Built in 1963 by Frank Thrush, one Stolp Starduster SA 100 c/n 14, N73R has been lurking in the hangars at Rangiora from at least May 2007.
Originally powered with a O-290 engine, however this engine was trashed during the 1994 fuel contamination in the US. It now runs an 0-320.
Andrew Philpotts has done considerable work on it for it owner Alan Ryde (ex Citabria ZK-CRT).
As you can see it is cunningly disguised as a Boeing F4B4.
It was cancelled from the FAA register on 03-01-08.
not sure yet what the new registration will be, but he is hoping to get a dispensation to keep it in this scheme and not to have ZK-??? splatterd along the fuslage.
not sure yet what the new registration will be, but he is hoping to get a dispensation to keep it in this scheme and not to have ZK-??? splatterd along the fuslage.
Think this is he first SA 100 in country. There have been/are three SA 900's
It became ZK-SDI (Star Duster One) on 22-01-2008 to Alan Ryde.
ReplyDeleteI have quite a story to tell about this little Starduster. My father was one of the former owners. He purchased it somewhere around 1968. During the mid-70's it caught fire in our hangar at Oxnard, California. The only thing left was the tubular steel frame and all components north of the firewall. Dad flew F4B4's for the US Navy and he thought it would be quite special to rebuild the airplane with the same paint scheme with his squadron markings. I'm 58 years old now and the last time I flew N73R was when I was probably 18!
ReplyDeleteHi Anon
DeleteDo you know which year the aircraft fabric was recovered and was it a Ceconite type?
Good morning Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great story. Surely there are more !
What other history can you tell me about this little aircraft ? and do you by any chance have any photos from your period ?
I am not sure if it has flown in NZ yet. It just sits quietly in the back corner of one of the hangars at Rangiora.
If you would like to mail me direct at bluebus@windowslive.com with any info I will put up another updated blog posting on this Starduster, including some more photos.
Regards
The internet is an amazing thing!
ReplyDeleteI purchased N73R shortly after buying a beautifully restored Aeronca 7AC back in 1991. I didn't want to "wear the Champ out" so the Starduster was to be my go fly for an hour or two plane. With a few changes to accomodate a taller pilot and an upgrade to more modern avionics, she fulfilled that purpose nicely.
There's much more to the story of my approx. 14 year relationship with 73R, and how she came to reside in NZ . . . more later.
bumper
Hi Bumper
DeleteUnsure if this will get to you. Your post was sometime ago. I now own 73R having acquired of a family friend who imported to NZ. We also knew the last owner in the US. Be keen to hear more on your knowledge of its history. Hasn't flown since 2009 but hope to rectify that in the coming weeksCheers Greg
Hi Bumper, I am the Anon who sold N73R to you 14 yrs ago!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing to hear from you and I am glad you enjoyed the plane for all those years.
I remember how close you came to not taking her due to the switch sub-panel being mounted too low to get your knees past. I could just barely fit into the thing myself!
Will look forward to hearing more from you.
All the best,
Richard
Hi Richard
ReplyDeleteUnsure if this will get to you. Your post was sometime ago. I now own 73R having acquired of a family friend who imported to NZ. We also knew the last owner in the US. Be keen to hear more on your knowledge of its history. Hope to fly her soon - first time since 2009.Cheers Greg
Hi Greg,
ReplyDeleteDid you get to fly her?
Tail Winds,
Richad
Hello Richard.
DeleteIt certainly has been flying.
Please send your email address to me at paulldj@xtra.co.nz and I will forward it on to Greg so that he can get back to you direct.
Cheers