Prewar weight??

[1938BF50]

Having finished up 20407 yesterday, I quickly weighed it using electronic bathroom scales. I came up with an empty weight of 668#. 309 left main, 302# right main and 57# on the tailwheel. I was pleasantly suprised as I was hoping to be under 700# with the addition of the LH wing tank.
I am curious if this weight is close to any other prewars out there? I have heard from several previous owners what a great performing plane 20407 was. I am scheduled for the annual in a couple of weeks and then I get to fly it for the first time since purchasing it.

[Larry Lyons]

Re: Prewar weight??

Love that weight. I too am hoping my 41 comes out under 700#. She will be on a strict diet during the complete restoration. As Burt Rutan said getting ready for his around the world flight. When deciding if it went in the plane, they threw it up in the air, if it came down, it was to heavy!
L

[3Dreaming]

Re: Prewar weight??

My 41 BL was 692. Dad's 41 deluxe was portly at over 800.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Prewar weight??

I can't wait to get teh wings back on mine and weigh her. I know when I started the actual weight and CG was NO WHERE CLOSE to what the W&B said. I have a pile of C**P in the corner of the hangar I took out. I am hoping for well under 700# too. You guys have me excited I may make it.
Hank

Now if I could just get MY GW under 200#!

[M Jones]

Re: Prewar weight??

Bet you can't wait Mike! The W/B sheet on 22606 says 697# with two wing tanks. There is no headliner,etc., and you can see a little of the weave in the fabric too, so minimum weight there. One of the experts here called BS when I was asked and told him the weight. I bought it that way but have no reason to doubt the numbers knowing the guy that signed everything off.

Enjoy it and let us know if you get a grin OK? A picture or two would be nice by the way.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Prewar weight??

Mike Cushway did REAL good! the lightest BF-50 I have in the records was 635# ; must have had helium for internal corrosion proofing.