Luscombe Rotec Combination

Gilbert - Arizona

Luscombe Model 4
First of its type.

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Don Warner's Luscombe Project.home of Luscombe and RotecRadial

Don Writes: .. I have been involved with Luscombe aircraft for almost 30 years. I am a director of the Luscombe Foundation and have built three award winning Luscombes.

I would like to build a fourth project to replicate the Luscombe model 4. A 1938 model powered by a Warner 90h.p. radial engine.

Your engine may be the answer to complete this project. It is near perfectly matched in size, weight and horsepower. Preliminary measurements indicate that it should fit within the original cowling length and diameter...

... I thought you might like to see what I am trying to replicate

The picture is the sole surviving 1937 Luscombe "90" model 4. It is powered by a Warner 90h.p. Scarab Jr. engine.

Only 6 were built. They sold for $3,995 (1937 dollars ) which was quite expensive, not much of a market in those days.

This airplane is currently owned by Ron Price. It is complete but un-restored. Ron hopes to restore it to museum quality for preservation.

Specifications:

Empty weight 1,103 lbs	Gross Weight 1,650 lbs.
VMX 135 mph	VCR 120 mph
VS 45 mph	IRC 850 fpm
Span 32'1"	Length 20'11"

Regards - Don

Don's Luscombe Project: +rotecradial

Project starts in earnest January 2005:

Hi Jim

My engine arrived today !!!!

I would like to start out with saying that UTi handled this delivery superbly ! After the engine entered their system they called me each day to give me an updated progress report. Their receiving, customer and delivery people handled everything perfectly.

I couldn't wait to open the boxes to see my new engine. The excitement was shared by my wife Donna and my crew at the shop, Brandon and Garry, who will be assisting me on this exciting model 4 replica project.

We all agree the engine is very exciting, looks great, with outstanding craftsmanship, great accessories, a terrific engine mount and a beautifully crafted propeller.

My motivation to step up the progress on this project has been moved to higher priority!

Thank you all for a great job. I will certainly have many more questions as I progress, and look forward to your continued support. There are some pictures of the arrived equipment inspection/inventory attached.

Sincerely, Don

As usual click on the thumbnails to expand....

... packaging

... 5 point Luscombe mounting frame

... the prop with the engine in the background

... the engine partly unpacked

... Don and his R2800!

As usual click on the thumbnails to expand....

. . .

Sent: Tuesday, 27 February 2007 9:41 AM

Hi Jim and Paul

I have the engine mounted to a wooden mock-up firewall for electrical, oil, fuel and air locations. I am expecting my new firewall production within two weeks. It is steel, 4130, .028, 34" dia. and spun on a die with a 1"lip for riveting.

... I plan to use flare tube fittings on oil line hoses, so I am replacing the tube fittings as needed. ...I am sending you a couple pictures of the mock - up ...

Best regards

Don