leaded50
Legendary member
Air Race spectators witnessed the beginning of a new era in commercial aviation. This was in the form of a sleek racing job built by the Travel Air Company of Wichita, Kansas. This racer, whose design and construction began in 1928, earned the name Travel Air "Mystery Ship". Its design and construction was a closely guarded project at the factory and even as it landed at the Cleveland airport to participate in the 1929 air races .
it was the winning aircraft, a Wright Whirlwind powered Travel Air became the first recipient of the coveted Thompson Trophy.
A fourth "Mystery Ship" was purchased by the Texaco Company and was perhaps the most famous of the five. This was Frank Hawks' "Texaco 13". Frank Hawks had flown Mr. Hull, president of the Texas Pipe Line Co., and won a berth as superintendent of aviation for the Texas company.
My other build project (AzteX) is under paint, and electronic work..
This "Texaco" plane have been a favorite a long time in design.. with the tryout build by Master series style, i found this would be a superb project using the method.
I found some small scetches, pictures and drawings on the plane, and on this info i could approx find the sizes on different parts. The build will be Wingspan 700mm X length: 490mm.
The idea on the wing i did used FT Speedster as find how, but keeping the Texaco plane size and dihedral style. The cowl i did made after 75% size of the Corsair cowl, shortend. Even the first part of fuselage was done by the Corsair plans. Some adjustment against the wing, and it did fit. This part is also shortened to fit to rear end of cockpit. ( this plane also need a cowl style on the front part of fuselage.. funny, but even more build training. )
And the tailfins? well, they too like alike the FT Speedster...
it was the winning aircraft, a Wright Whirlwind powered Travel Air became the first recipient of the coveted Thompson Trophy.
A fourth "Mystery Ship" was purchased by the Texaco Company and was perhaps the most famous of the five. This was Frank Hawks' "Texaco 13". Frank Hawks had flown Mr. Hull, president of the Texas Pipe Line Co., and won a berth as superintendent of aviation for the Texas company.
My other build project (AzteX) is under paint, and electronic work..
This "Texaco" plane have been a favorite a long time in design.. with the tryout build by Master series style, i found this would be a superb project using the method.
I found some small scetches, pictures and drawings on the plane, and on this info i could approx find the sizes on different parts. The build will be Wingspan 700mm X length: 490mm.
The idea on the wing i did used FT Speedster as find how, but keeping the Texaco plane size and dihedral style. The cowl i did made after 75% size of the Corsair cowl, shortend. Even the first part of fuselage was done by the Corsair plans. Some adjustment against the wing, and it did fit. This part is also shortened to fit to rear end of cockpit. ( this plane also need a cowl style on the front part of fuselage.. funny, but even more build training. )
And the tailfins? well, they too like alike the FT Speedster...
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