct 5, 2016 20:56:51 GMT -6
Glad to see you back! I don't really need the plans but it would be nice to see what they say about the bearing and the hub. I'm thinking a GP hub might work as my keyed extension is far too small for the C-65 hub mentioned in the March 1970 Sport Aviation article.
I figured it would mention what kind of "automotive" bearing is recommended for the front of the cone. Mine's intact but I'd like to replace it.
Post pics of FB if the forum is difficult. Good idea to leave out addresses.
Dave
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Post by Supervee on Oct 6, 2016 6:27:39 GMT -6
Good to see two V-Witt builders conversing here......Probably a first......
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