Just wondering what "limited front controls" might be - I had assumed it would either have dual controls or not have them, but not half and half
The Stearman I have flown (from the front) had controls and instruments in both cockpits sufficient for VFR flight from either cockpit. I'm sure that Stearmans differ across the production range, but... If I were the umpteen thousand hour ATPL instructor, who was also in charge of building up the aircraft, to ride front cockpit to the the lesser experience solo pilot in the back, I'd certainly be assuring that there were full dual controls and instruments in the front - Just in case of a rough running engine in Winslow, or some such challenging situation! I would be very surprised to learn that this particular Stearman could not be flown equally well from the front or rear cockpits.