Stead Update

[MMPerk]

A quick update while I wait for my truck to get unloaded.

Work has begun on the main entrance to the races. And the general admission grandstands are also going up. Reconstruction of the taxieways has started. As of my last visit yesteray the work had yet to reach the 'Bear Cave' or the home of 'Blue 2'. But when it does, it's going to be a mess and a real pain in the tail feathers.

Due to long hours on my real job, updates and photos from me may be in short supply till I start my vacation in September.

I'll update this post a few photos once I get done tonight.

LP

[jhall@jetav.com]

Re: Stead Update

Nice PRS pics - thanks!

[MMPerk]

Re: Stead Update

Sorry for the lack of pictures on the 'Stead Update'. I ran off last night and left my camera in the truck when I left work. I can say that RARA is making some changes on the entrance to improve things for the fans.

The taxiway project is going to take 10 days at each section that they are doing.

LP

Updated: Pictures added in the wee hours of the morning...

The first few shots show some of the work that is being done at Stead. As you can see, the work on the taxiways is making a temporary mess of things, but it's going to be great when they are finished!!

The next couple of shots are from an L-39 that had a major engine fire. It is my understanding that the fire happened on final. On the outside there appears to be minimal damage, however, as you can see, the engine is no longer serviceable and this bird will not make the races this year.

And then we have a fine example of a sweet MiG-15.

LP

[MMPerk]

Re: Stead Update

Another quick update...

The view from the 'Bear Cave' a few days ago. I hope to have more updates from Stead soon. Even though I live here, it's been hard with my current work schedule to get out there during daylight hours.

It is my hope to take a trip to Stead tomorrow and if I do, another update will follow.

LP

[T.F.]

Re: Stead Update

Very much appreciate the updates. Keep them comming as possible.

Is that the Specline Special in the middle of the row?

[GRNDP51]

Re: Stead Update

Yes that is specline special.

[RCoulter]

Re: Stead Update

That sucks about the L39 fire, glad I got good shots back when they were test flying it.

Nice shots Lonnie, can't wait for the races

[Peashooter]

Re: Stead Update

How about some pictures in the Bear Cave...

[MMPerk]

Re: Stead Update

How about some pictures in the Bear Cave...

Sorry for the delay...not really that much to show at this point...but I have an idea that the base coat of white paint was done last night. At least that was the plan yesterday when I stopped by on a break.

The paving is done, and I must say, it is quite the improvement.

Here's a few pics to from my past couple of quick visits.

LP

[Peashooter]

Re: Stead Update

Thanks Lonnie. Looks like the 99.9% profiling effort. Virtually anything that can be filled and faired has been, unless his HAS to come off for regualar mx. How about the leading edge, wing root and boil-off mods, any clues?

[MMPerk]

Re: Stead Update

I haven't had the chance to talk to Dave about the mods in question, he should be back here in Reno in a couple of days or so. But work is progressing, and there is now paint on the 'Bear'. Rich has started applying the white base coat. The 'Bear' is looking smooth and though some filler has been used, not near as much as we saw last year. The leading edge/wing root pieces have been made by John Parker and they really look and fit good.

John Marlin continues to work on the MB-5, and he may bring it out of the hanger during the races so people can take a look at it. It has been running, and though I'm no expert, that Griffin sure sounds sweet.

Work continues on Blue II, but soon the focus will be shifting to getting Rapid Travel ready for the races. They are expecting a good turnout of Thunder Mustangs to come and show their support.

The Sea Fury that had an hard encounter with the ground has been moved next to Aviation Classics hanger. Again very glad the pilot is ok.



LP

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Stead Update

The leading edge/wing root pieces have been made by John Parker and they really look and fit good.

Sweet... didn't know that American Air Racing was doing parts for the Rare Bear!! Parker's shop is the BOMB and he has his hands on so many racers, it's difficult to keep track!!!!!

The Sea Fury that had an hard encounter with the ground has been moved next to Aviation Classics hanger. Again very glad the pilot is ok.

Lonnie.. can you confirm/deny whether the airplane is going to go west, or southeast for repairs?

Keep up the updates!!

[MMPerk]

Re: Stead Update

I haven't heard anything on that yet, but I did hear that people from the insurance company will be here this week. Here is a shot of the Sea Fury on the flatbed.

LP

[MMPerk]

Re: Stead Update

Another update from Stead,

More of a general update on the sights and happenings around the field.

With a fire burning south of Lake Tahoe there are some visiting tankers in the area. A P-3 and a very interesting P2V where getting loaded up when I first arrived today. The P2V uses 2 R3350's and 2 jets engines that burn av-gas. It was really something to hear this beast do it's run-up and then takeoff.

I've included another look at the engine of the L-39 that suffered the engine fire, you can get a better idea of the damage to the engine to the fire.

Also another look at the Sea Fury that had a close encounter with the ground.

By the way, how sections of general admission grandstands were there last year?

See ya at the races!!

LP

[RCoulter]

Re: Stead Update

Nice to see that P2V in happier times.

Thanks for the update Lonnie, hopefully the bad juju will stop and we will have some great races