Chasing Seaplane History!

KittyHawk · 01-02-2013, 04:59 PM

Thanks for the replies! Glad to be aboard.

A/S: For your Dad, it's not old - he grew up in that era. For the rest of us, it's 80!

Yes, the plane I am referring to IS the original - not a replica by any stretch. It is the one in the photo I attached which shows it afloat on Winnipesaukee. The factory engine in 1931 was a Kinner K-5 but William Harman (I believe) replaced the 100 HP K-5 with a larger Kinner R-56 of 160 HP. That made for a much better ride hopping airplane.

This plane was built at New Haven, CT, sold new to the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA and was used to instruct students and faculty in one of the first such college programs in the US. Spent some time later kicking around VA before moving in stages to NYC and NH. I just brought her home to VA in 2011 after an 80 year absence. Once she's back in the air, I plan to resume ride-hopping in her since it's the only life she's known.

Attached is a photo of how she looked when I took her on.

01-02-2013, 04:59 PM	#5
KittyHawk Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Shenandoah Valley, VA Posts: 21 Thanks: 1 Thanked 28 Times in 6 Posts	Nc975m Thanks for the replies! Glad to be aboard. A/S: For your Dad, it's not old - he grew up in that era. For the rest of us, it's 80! Yes, the plane I am referring to IS the original - not a replica by any stretch. It is the one in the photo I attached which shows it afloat on Winnipesaukee. The factory engine in 1931 was a Kinner K-5 but William Harman (I believe) replaced the 100 HP K-5 with a larger Kinner R-56 of 160 HP. That made for a much better ride hopping airplane. This plane was built at New Haven, CT, sold new to the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA and was used to instruct students and faculty in one of the first such college programs in the US. Spent some time later kicking around VA before moving in stages to NYC and NH. I just brought her home to VA in 2011 after an 80 year absence. Once she's back in the air, I plan to resume ride-hopping in her since it's the only life she's known. Attached is a photo of how she looked when I took her on. Attached Images