Armour 172

[Jim Herpst]

Forrest and tribe. Interesting that my Dad called earlier. The widow of one of his ol buddies that died a few years ago is alive and well in a nursing home up in Pittsburgh... St Barnabas. Anyway shes a real character .They did an article on her and showed the 172 that her husband HC BUD Foster purchased new in 1965 and she sold after he died. Anyhow I often wondered what happened to the plane as it was my first plane to wisk me aloft. The N number was clearly shown and I see its now owned by two Brothers by the name of Armour (sp?)up there in Alliance. These guys related to the Taylorcraft Factory al "Armour Plant" we hear about? Are you familiar with the plane? Bud Foster was a WWII B17 pilot and shot down on his first mission spent the rest of the war in a POW camp! He ran a antique business (did really REALLY well, as he had a photographic mind )built umpteen planes some of his own design..and re covered my dads BC12D in 1968 . He stil is an inspiration to me as he represented rugged individualism and was selfless(aLSO put two neighborhood boys through school...one A&P and one through College. I hope the plane is being cared for.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Armour 172

I fly her about 2 times a month; she is the nicest ship on the field, that is Wally Armour Dodge dealership here in Alliance, She has a 180 Lyc with constant speed. We use her for aerial photos . Not related to that Armour & Co.. will find photo over at airport computer and post soon. Jet Glo paint job about 18 yrs ago still pristine. make the arrangements and we will go flying and take her with us!

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Armour 172

Well I ll be . Forrest me lad I WILLset this up If at all possible. I am about ready to fly the Carlson Baby Ace . It will be going aloft for the first time in 34 years. ( WILL POST PICTURES SHE TURNED OUT NICE) As well Ernie built the primary structure and as well as the restoration exceeds the orginal plane like so many of its era "home built so we used OLD CUB parts in 1966" with all the NEW CUB stuff NOW on her with the new everything this plane needs to come home to my ol stompin grounds near you!!. I am going to try and bring it up to OSH or the Taylorcraft fly in. Any how it would be great if you could arrange to get the 172 over to Zelinople PA (where she was orginallly based ) and we could get the home to bring Mrs Foster (aka Tommy Foster..by the way SHE got her Private in that plane) out there. WOW Forest I will send you the pics of this plane back when it said "Fosters Antiques" on the doors . This means much. Just called Dad and told him he was blown away. Now he wants to drive up (AT 87)as chase vehicle to OSH or Alliance. This aviation world is the smallest and best. Thanks and will stay posted !!

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Armour 172

We had that ship over to Zeli for a pancake Breakfast and Young Eagles last year; took pictures there too! Will try to find them. She has flown a bunch of YE's .

[Carl E. Carson]

Re: Armour 172

I think those activities of reuniting older folks with a former airplane is compassion to the highest degree. I have had the opportunity to do that with some of my dad's old aviation friends and it is an emotional experience to say the least. All your efforts will be much appreciated and never forgotten.

Carl

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Armour 172

Carl , Thanks. Yes without these folks you and I would not have a clue of what it means to slip the surley bonds. Many a fond memory of the older group growing up an airport kid !