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Building Tips and technical articles. => 1/2 A building. => Topic started by: Bill Heher on July 09, 2012, 07:50:14 PM

Title: Fire Baby at last!
Post by: Bill Heher on July 09, 2012, 07:50:14 PM
Well after several aborted E-bay bidding wars, and trying a few other avenues I finally scored complete FireBaby kit.  
I have wanted one for a few years since I found an old photo of my dad when he was stationed in Germany in the early 50s. He is sitting on the steps of their barracks holding a completed FireBaby and looking quite content.

I plan to use it for patterns, see if I can replicate the aluminum wing and motor mounts, and make one in his memory. Then I'll still have the original w/box for my collection. Going to have to get one of my OK Cubs out and get it ready for duty.

Scored a couple FireBees  too. I probably paid too much, but it was my birthday when I saw the ad, so I gave myself a present!
Title: Re: Fire Baby at last!
Post by: john e. holliday on July 10, 2012, 09:36:45 AM
Hey, if it is something you really want,  then you did not spend too much.  The Firebaby is the first plane I tried to fly.  Made all of 9 laps on 15 foot lines.  But, what did I know back then. H^^
Title: Re: Fire Baby at last!
Post by: Bill Adair on July 10, 2012, 03:25:23 PM
Congratulations Bill, and Larry.  H^^

My first control line airplane was a Firebaby, and it was powered with an early McCoy .049 diesel. I used my home made fuel mix, and wood +6X4 props.
It flew very well for the type.

I'm not sure, but I think it might have been the first c/l ARF ever marketed.

Years ago, I spoke with Frank Macy about buying one (replica), and he was asking about $100 for the one he had in stock. It was not the original wood fuselage version, so I declined. I seriously considered offering $100 for the one you bought, but my birthday is later this month.  ;D

Is yours an original version, with a balloon tank inside the snap-on canopy?

Bill
Title: Re: Fire Baby at last!
Post by: Bill Heher on July 10, 2012, 07:36:08 PM
OK Doc, can I call you for a character witness when the frugal 1/2 of this marriage finds out I spent 3X what I originally planned?

But then I did replace her headlight assemblies and changed her oil/rotated the tires, so I guess she should not get too overwrought.

Hi Bill- yes it is the baloon tank in the canopy version. The 2 FireBees are original kits complete with engines and squeeze bulb throttle set-up. They were mailed today, so I hope to get them by Friday and see exactly what I got.
Title: Re: Fire Baby at last!
Post by: john e. holliday on July 11, 2012, 07:33:52 AM
Don't  forget the pics so we have something  to drool over. LL~ LL~
Title: Re: Fire Baby at last!
Post by: Roger Vizioli on July 11, 2012, 07:37:33 PM
Bill,
Congratulations.
I remember when we spoke about you trying to find one.
Oh, it seems like "long ago!"  
Oh, it was!!   LL~
Flew my first Firebaby in the riding ring at the local stables, early 50's.
Roger V.
IRKS CL