Wag Aero Window Frames

[PA1195]

To be honest as I recall I had the choice of props. I flew the BR in Wasilla on skis but not floats before I bought the plane from Jim Blake. He used it and liked it but by that time in October it was too late for a real test. So I opted for the simpler Mac. He sold the wood BR. The Big Mac 75" was never an approved prop on the Taylorcraft and C-85 just O-200 C-150 seaplane but those were different days. Jim then bought a Pacer modded Producer and I later heard he died maybe in that plane.

I have a CD copy of N29694 with the big rear windows. All the 337 Field Approval says is installed rear windows, D&R (Interstate Arctic Tern) cowl and squared tips and ailerons, etc.. Such was life when the FAA was populated with experienced inspectors that knew what worked and what didn't.

Gary

[Hank Jarrett]

Found the drawings of the "D" Window frames. Can we get an idea of how many people need them and which ones? I have the sheet metal one under the frame in a prior post, the pre-war laminated wood one and the modified wood one I made before I found an original one to make a drawing from. I will try to take a photo of each and post them. If several people need them I will find out the cost to make copies and mail them. I will send them for my cost to whoever needs them.

Hank

[woodmw]

I would like the sheet metal one.

[N96337]

I'd be interested in either of the old style d windows Hank. Any idea which one would be lighter weight? You could just post them here and we can grab dimensions off the drawings and save you having to do the copying if that's easier.
John

[Hank Jarrett]

I am going to see if the copy center still offers a digital version of the copy scan. If so, I can just post the file and you can look at it on your screen or have it printed full size (or on your own printers and just scale it).
As for weight, that isn't the main issue. The pre-war ones were wood and the post wars were sheet metal. I never weighed them but suspect the laminated wood ones were lightest and the 49 sheet metal ones were next, followed by the F-19 metal ones (which I haven't ever had any of so I don't have a drawing of them). The weights were not the only difference. The size and shape of each one are also different. I can say that te ;larger windows DID NOT seem to provide much more visibility, at least to me. For my purposes I am using the historically correct size, jus because that is what was used originally. I haven't been in an F-19 or later so I don't know if there is significantly more visibility through them.

Hank

[N96337]

Yeah, I figured that maybe the laminated wood ones were the lightest. I agree, and never liked the looks of the big windows that much. Especially the ones that always looked like they were sliding down hill!!!!!!!
John

[Hank Jarrett]

A lot of people get the frames attached to the fuselage crooked and it makes the windows look strange. The top edge of the transparency OPENING is supposed to be in line with the top edge of the door window and the front edge of the OPENING (NOT the frame) is supposed to be parallel to the aft edge of the door window. When you stand well back from a COVERED plane the "D" window should look like it is part of the door window with a piece of frame going through them (the rear door frame). If you line the frames up instead of the holes through them everything will look crooked.
One BIG mistake I have seen with the metal frame is to align the vertical tube in the "D" window with the front edge of the frame. That makes the "D" window look REALLY strange!

[3Dreaming]

Years ago I had a set of factory metal frames that came with my BL project. There was no mis-aligning them. They had flanges that wrapped around tubes in the fuselage structure. there was only one way they could go into place. I sold the frames long ago, but I might still have a tracing on poster board. If I do it is at dad's shop somewhere.

[Ragwing nut]

I have some of the prewar frames. You can't screw them up, they attach right to the door frame

[Hank Jarrett]

I have a good drawing, just need to get it copied so I can send out copies. As for not being able to put them in wrong......you wouldn't believe how creative some guys can be. Trust me, I had to really study the plane to figure out how he did it, but he did!

Hank

[Guest]

Do you have factory drawings?

[Hank Jarrett]

No, I have drawings done from factory parts. Wish I did have factory ones to compare with.

Hank

[Ryan]

I am going to see if the copy center still offers a digital version of the copy scan. If so, I can just post the file and you can look at it on your screen or have it printed full size (or on your own printers and just scale it).
As for weight, that isn't the main issue. The pre-war ones were wood and the post wars were sheet metal. I never weighed them but suspect the laminated wood ones were lightest and the 49 sheet metal ones were next, followed by the F-19 metal ones (which I haven't ever had any of so I don't have a drawing of them). The weights were not the only difference. The size and shape of each one are also different. I can say that te ;larger windows DID NOT seem to provide much more visibility, at least to me. For my purposes I am using the historically correct size, jus because that is what was used originally. I haven't been in an F-19 or later so I don't know if there is significantly more visibility through them.

Hank

There definitely is more visibility out of the F19 windows but only over your right shoulder. The left one I can't turn around that much. But I wouldn't consider it enough to hold a project up to find them though. The skylight is just if not more useful for visibility. Really they help to make the inside of the cockpit feel larger. Alot more natural light...

[Clark]

I sure would like to have a set of the drawings too, Hank. (The Pre-war, 1940, are those the drawings you are going to print?) Is it to late too to get on your list? I've been toying with adding these for quite some time. Clark

[Hank Jarrett]

Just wondering how long to go before I get the prints made, so certainly not to late yet. Need to check the list and see how many need them.

Hank