Bugsmashers Part 2

[Hagar]

Some American classics. When I arrived at Popham on Sunday there were only a couple of visiting aircraft on the field. This was sitting there all on its little ownsome.


Now an Ercoupe is not something you see every day around these parts. I was told that more were expected but didn't believe it until later when I saw all four together.

     



This pretty little Taylorcraft is a regular visitor.
     

A nice Citabria & Super Decathlon to finish with.

     

[61_OTU]

More slow shutters Doug, this is really most unlike you. Great results though, what's made you try this?

Steve

[Hagar]

Can't let these young buggers beat me. I'm constantly experimenting & slowly improving, I think.

[Flying Trucker]

Great shots of some fantastic Bugsmashers Doug...Wonderful...

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[mrjake2002]

Can't let these young buggers beat me.

Lovely shots Doug, some beauties there.  :) 8-)

[Jared]

Doug I simply love the Citabria photo, they are all amazing though

[Willit Run]

More great aircraft and pics, Doug!!

[Brando14100]

Great little seires here. I like the motion blurs.

8-)

[Flying Trucker]

Goodmorning all...
Here is some information some of our members might find interesting Doug.
The original Ercoupe had no "Rudder Pedals"

[Hagar]

Thanks for that Doug. I was never too sure about the original concept of an easy-to-fly "spin-proof" aeroplane. The tiny elevator also has a very restricted movement. I wonder what would happen if you ever got yourself into a situation where you needed that extra control.

The aeroplane is fun to fly and the aeroplane can be flown with that sliding bubble canopy all the way open.

I've been trying to figure out how that sliding canopy works. Didn't think to look when I had the chance. I was also wondering if anyone would spot that there are 3 basic models of the Ercoupe in my photos. They don't all have the same canopy.

I noted that although OO-PUS is registered as an early ERCO model it has a modified elevator of much larger area than the original. Here's a couple of photos for comparison. I didn't check but I think all these will have rudder pedals.

OO-PUS ERCO 451-C Ercoupe
http://www.simviation.com/yabbuploads/da_MG_9860ppm.jpg

G-ARHB Forney F-1A Aircoupe
http://www.simviation.com/yabbuploads/da_MG_9857ppm.jpg

G-HARY Alon A-2 Aircoupe
http://www.simviation.com/yabbuploads/da_MG_9859ppm.jpg

[Flying Trucker]

Thanks for the links to those pictures Doug.

I am not really sure now how to tell if they would have "Rudder Pedals" or not outside of looking into the cockpit.  I do know it was a modification that could be done.

The aeroplane has quite the following with a good number of Clubs dedicated to it.

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[Hagar]

Thanks for the links to those pictures Doug.

You're welcome. I take all sorts of photos that never get posted here.

I am not really sure now how to tell if they would have "Rudder Pedals" or not outside of looking into the cockpit.  I do know it was a modification that could be done.

That would be the only way unless you asked the pilot. It's not easy to see into the depths of the cockpit without standing on the wing which is strictly verboten without permission. Unfortunately I never thought to look for things like rudder pedals. I'm not sure of my facts but I suspect that all UK-registered examples would have that mod done. I wouldn't know about the Belgian one. I noticed after posting the link to OO-PUS that the whole tail section looks brand new.

The aeroplane has quite the following with a good number of Clubs dedicated to it.

So I believe. I never understood the attraction myself.

[Flying Trucker]

Hi Doug

Well I believe the big attraction was the operational cost, when the Cesssna 150 first came out the Ercoupe was still cheaper to operate by an owner.  
I don't think the aeroplane was a good trainer and I can't remember any flying schools using them for trainers.  I do believe some flying clubs owned them and the members rented them from the club.
I believe the aeroplane was just a good safe fun aeroplane to fly and perhaps a little faster than the horse and buggy.    

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[Hagar]

Thanks Doug. I'm sure you're correct. The cost would be a big attraction.  It seems the price varies between $10,000 & $25,000, obviously depending on condition. I'm surprised at how many are still flying in the US as I believe there are only about 12 registered in the UK.

I found a couple of interesting websites with the history of the aircraft. The webmaster of this one is the proud owner of G-HARY in my photos. http://www.ercoupe.co.uk/

This is the Ercoupe Owners Club. http://www.ercoupe.org/

I don't think the aeroplane was a good trainer and I can't remember any flying schools using them for trainers.  I do believe some flying clubs owned them and the members rented them from the club.

I would have to agree although the F-1A was officially called the Forney Trainer.