Curtiss Challenger Engine Handbook

Mr. Harold Sciever of Brownwood Texas recently sent me this really nice original manual for Curtiss Challenger engines.  Harold was a friend of Dad's.  It is nice knowing there are still folks around who knew Dad and who appreciate old airplanes enough to preserve this kind of history.  This handbook is a welcome addition to our Robin's records.

Curtiss Robin C-1, NR-82H. John Bowden

This month I decided to take a look back at the history of Curtiss Robin model C-1, NR82H, which has been in my family for the better part of 5 decades.  Early on, this airplane had an interesting career as an endurance flying refueler.  Details of the early endurance flying days are documented in my article titled "Curtiss Robin NR82H - Making History" published in Sport Aviation, February 1995.  Since that article was published, I have come across a few interesting items and photos of note.  Here are a few of them, followed by the article and the personal Journal of Louise Thaden discussing her record setting endurance flight of August 1932 with partner Frances Marsallis over New York City in a Curtiss Thrush.

Earliest known photograph of NR82H as configured from the factory as a re-fuel ship for the "Missouri Robin"  Photo provided by Russell Plehinger.

NR82H engaged in re-fuel connection with "The Missouri Robin" NR78H July 1929.  Photo provided by Russell Plehinger

NR82H engaged in re-fuel connection with "The Spokane Sun God" August 1929. NR82H was piloted by C. Ray Wasall during these connections.  Photo provided by Russell Plehinger

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Note: in the photo above and below it is thought the the large white area was painted on the side in order to communicate written messages to the endurance crew.

Photo of NR82H apparently "touched up" for advertisement.  Source: FLIGHT magazine, Oct. 24, 1930.

NR82H engaged in re-fuel connection with "The I.J. Fox" Curtiss Thrush endurance plane of Louise Thanden and Frances Marsallis.  August 1932.  Photo provided by Russell Plehinger.

After the above article was published, I received a couple of interesting letters... see below.  Click on the images to enlarge for reading.

READ MORE about NR82H, C. Ray Wassall, and endurance flying HERE.

1927 Curtiss Robin model B Kermit Weeks

I first got the chance to view this wonderfully restored 1927 Curtiss Robin model B in the early 1990s.  On a visit with Lynn Towns, he took me over to an airport (somewhere near Detroit MI) and there sat this beautiful OX Robin.  It was clear to me that this airplane has certainly been blessed with detailed craftsmanship nearing perfection.  I never got the chance to visit with its restorer, Henry Haigh, but tried to remain aware of this Robin.  Sometimes that's hard to do.

All photos by Rick Reeves, Metal Specialist, Fantasy of Flight Museum

Various friends who knew of Henry and his airplane reported to me over the years that Henry still had the Robin in Michigan.  Then finally in about 2004 I corresponded with Henry and he told me that the airplane was being moved to Florida.  He donated the Robin to Kermit Weeks for active flight display in the Fantasy of Flight Museum.

Fast forward to August 2012 and this airplane showed up on Facebook.  Kermit recently took the Robin out for some in-flight fun. He has graciously agreed to share with us some information, the coolest of which is this short unlisted YouTube video (provided exclusively for our audience at Barnstmr's Random Aeronautics) of Kermit flying in the Robin.  What a treasure!!




Thanks to Kermit and Fantasy of Flight Productions for sharing this great video.  The Video Link and photos here were sent to us by Phil Zizza, who is the Head of Production for Fantasy of Flight Productions. Scroll down to the end of this posting to see Phil's email.

See also, Kermit's Blog for his story of his long-standing friendship with Henry Haigh and the acquisition of the Robin.

 

******** Email *************************************

Hello Terry,

Kermit Weeks asked that I get in touch with you about some photos and video on his Curtiss Robin.We are in the process of creating a video on the planes recent activities out at Fantasy of Flight. When that video is completed and posted to Fantasy of Flight's Youtube channel, we will send you the link. In the meantime, we have put together a short 30 second teaser video of the plane on an unlisted Youtube link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7ZSMyKPdMQ&hd=1

You can use this link immediately on your site, if you so choose, till the full version is up. (Within next few weeks) I've also attached four photos of the plane. There is also a couple of photos and some side information on his blog... http://blog.kermitweeks.com/?p=1684  If you should need anything else, don't hesitate to get in touch with me. We appreciate your interest in the Curtiss Robin plane, Kermit Weeks and Fantasy of Flight.

Great website blog by the way. Really enjoyed it.

Best,

Phil Zizza

Head of Production

Fantasy of Flight Productions

pzizza@fantasyofflight.com