New L2 and Cranes

[Ed O'Brien]

Last Saturday I was in Caldwell ID. flying my new (1942)
L2-A. What fun. I was a bit ham-fisted and ham-toed on the stick and rudder. I'll need to smooth it out. Smoothing is a relative term for me. That said, I couldn't believe how even a small 20 degree banking turned a circle so tight as to have me wonder if the front end was going to meet the back end and cause a single plane mid-air. Light and airy on the controls followed the light and airy feel of the cabin with green-house glass everywhere.

N57504 should be in Denver in a week to 10 days. I look forward to many hours of boring holes in the heavens.

Also, I went on to Lakeview OR. I saw tens-of-thousand of blue herrons, egrets, sand-hill cranes, and the like. The largest migration of wading birds in the western US. Quite a trip and lots of great memories.

SO, buy an L2 and go to Lakeview OR. and watch the birds.
Yeah, I had a great 10 days off.
With regards;
ED OBRIEN

[M Towsley]

Re: New L2 and Cranes

Ed,

Doesn't it make you wonder all the sights you missed when you didn't have all that glass around you??? Glad to hear your'e enjoying your L-2, I knew you would like it!!!

Best regards,

[crispy critter]

Re: New L2 and Cranes

Congrats Ed,The L-2's are a wonderful bird.......however,you might want to shade some of that glass on those hot,bright,sunny,days. It can cook you if you let it.....but it's still worth it most of the time.

[Ed O'Brien]

Re: New L2 and Cranes

Regarding Kevin's comment about "All that glass." Is flying in an L2 how you got "Crispy"? Yes, I can see how that glass could fry you and me too. I can open both windows alongside the front seat. That should help some... otherwise I'm stuck with a ball cap. Being rather bald, I'm always stuck under a ball cap. Next time you're through town give me a call. I look forward to hanging out again.

Regarding Marty's comment -- That He "knew I'd like it." I thank you for your knowledge and YOU ARE RIGHT, SIR! You are an intuitive genius.
With my best wishes;
Ed O'Brien

[Chet Peek]

Re: New L2 and Cranes

Had my DC-65, (L-2) up yesterday. What a wonderful plane! Here's the story
"We went over to our hangar today to get some much needed work done. It
> was a beautiful day, some wind, but warm for a change . After I had
> completed all the tasks set for me by the PERSON IN CHARGE, (spray
> trees, mow lawn, sweep hangar, clean toilet bowl, and pick the
> asparagus), I rolled the old T-Craft out and decided to start it for the
> first time in about 6 months. Gave it a long and detailed pre-flight
> inspection, (kicked each tire viciously), turned on the gas, switch, and
> gave it two shots of prime. Pulled it through, it started on the third
> blade! Since it was running, I thought I should take it around the
> patch, even though it was windy and gusty. I have the attitude that if
> I cant fly in a stiff wind, I probably shouldn't be flying. Anyway, the
> circuit was rough but easy and the landing good, one little bounce.
>
> So I'm back in the air."
>
> Chet Peek

[crispy critter]

Re: New L2 and Cranes

Regarding Kevin's comment about "All that glass." Is flying in an L2 how you got "Crispy"? Yes, I can see how that glass could fry you and me too. I can open both windows alongside the front seat. That should help some... otherwise I'm stuck with a ball cap. Being rather bald, I'm always stuck under a ball cap. Next time you're through town give me a call. I look forward to hanging out again.

Regarding Marty's comment -- That He "knew I'd like it." I thank you for your knowledge and YOU ARE RIGHT, SIR! You are an intuitive genius.
With my best wishes;
Ed O'Brien

Ed,flying an L2 is not how I got Crispy, Crispy is a BC12D. Ihave flown a couple of the L2's and I really liked them.I think (IMHO) the BC12D looks and flies a little better but the L2 will out manuver the BC12's. The L2 also has better visibility from all sides,more room and comfort,plus the added fun of flying tandem just feels more natural. Not to mention when you roll the L2 up-side-down you can still see anything you want to see,when you roll the BC12's up-side-down.....all you see is a little bit of horizon and the sky(unless you have a skylight).
I have owned several BC12's but never an L2. I have Crispy to finish then 2 other real nice complete t-craft projects that are/will be for sell(if anyone is looking...as is or finished the way you want it) and once those are out of my hair I plan on finding an L2 and a J2. I want to add one of each to my collection and they will be keepers along side of Crispy.
If the skylight gets too hot on you Ed just always remember to carry an extra sectional chart.....they make a great sun shade.

[Ed O'Brien]

Re: New L2 and Cranes

Once upon a time I had a parnership in an SNJ. I also had a 7GCBC with a greenhouse though not as large a greenhouse as the L2 exhibits. That said, stuffing flightsuit leg pockets with sectionals and a flight vest with every other thing I might need (including a sandwich and juice box) is a thing I've done and many times. Trying to get in and out the plane with "Frakenstein Legs" is a challenge but doable. I'm certainly looking forward to flying this new bird and taking it on adventures that are well imagined if not well conceived. I can't wait!

All the best, everyday, and plenty of it. Words that turn to the deed of good living is the way go. I've chosen to do so in my new little L2.
With regards; ED OBRIEN

[crispy critter]

Re: New L2 and Cranes

Ed,you'll have to fly that thing down to east kentucky sometime....maybe on the way to Alliance???? Just watch out for that spot in the sky just east of Akron,Co....it might be bad luck.LOL.
Have fun with the new L2 and the next time I'm down your way I certinly let you know.

[dbdhenson]

Re: New L2 and Cranes

Congratulations!! I look forward to the day we get our L-2M flying again.

Can you post some picture for all of us to see. Both the L-2 and the cranes.

[Ed O'Brien]

Re: New L2 and Cranes

David;
I wish I had a picture of the cranes. Great flocks of legs, wings, and screeches they were. Like a sweeping, flapping cloud -- thousands of them lifted from the wallows and marshes. No words could've captured the scene, nor any picture done it justice. Unfortunately, I wasn't carrying my camera at the time. My wife meant me in San Francisco and brought it with her... 2 days after this sight. SO, all I can offer is the pictures which are still on the Trade-a-plane website.
Click here if you'd like to see the L2:

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/unprotected/specs/50602.html

Regarding the flight of the cranes and an L2. Given the turning radius of this Grasshopper -- I think I can beat those birds in the air. BUT, this may be just fantasy on my part.
With regards; ED OBRIEN