It's a "Flash-Back Friday"

Kim Fri Oct 25, 2024 7:43 am

WAY back in the 1980's/90's, it wasn't unusual for me to head down to the little airport at Cairo, Illinois BEFORE sunrise, just for the chance to catch some totally calm air for my flying toys.

I usually had everything pre-prepped to avoid any unnecessary brain work before the Folgers kicked in. Basically, this involved unplugging the plane and transmitter from the all night "wall tick" block chargers I used back then, and hitting out.

On this trip, I was treated to something REAL special...a Piper PA-12 "Super Cruiser"...tied down on the fog-shrouded ramp.

Of all the Piper "Cubs' we knew and loved, this somewhat chunky "Super Cruiser" version held special meaning as the one Uncle Wayne built from a 1960's Jetco Models kit...flying as a control liner with a very weak Wen-Mac .049 in its nose.

My Cousin Bobby and I loved it because the anemic Wen-Mac let us actually do touch and goes on the infield dirt of Olmsted's ball diamond. Takeoff's were super scale-like because, rather than blasting into the air like a rocket, the Super Cruiser would track across the dirt...tail rising...then rolling some more before gently lifting off the ground.

On one super-rare flying day in the Fall, Uncle Wayne was actually able to stay later in the day, and we just kept flying the Piper into the quick darkness of early evening. Carefully pulling the plane as high in the circle as we dared, I still remember seeing the street lights shining through its windows as the Piper made its laps.

Sadly, I don't have photos of this original model, but found a kit and built one for radio control in the late 1980's, and it's pictured here, along with its full-scale sibling, parked on Cairo's foggy ramp. It succumbed to a poorly charged radio, and now exists only in parts, but there's another kit in storage, so...

rsv1cox Fri Oct 25, 2024 10:57 am

Great story and pictures Kim. I read every word and enjoyed all the pictures.

roddie Fri Oct 25, 2024 11:28 am

SoOo CoOoL Kim! Cool

From M.A.N. January 1960... I came into this world on the 29th day.. Smile

Levent Suberk Fri Oct 25, 2024 11:53 am

Interesting story Kim, thanks for the Flash-Back Friday I once built rubber powered version of Taylor Cub from a plan of Air Trails magazine April 1940 issue. Alas no photos any of built model.

Kim Fri Oct 25, 2024 1:02 pm

Thank You Guys!!!

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