My Catalina Project

[briankbski 18]

A few photos of my Catalina #148AB  ... looks like it's back into storage  : (   as I start on the Airdale this fall as she will take far less time to complete and get flying. : )   Haven't done much to the Cat.   All the control linkages were removed and painted and labeled for easier identification and thought it would make it faster, easier and most importantly improve thoroughness and accuracy of pre-flight and annual inspections which ultimately improves safety!   Started to add carbon fiber reinforcements in the areas where the fuselage contacts the hull.  Initial hull and wing fitting.   

 

As always, please feel free to comment and offer recommendations and suggestions.

 

Enjoy the photos.  : )

 

Best Regards

Brian

 

[EDMO 1078]

Did Dean Wilson also design the Catalina? 

That jumble of tubes and parts looks like someone stayed up a few nights and had a couple of bottles - probably some aspirin too!

Looks like you need to get some more storage space with two birds now - and wheels, skis, floats for the Airdale!

EdMO 

Good model of the twin Firefighter plane - I forget what they are called - saw videos of the real ones.

Edited 18 Jul 2015 by Ed In Missouri

[briankbski 18]

Hello Ed

Yes ... I think Dean Wilson also designed the Catalina?  I have the original Avid Factory colour brochures.  One has all their aircraft and the other is specific to the Catalina .  I will take a look.  Dean also designed the "Explorer and Exploer 2.  See the You Tube links below.  The first one is for the Explorer the second one is for the Explorer 2.  Both aircraft are really cooooool!

 

 

 

As for storage space.  The Catalina is going back into the big garage at the office and the Airdale will go into my garage at home to be worked on this fall and winter.

 

I have a set of new Avid wheel through skis ... never used by the original owner.  Found them on barnstormers about 2 months ago.

 

NO floats yet.  That will have to wait, unless I find a steal of a deal.  On the topic of floats, any suggestions?  I have been researching the predrilled kit from Zenair the ones with the wheels.  For me I think that would make the most sense.  Having the option of wheels just adds to the "safety" aspect of flying ... you NEVER know when or where, you may have to put down.  Also adds to the value of the plane if one was ever to sell.  MOST KitFox, Avid or Airdale with Wheels, skis and floats would make a nice package.

 

The RC model is just a photo I found on the internet ... liked the colour, thought I would do the Catalina as close to that as possible.  It is a water bomber, Canadian Canadair / Bombardier CL415.  Occasionally, I see them flying over.  A few years ago two of them were taking turns picking up water in the bay in front of the house.  They were dropping it on a small fire about 10 miles away.  VERY cool to watch them.

 

Brian

[EDMO 1078]

Brian,

     Akflyer (Leni) is probably one of our better float experts.   isn't the gross weight of the Airdale 1400?

I don't swim and hold my breath each time I have to fly across a river at a good altitude to make sure I can glide to the other side or turn around without getting wet.

  I drowned once - never again!

EdMO

BTW - We have a member here who is working with Dean - Got a glimpse of Dean's personal project some time ago.

Edited 18 Jul 2015 by Ed In Missouri

[jjbaker 73]

Very neat airplane and nice pictures!

[C5Engineer 1170]

That is probably the biggest collection of Catalina build pics I have seen. Thanks for sharing. I wonder if there is still any explorers in airworthy condition out there. Some of the shots of the interior of that yellow one are amazing.

[briankbski 18]

An interesting fact about the Explorer 2 the "Yellow One".  Apparently, the cargo area was designed so a Mark lV (wings folded) could be loaded inside.  the back part of the fuselage hinges on the side (opens) to allow the loading of cargo.  Now that is REALLY cool.  

[EDMO 1078]

Those Explorers are the planes Alaskans need to haul their plywood and lumber to the Bush to build their remote cabins.

I saw one guy who had 6 tanks in his plane - 2 for gas, 2 for kerosene, 2 for water - all necessities for the wilderness cabin.

EdMO