L-2M History

[M Towsley]

Re: L-2M History

Ahh..... you say interpolated, I say computed, (one less syllable)! This is the formula for arriving at the military serial number for L-2B's: S/N-4575=military S/N. Hence 4960 minus 4575 equals 385, hence 43-385. There is a separate formula for L-2A's and L-2M's, but you probably already know this!!!

[dbdhenson]

Re: L-2M History

Forrest:

Any success with finding information on:
USAAF tail number 43-25965, Manufacturer's s/n L-5277

We received some pictures from the Silent Wings Museum in Lubbock, Texas. Can you clarify what model ship #38 is? See pic. ..001. It is definaley not a L-2A, B, or M. Hopefully they will have some more pictures for use. I definately think it is getting time to make a field trip over there.

[M Towsley]

Re: L-2M History

David,

Neat pictures, keep sharing anymore you might obtain. Thanks.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: L-2M History

Oh yeah I have been shown the formula and know about the ones that are wrong. that other fellow send to me direct [email protected] with your Foundation # in the header and away we go!!

[M Towsley]

Re: L-2M History

Forrest,

I sent you a picture of the throttle serial number. I tried to post it here, but the file size was too big. Let me know what you think.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: L-2M History

Forrest:

Any success with finding information on:
USAAF tail number 43-25965, Manufacturer's s/n L-5277

We received some pictures from the Silent Wings Museum in Lubbock, Texas. Can you clarify what model ship #38 is? See pic. ..001. It is definaley not a L-2A, B, or M. Hopefully they will have some more pictures for use. I definately think it is getting time to make a field trip over there.

Pic one is a J-4 Cub Coupe. The top pic in #2 is a t-craft L-2, bottom one is also J-4.

Mike

[Pro from Dover]

Number location

We have balasted Henson's fuselage and have yet to locate the number above the throttle. Is it impression stamped or a weld plate ala Piper style? We have blasted and primed the frame and did not locate such a number. I guess we need a diagram...

Aircraft in question is an Aeronca, not a J-4. Most likely a prewar Chief. VanSickle brakes are a give away as well as jury strut configuration and rudder hinge line. Not found on Pipers. Possibly a 65-CA series type of aircraft.

Aircraft was most likely transferred from the CPTP to the WTS after Dec 7, 1941.

"The Civilian Pilot Training Program became the War Training Service (WTS) and, from 1942 to 1944, served primarily as the screening program for potential pilot candidates. Students still attended classes at colleges and universities and flight training was still conducted by private flight schools, but all WTS graduates were required to sign a contract agreeing to enter the military following graduation."

According to the tail number on the aircraft it is listed in USAAF tabulations as an L-3 (I have a bit higher res version of this photo). Most likely one of the alphabet variants similar in style to the L-2C's though K's.

Interesting note: If you look at picture 002 with the two folks standing in front of an aircraft, they are standing in front of the star emblem and you can also see a civilian trim stripe still extant. Aircraft marking standardization in the '41 to '42 timeframe was a bit chaotic...as was everyday life...

Hope this helps a bit...

[Dick Huish]

Re: L-2M History

The serial number should be ON the rear throttle handle directly brhind the threaded area for the knob. It is stamped across the handle. Dick

[M Towsley]

Re: L-2M History

Bill,

Send me your e-mail address and I will send you a photo of what mine looked like as I recently sent it to Forrest to try and research it. Mine was on the front throttle, as I believe the restorer either didn't pay attention or thought it belonged there. I have an old rusty rear throttle to another aircraft and it was difficult to make out on that one. As Dick said, top of the rear throttle is where it should be at. Good luck!

[dbdhenson]

Re: L-2M History

We were able to locate the serial number on the throttle handle. And it even matched the paperwork. Thanks for the help.

[Dick Huish]

Re: L-2M History

Dave, I'm having trouble getting your Nnumber. Would you mind giving it to me? The L-2Ms that Texas Tech were spread around to several locations. Not all were in Lubbock. Dick

[dbdhenson]

Re: L-2M History

The number is: 5277

Manufacturer's s/n L-5277, USAAF tail number 43-25965.
Aircraft manufacture date: July 22, 1943

Looking forward to seeing what information you can dig up.

[Dave Weisgerber]

Re: L-2M History

I thoght somebody might be interested to know that my Dad and I just bought an L2B Ser#5057 which I believe is USAAF Ser # 43-482. I also have an RV6 but this L2 looks like a lot of fun even though it might not be as fast. I did send away for the History Card.
I was also wondering aout getting rid of the A65-8 and putting in a bigger engine, maybe one with a starter like a C-85-12 or an O-200. Does anybody have any information or a list of STCs for this airplane?

[M Towsley]

Re: L-2M History

Dave,

I don't have info on the 85 conversion, but I am sure Dick or someone will. I have seen 85's on the M, but not on an L-2B. Doesn't mean you can't, though. You are correct on the speed, slower than my previous BC-12D which was slow. It is a hugely fun airplane, though. Great visibility and a cheap warbird, too. Where did you find the plane? Good luck with it, you'll enjoy it.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: L-2M History

I thoght somebody might be interested to know that my Dad and I just bought an L2B Ser#5057 which I believe is USAAF Ser # 43-482. I also have an RV6 but this L2 looks like a lot of fun even though it might not be as fast. I did send away for the History Card.
I was also wondering aout getting rid of the A65-8 and putting in a bigger engine, maybe one with a starter like a C-85-12 or an O-200. Does anybody have any information or a list of STCs for this airplane?

We installed an 85-12 in a L-2M based apon an approval to use the info from a one time STC. I have paperwork from an "M" with a C-90 on it as well, and trying to get ahold of paperwork for one with an O-200 on it