Restoration Projects
1934 Stinson SR-5E
Currently undergoing a complete restoration by board member Rex Hume, this large four-place cabin monoplane was a top-of-the-line aircraft in its day. That stature is again to be reborn. This project has been underwritten by the Oregon Antique and Classic Aircraft Club, which has unselfishly provided the necessary funding for the project. Other sponsors have been PolyFibre, Inc. for fabric and paint and Oregon Aero, which is providing the upholstery.
1931 Great Lakes 2T-1A
Under the guidance of Society member Ron Bartley, this famous biplane of the Golden Age of Aviation will once again take to the sky. Both Dorothy Hester and Tex Rankin flew this ship with great skill and to much acclaim. It is being restored to the "Rankin" configuration, which Tex flew in airshows throughout the West. Support for this major recreation has come from many sources, and it continues to need added funding.
1930 Rupert Special
Unique to Oregon Aviation is the number and variety of homebuilt aircraft built during the Thirties. One such aircraft if the Rupert "Special" designed and built by pioneer aviator Walt Rupert of Beaverton, Oregon. The plane is now undergoing an extensive restoration under the direction of Mr. Dave McEwen; much help is needed. Both funding for ongoing work and acquisition of the correct engine - a Salmson AD-9 - are pressing issues. This will be a significant "heritage" aircraft in the Society's collection. No completion date has been established.
1935 Wimpy
The "Wimpy" was designed and constructed in 1935 by Leslie Long at Cornelius, OR. It is thought to be the first successful low-wing design of a homebuilt airplane. Oregon Aviation Hall of Fame member Myron Buswell acquired the airplane in 1938 and made several modifications. The airplane left Oregon in 1957 when it was purchased by Roy Olson of San Diego, CA. Mr. Olson donated the airplane to OAHS in November 2005. Following acquisition of the original plans, OAHS Director Bill Austin has begun wing restoration. A restoration fund has been created and donations may be made to:
OAHS
Wimpy Restoration Fund
P.O. Box 553
Cottage Grove, OR 97478
1931 Springfield Cadet
The 1931 Springfield Cadet was designed and built in Springfield, Oregon by Jim McManiman. It was owned and flown by motorcycle dealer Clarence Saville in 1935. It was acquired by the Society in 2003 and is currently being rebuilt by Al Sherman as a display at the History Center. You are invited to stop by and see the progress.
