New to community, researching status of 14-19-2 fleet

T

TimothyR

New member
Greetings everyone!

tl;dr
I'm new here. A friend of mine and I are looking to buy a 14-19-2. Any advice would be appreciated. I'm also curious as to the status of the fleet, and am putting together a spreadsheet with as much info as I can find on all the S/Ns.

The long version:
My name is Timothy Rex. I've been flying since I was 13 years old, and am now a corporate pilot for PlaneSense flying the Pilatus PC-12. I've had a love for aviation for most of my life, and just recently it's become feasible for me to consider aircraft ownership. I've known about the Cruisemaster for five or so years now, and kinda fell in love with the design from the first time I saw it. I'm a sucker for anything unconventional, love the Lockheed Constellation, and love taildraggers. Upon doing more research, I'm beginning to think it might actually be a practical aircraft for me. I'm struggling to find another aircraft that will go as fast as the 14-19-2 for as little money.
Anyway, all that being said, I wanted to hear from you all about your thoughts on the aircraft, specific things to look for on a pre-buy, ballpark estimate of operating costs, and just anything I should be aware of going into this. I know I'm going to have to keep it in a hangar, and find an A&P who knows how to work on wood and fabric. Thankfully, I have both of those bases covered.

Also, since I'm the curious sort, I started a spreadsheet of all the -2's produced, and started tracking down all the ones I can find. I know someone else on the forum was doing something similar. Anyway, I'm missing data on the following S/Ns:
4007, 4008, 4010, 4011, 4014, 4016, 4017, 4019, 4020, 4022, 4024, 4029, 4031, 4032, 4039, 4040, 4048, 4054, 4060, 4064, 4066, 4077, 4082, 4087, 4088, 4090, and 4097.
Anyone have any information on these? I know at least one is in France, I think at least one is in England.

Cheers,
Timothy
 
As you will discover from the paucity of responses, there are very few flying examples left. I am n86826.

Avoid Franklin, parts scarce and v expensive. Get a restored ex not a project. Get one with the aeromatic prop. Make sure avionics work they cannot be sourced. Get the wing checked by someone who knows what they are doing, as well as the gear.

This is the all time biggest sleeper in the market. Mooney performance for ercoupe money.
 
A couple of comments about Russell's post above:
The Cruisemaster 14-19-2 is a generation of airplanes above his Cruisair (14-13-2); since they come with a modern engine Continental O-470 (same as the C-182) there are more of them flying even though fewer were built in the 1957-1958 timeframe. No Franklin, no Aeromatics. All other comments are worth listening to.
 
Yeah, the fellow I'm going in to this with is a fan of the Crusair as well, but I want the extra performance of the O-470K and the ease of use of hydraulic landing gear as opposed to the hand crank.
 
Ok, my two cents and opinion. The -2 is 66 years old. It is a Cult airplane in that the people who own one are like people who value collector car types. They must be hangared or it is the kiss of death. I have had one for 20 yrs and have sunk a good bit of money into it over that time. I disagree with the book numbers on being fast I think that is BS. The slow speeds are right on they stall dirty at 54 mph. It is a great plane to fly with super controls roll rate etc. So, here is some advice that I will pass on to you'.
The fabric is the start. to recover one of these is far more than it is worth. I know been there and done that.
The opec 470 is thirsty, you will want an aux tank which will give you 54 gals total.
You will want a McCauly prop, C 180 style no recurring ADs
All systems are hydraulic with power pack, make sure this is good shape as it is costly to repair and upgrade.
Make sure you have good brakes ie Cleveland not the originals. There are no copilots brakes due to structure.
I think the landing gear is the weak area of the -2. I flew my crate from a grass field for years. It needs to be checked constantly. The mains work like a motorcycle. The tailwheel is a totally Bellanca design (mini maingear).
There are no Parts or Service manuals for a -2 so you must rely on the New Bellanca and they are very good. CAA not FAA
All of them have damage history so be honest about that.
There are few ADs the big one is the spar condition where it straps to the fuselage.

It is nice to see someone using the Forum for info. Hope this helps you. Lynn the Crate
 
TimothyR said:
Greetings everyone!

tl;dr
I'm new here. A friend of mine and I are looking to buy a 14-19-2. Any advice would be appreciated. I'm also curious as to the status of the fleet, and am putting together a spreadsheet with as much info as I can find on all the S/Ns.

The long version:
My name is Timothy Rex. I've been flying since I was 13 years old, and am now a corporate pilot for PlaneSense flying the Pilatus PC-12. I've had a love for aviation for most of my life, and just recently it's become feasible for me to consider aircraft ownership. I've known about the Cruisemaster for five or so years now, and kinda fell in love with the design from the first time I saw it. I'm a sucker for anything unconventional, love the Lockheed Constellation, and love taildraggers. Upon doing more research, I'm beginning to think it might actually be a practical aircraft for me. I'm struggling to find another aircraft that will go as fast as the 14-19-2 for as little money.
Anyway, all that being said, I wanted to hear from you all about your thoughts on the aircraft, specific things to look for on a pre-buy, ballpark estimate of operating costs, and just anything I should be aware of going into this. I know I'm going to have to keep it in a hangar, and find an A&P who knows how to work on wood and fabric. Thankfully, I have both of those bases covered.

Also, since I'm the curious sort, I started a spreadsheet of all the -2's produced, and started tracking down all the ones I can find. I know someone else on the forum was doing something similar. Anyway, I'm missing data on the following S/Ns:
4007, 4008, 4010, 4011, 4014, 4016, 4017, 4019, 4020, 4022, 4024, 4029, 4031, 4032, 4039, 4040, 4048, 4054, 4060, 4064, 4066, 4077, 4082, 4087, 4088, 4090, and 4097.
Anyone have any information on these? I know at least one is in France, I think at least one is in England.

Cheers,
Timothy
Click to expand...
Hi Timothy... please get in touch with me. I have also done some extensive research into the condition and whereabouts of the 14-19-2 fleet - I will be happy to share with you. Please email me: rob@bellancaaircraft.com
 
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