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Project Log
Aircraft Construction - Pitts 14 Prototype
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Fuselage Basic Structure Completed, Engine Arrives, Steve Culp Helps Out
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Pitts 14 Prototype
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Created:
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12/10/2003
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Updated:
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04/08/2004
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Link(s):
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N/A
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Article by Mike Whaley
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The first M14P engine from George Coy arrived in mid July, although shipping caused failure to the structure attaching the motor to the pallet (a seemingly very sturdy structure.) Fortunately, damage to the engine is minimal so we are able to forge ahead. Steve Culp (creator of the Culp Special) arrives for a week or so to help out, and among other things, he welds up the new motor mount. By the 22nd, the fuselage had gear legs, the whole structure had temporary paint to protect it from the weather, the engine had been mounted, seat backs and floor panels were installed, and the prototype was put on a trailer and wrapped up ready for the long drive to Oshkosh. Several folks have already climbed in and made airplane noises.
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The Rusky engine awaiting installation on the fuselage. Kinda like a good Ukrainian woman... "Strong like buuull - smart like traktor"...
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Mike Hughes, Andy Friend and Paul Goetsch hang the engine. The bolts just slide in.
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Paul honors the timeless tradition of getting in and trying things on for size at the earliest opportunity.
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July 23, 2003: The Model 14's humble beginnings on the trailer to Oshkosh.
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A layer of stretch wrap, then one of blankets, then a top coat of stretch wrap. Snug as a bug in a rug.
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Other entries in this series:
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Construction Begins
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May
2003
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Fuselage Basic Structure
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June
2003
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» Fuselage Basic Structure Completed, Engine Arrives, Steve Culp Helps Out
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July
2003
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Pitts Model 14 Introduced at Oshkosh
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4th week of
July
2003
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Curtis Visits to Continue the Design, Wing Construction Begins
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August
2003
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Wing Construction Underway
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September
2003
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Lower Wing Basic Construction
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October
2003
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Lower Wing Details and First Fuselage Formers
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November
2003
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Fuselage Formers, Skin and Wing Details
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December
2003
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Fuselage Side Panels and Upper Wing Construction
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January
2004
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Wing-Root Fairings, Fuselage Skin Panels, and Upper Wing
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February
2004
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Fuselage Side Panels, Wing Rigging, Engine Arrives
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March
2004
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Sun N 'Fun 2004
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April
2004
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Summer 2004 Status Update
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May
2004
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Aluminum Turtledeck
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1st week of
June
2004
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Sheet Metal Work, AirVenture
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4th week of
June
2004
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Adjustable Seats, Part 1
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August
2004
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Adjustable Seats, Part 2
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December
2004
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Wings
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December
2004
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Throttle Quadrant
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December
2004
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Spring 2005
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March
2005
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If you have any additions or corrections to this item, please let us know.
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