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So I kinda-sorta fell in to another project that is getting pushed to the top of the list...ahead of the Hummel Bird. One of our dearest elder Chapter members suffered a stroke a while back, and was in the midst of finishing his Thatcher CX-4. He is a MASTER craftsman with several airplane's built (Jodel, KR-2, RV-6A, RV-7), and his work is absolute top notch...I mean professional level. Since his stroke, he has been unable to work on the Thatcher, and about a month ago, he approached me to buy it. I would have loved to made it happen on the spot if I had the money...but I don't. As my "luck" would have it, a buddy of mine (JackR on here, RV-7 owner) that did have the money asked me if I would like to partner with him on the airplane. He'd put up the money, and I would put up my time and labor to finish the airplane, and we would own it together. Sounded good to me, so we met for dinner one evening to discuss the details a couple weeks ago, fast forward to today, and I now have a half-owned Thatcher CX-4 in my hangar to work on!



This is how my hangar looks as of right now...



I have some rearranging to do, but it all fits, and I'll still be able to move 5CB in and out while the Thatcher fuselage is being finished.

The wings and some additional metal were moved down to Jack's hangar where final assembly and first flight will take place.



I hope to be able to devote enough time to this project to get it flying in the next three months...before Oshkosh is my ultimate goal. Canopy, engine baffles, cowl, mounting the wings, and rigging are the major items left.

So while I do intend to build the Hummel Bird still...it's on the back burner for now. We're not sure yet if this will be kept or if we'll sell it...probably the latter...but it'll be a fun project to finish up and fly!!

Neat. Doesn't look like it should be too tough to finish up.

I've been Jones-ing for another project, but have been informed I need to work on the house this year.

Have fun Chad

Can't beat a project purchased with sweat-equity! Neat Chad!

Chad,

Great looking new project you have there! I admire how quickly you're getting back into building. I am still in catchup mode from neglecting all house projects for the past 5 years!

Mike B

Welcome to Club Brian and Mike. Right now I am cleaning up my wife's sewing room. About 15 years ago I moved a computer desk and computer into it. Now we have a builder's log book and scrapbook, RVator books, RV-6A Builder's manual, Aircraft Spurce Cat, Wicks, Van's File cabinet full of various papers, one drawer dedicated to N784TB, etc.
Aviation Sectionals, MN Airport Directories, and various other books and family history books. (My family) I still have more work to do on the Laundry Room which was started in 1977 but other projects got in the way of the completion. Thankfully she was able to make my seat cushions and upholstrty for N784TB in the sewing room. I shouldn't complain because she did the supholstry

Very cool project Chad! Keep us in the loop on the progress

Very cool!! I can't wait to be done with house projects so I can get back to building something

Thats awesome Chad,
That was one of the planes I considered before I started my RV-8. At the time I looked at the CX-4 every part had to be hand formed on forming blocks that you had to shape from the prints.

Way to time consuming with my schedule. I am sure you will like the plane. It looks like the BIG TALL kit was installed.


Enjoy your new project,

Mike Balzer

hydroguy2 wrote:Neat. Doesn't look like it should be too tough to finish up.

I've been Jones-ing for another project, but have been informed I need to work on the house this year.

Have fun Chad

You need a Rans, man.

That's pretty cool Chad. Fun airplanes come in all shapes and sizes.

svanarts wrote:

hydroguy2 wrote:Neat. Doesn't look like it should be too tough to finish up.

I've been Jones-ing for another project, but have been informed I need to work on the house this year.

Have fun Chad

You need a Rans, man.

Nah.....a Hatz!

Now that is sweet. I think those are cool little birds!

Spike

Since we all love to see pics here, I took a few more of how I have my hangar arranged now with the Thatcher at the back...

you getting any work done on it? how are you going to fly 2 planes to OSH?

Yep, worked on it this past weekend. Ran in to my first issue though. The previous owner had the secondary ignition coils (what the heck are those???) installed in the wrong spot, and I have an interference issue with the induction tubing.

I fly no airplanes to Oshkosh...I like having wheels up there!

cjensen wrote:I fly no airplanes to Oshkosh...I like having wheels up there!

Oh come now... It would really be nice if we all flew our RV's in this year to OSH.

I would be cool...but I may have a nice big fifth wheel to pull up there this year, and I ain't gonna pass that up!

I was told my Airworthiness Cert would expire, if I didn't fly to OSH. It's part of the Phase 2.

I like that Brian!