As we have an Open House:

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....30a989839.jpeg

AgCat, Great Lakes and a hint of Broussard... or Schlepp,,,

Normally you finish building the aircraft before first flight.

...and finalise the design before starting to build. That said... I quite like it!

The tail is left uncovered to prevent dust buildup

The Agcat referance might have something. There seems little reason for some of the bits (cut off wing tips) and pilot placement, if it was not a working a/c. Lots of space in the middle for spray or dust.

The AgCat is the only right guess up to now.
The double rudder was used to keep them out of the spray trail.

Larson D-1 Duster (1955)


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....926f657eee.jpg

That’s the one. The number of parts only 25% compared to a Stearman.
John has control.

An interesting plane with at least two world firsts to this model, plus a dubious (in these days) link to a motorbike :hmm:


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....0c97ee6cff.jpg

The motorcycle link was Harley-Davidson brakes: and any self respecting rider will know that Harleys don't go, don't corner and don't stop :p


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....e925149986.jpg

That would be a Stinson SM-1 Detroiter, the one in the Golden Wings museum (Stinson Detroiter).

Jhieminga there are quite a few variants of the SM-1: ten if my online research is right!

Which one is this and (apart from the plaque shown in the linked series of photos) what 'firsts' did it achieve?

One of the pair that set the AAR endurance record in 1930?

First 'first' was the SM-1Detroiter, which was a biplane and the first aircraft with an electric starter :ok:

More models and 'firsts' before we get to the posted Flying Machine ;)

I'll have to pass, I haven't dug into the story of these Stinsons as much as you have. I figured that first Diesel powered flight would be one of them but you stated that there should be two more, including the electric starter. That leaves one or am I missing something?

Jhieminga you can take the honours with SM-1 :ok:

The one in the image was the SM-1B (or SM-1DX) which was the first diesel aircraft ever flown, and a monoplane after the original biplane SM-1. The type was also claimed to be the first aircraft with soundproofing in the cabin :cool:

Over to you Jhieminga

Thanks!

As long as we're on firsts, lets try this one. There's a story attached to it.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....4272214da2.jpg

Perhaps a clue might be in order?

It was test-flown from a beach...