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| Lane Tufts, Moorpark, California |
Lane Tufts acquired his Curtiss Robin project a long time ago. I am not sure exactly when but it seems like I first learned about him having a Robin from my dad at least 40 years ago. I do know that Lane has been restoring this airplane with a meticulous and steady pace for several decades. I think he has enjoyed the journey so much that he has been content, making sure that each and every part has had his care and scrutiny before being blessed to his high standard. And now, he is almost completely done. Lane sent the following pictures to show his airplane as it is now. (Actually it was back in the summer of 2019 and I am just now getting time to publish them).
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| New Fischer Wheels |
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| 220 hp Continental W670 Motor Lane intends for his Robin |
As can be seen in these photos, there is not a whole lot of work remaining to finish up. Going into 2020, Lane tells me he is beginning to realize he's unlikely to see this project to full completion and is really looking to find the right home and the right person to bring all of his fine workmanship to a final flying configuration. All along the intent has been for this to become a flying antique and not a museum piece. If you are the person he is looking for to carry on his project and interested in paying a reasonable price, Lane would love to hear from you. Send him an email...
Some other items of interest regarding Lane's Robin...
Here it is back in the 1950's and 1960's when it was last flying ore the skies of Southern California.
For as long as I can remember, (and likely much longer) Lane has been close friends with another Robin owner in the southern California region. Dick Fischer and Lane always mention each other and their Robins whenever I have spoken with either of them. Both have shared their engineering and fabrication resources in restoring their Robins over the years. Many know of Dick for his contribution to old airplane restorers everywhere by reproducing Bendix wheels.. the 30 x 5 and 28 x 4 sizes. He also has provided restorers of Robins and Curtiss-Wright Travel Airs with tailwheel kits.
Lane had some of the rare castings used on Curtiss Robins made. And Lane's biggest contribution has been the creation of his wooden Wing Rib substitution STC for Curtiss Robins.
My family and I got to visit Lane and his brideback in 2013 and got a tour of his project. I took the following photos at that time.
What a fine flying airplane this Curtiss Robin will be, once again, hopefully soon!
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