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smokyray

Well Known Member
DR, I was curious how many of us Jurassic (old) RV builders were left out there still checking the site, encouraging new builders or just surviving life.
I found these old forgotten pics yesterday and thought I’d share and challenge other Jurassic RV dudes to do the same with epic photos.

If you started your tail kit 20 plus years ago, (34 for me)check in with a cool photo or comment how you’re doing now!

V/R
Smokey


First (of 27) coast to coasts

1997 visit to Wright memorial
 
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Jurassic alright :)

A very younger me unloading my RV-4 kit #2062, date 21 September 1988, location Weiterstadt-Darmstadt South of Frankfurt.
The -4, baptized HB-YVZ, still happily crisscrosses the skies of Europe today :cool:
 

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Started (2) RV-6 DEC 1989 with assistance of Red Marron. Both flew MAR 1993 and still flying. Sold N168TX AUG 2018.
 
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Started 1995, first flight 2000, 2000 hours still going strong.

Laird
 

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Thanks for starting this thread Smokey.

Ordered RV6 empennage kit on Sept. 9, 1991. $740 plus $15 for crating.

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First flight May 26, 1996 out of Danbury, CT.

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Still looking good after 27 years.

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"Jurassic Builders!" Love it. On the other hand, that means that I'm OLD! :D

My RV-8 tail kit arrived on 6/25/96 and the first flight was on 7/23/09 by Capt. Danny King ("Beautiful Doll" -- the plane's name, NOT a descriptor for the builder!) That's just over 13 years and 1883 hours of build time.

My last flight in N8RV ("Smokey") was on 4/12/2016. "Smokey" now resides in Texas and is flown regularly.

I, too, was a bit younger then. I HAD HAIR! LOL

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/kI6GV4n4Ql2PLGyj2WwatQ.AecRoWIVAnqgMfVK-VwE7W

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/WQcLc_1YRluiSbp3hA8DAQ.6AcKN34QNa_en7r_XP5FF0

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/nlp7w4SwRxOSlwWydbdTYQ.sNg5TJH0CfRmNUUDwrVBzP

[Sorry for the links. I followed the instructions to post the pics, but nothing showed up.]
 
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I bought RV-4 #2667 tail 2nd hand un-started in 1993, finished building 2010, loved every minute! We all enjoyed internet free building when you didnt have time to peruse the net looking at stuff. RViator copies with the pages worn out and builders group gatherings. Bingelis books were the gospel, and you had to lay out every hole and build jigs to keep it straight. Good times!!
 
Started N159SB as an RV-6 back in 1999. Hard to believe I sold her 23 years later. Now fighting the urge to start an RV-12IS. :eek:
 
Started my RV-6 N399SB in October of '97 and first flight in September '99. As an early adopter of the internet is was amazing to watch my little RV Journal builder's log reach remote corners of the RV universe. Still flying 9SB and it has been a great journey!

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RV4

Tail kit purchased 1999 second hand, original owner started and quit after realizing he was not a builder. 1983 vintage plans and build manuel. I completed in 2018 and flew it in 2019 after a 18 year build.

Grass.jpg
 
RV4

That is a small private grass strip on a plateau above Lake Chelan in Washington State. The original owner/buyer of the tail kit passed the property on to his son. I flew the 4 up to his house so his family could see the finished plane. He has two hangars with a Bellanca cruiser, Citabria, and a Great Lakes.
 
That is a small private grass strip on a plateau above Lake Chelan in Washington State. The original owner/buyer of the tail kit passed the property on to his son. I flew the 4 up to his house so his family could see the finished plane. He has two hangars with a Bellanca cruiser, Citabria, and a Great Lakes.

Thanks for the info. I'll have to look for it next time I cross the Cascades.
 
I had Plans #799

I started my RV-4 build in October 1984. I picked up my early parts directly from Dick Van Grunsven, in his shop next to his home at Sunset Airstrip, Hillsboro, Oregon

My first flight was on July 23, 1988 from Independence State Airport (7S5) Oregon. I have lived at the Independence Airpark, adjacent to the State owned airport since April 1996, when I completed my hangar/home.

In 60 days I'll be 85, and past my biennial BFR in November 2022, so hopefully I'm good for another 2 years of flying.

I built 5 Van's RVs, with one being a quickbuild. My last build was a scratch- built Thatcher CX5, that I'm now flying as an LSA, and on my driver's license.

I pay my annual dues to Doug Reeves and usually read the Forums daily.

Jake Thiessen, Independence, OR
 
I started my RV-4 build in October 1984. I picked up my early parts directly from Dick Van Grunsven, in his shop next to his home at Sunset Airstrip, Hillsboro, Oregon

My first flight was on July 23, 1988 from Independence State Airport (7S5) Oregon. I have lived at the Independence Airpark, adjacent to the State owned airport since April 1996, when I completed my hangar/home.

In 60 days I'll be 85, and past my biennial BFR in November 2022, so hopefully I'm good for another 2 years of flying.

I built 5 Van's RVs, with one being a quickbuild. My last build was a scratch- built Thatcher CX5, that I'm now flying as an LSA, and on my driver's license.

I pay my annual dues to Doug Reeves and usually read the Forums daily.

Jake Thiessen, Independence, OR

Hi Jake,

I saw your post, and had to comment. You probably don't remember me, but we've met a couple of times over the years. Anyway, your 4 is one my favorite RVs. Something about the way you did the fastback just looked really nice. It'd be great if you could post a picture of it.

Anyway, it's nice to hear you're still flying your RV.
 
Hi Jake,

I saw your post, and had to comment. You probably don't remember me, but we've met a couple of times over the years. Anyway, your 4 is one my favorite RVs. Something about the way you did the fastback just looked really nice. It'd be great if you could post a picture of it.

Anyway, it's nice to hear you're still flying your RV.

Hi Luke,

I certainly do remember you. I'm still just down the road from Albany in Independence. You designed a center console for an RV-7 that I was building in about 2005-6.

Your compliment of my fastback conversion is appreciated. I converted it in 2009 after taking down my RV-4 for about 90 days. I bought the conversion parts from John Harmon and a Rocket canopy bubble from the guy in Florida, that is no more.

A number of years ago when I flew into Aurora Airport to pickup parts from Vans, Scott McDaniels (prototype guru) complimented me on my conversion. He said it was one of best fastback conversions he had seen.

Unfortunately, I sold that RV in April 2021, but it's still housed in a hangar on my street here at Independence Airpark. A local bought it. My reason for selling was mainly the inability to get any hull coverage at my age. I have missed it a lot and would still be very comfortable in it.

I do like the work that you do in upholstery.

Jake
 
Time goes by way too fast!

It sure seems like yesterday that I ordered my tail kit from Van in 1981. Flew it in 1983 on New Years Eve in -10 F weather, and Made it to SNF, being the first RV-4 to SNF. I Had the first wing completed before I ever saw one, but got a ride from Van himself at OSH. It's been an incredible journey through the world of RV's and AB aviation, and it just keeps getting better. The people, memories, and places traveld in these machines sure bring smiles. :)


Vic
 

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1st flight September 1997.

7gs-4dh.JPG

Chase plane was Dave in his RV-4 and Fred was in 210 HP Globe Swift with camera man Brian. Fred kept asking me to slow down.
 
RV-6A serial # 20010 (serial # 10 / from the first batch of emp. kits that Van packed and sent out some time in 1986).

I purchased the Emp. kit in Sept. 1988, from the original builder who hadn't done any more than open the crate (yes, Emp. kit were shipped in wood crates back then).

First flight was March 1992

It was one of the first customer built A models. One of the first with a sliding canopy. And was the first with a 3 blade (Performance) propeller (which it is still flying with).
Engine is an O-320 salvaged from a PA 28-161 Warrior (along with instruments, avionics, and other misc. parts needed).

Currently with the forth owner (for 24+ years I think)
 

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I finished an RV6 in 1997. Serial number 24641. I learned a lot building that airplane, including building a fuselage jig, I built it in a 16 X 26 shop. I just finished my RV8 about a year and a half ago, that was a lot easier, and I had a 30 X 40 heated and air-conditioned shop.
 

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Jurassic???

I think that not having to build any jigs during the project puts me among the first of the Cretaceous builders...
My hat is off to all the Jurassic jig builders!
N7.62MM's tail arrived 21 years ago in Feb of '02. The RV-7A slow build pre-punched kit took flight after 18 mos.
My 15 year old daughter set every rivet while i managed the bucking bar.
See my Sig for projects since: Rocket N.762CM (do the math) WILL fly this spring!!!
The cutest little 4 year old red-headed granddaughter in the world pulling co-pilot duties. Just visible in the baggage compartment is the grandson. I had a seatbelt piggybacked on to the inboard front seatbelt hardpoints. The compartment was placarded that the rear seat pax couldn't exceed the 100 lb. baggage limitation. The DAR signed off on a 3 place RV-7A.
 

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RV-1 Mockingbird

RV-1, restored and first flown 1996. Sold 1999.
Later named "mockingbird" by smarter folks than me.
 

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Hi Luke,

I certainly do remember you. I'm still just down the road from Albany in Independence. You designed a center console for an RV-7 that I was building in about 2005-6.

Your compliment of my fastback conversion is appreciated. I converted it in 2009 after taking down my RV-4 for about 90 days. I bought the conversion parts from John Harmon and a Rocket canopy bubble from the guy in Florida, that is no more.

A number of years ago when I flew into Aurora Airport to pickup parts from Vans, Scott McDaniels (prototype guru) complimented me on my conversion. He said it was one of best fastback conversions he had seen.

Unfortunately, I sold that RV in April 2021, but it's still housed in a hangar on my street here at Independence Airpark. A local bought it. My reason for selling was mainly the inability to get any hull coverage at my age. I have missed it a lot and would still be very comfortable in it.

I do like the work that you do in upholstery.

Jake

Great to hear back from you Jake. Sent you a PM.
 
RV-4 #1705

Started early but was interrupted by life. Finally finished beginning of 2022 after more than 30 years. Having lots of fun now that the dream is finally realized.
 

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The End of the Jurassic Period

I built one of the first Quickbuilt 6As. Still took me 8 years to complete. I Built for several years obtaining info and tips using a 386 computer with a dial up modem to read the Matronics RVList, watching Orndof VCR tapes, and waiting for the next issue of the RViator to show up in my US Mail box.
I have been flying it regularly at least weekly for the last 17 years except for a few breaks for heart stents and a triple bypass. I will keep my 6A until I am not physically able are allowed to fly.
She still looks great. Here is a recent picture.
 

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Jurassic builder

I ordered my 6A kit (60434) after a ride from Jay Pratt in 2000. Finished in 2001 and been flying since.
 

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RV-6A

Started building in '93 and still going at it, never thought it would take this long!
Here's a pic of the tool I used to rivet the wing main spars together, it's Jurassic alright.
 

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Old guys

Smokey, although I retired from the exhaust stuff I still fly my cub and the -4 regularly I sold my original -4, serial number 706 and now I have serial number 689. Yes I get calls all the time and gladly try to help the younger folks out.
 
July 15, 1995

Started my first RV6 07-15-1995. First flight 10-16-1996 .
I’m flying a RV8 that I finished 2021,,,,
I plan to build one (or three,)of the first RV15 kits.
I have around 2500 RV hours in my log book. TT is 5,946 as of today .
I’m 76 and plan to fly another 10 years.

PS. In my shop ,, I’m building a 8 and a 7 now with the owners helping out.

Thanks Smokey, you haven’t stoped in in a while,, it’s been to long.
Did you readers know that Smokey was the one that got Doug Reeves and I going to the Idaho Back country?
I think? That was at the turn of the century. 2000,
 
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Smokey & RV15

Rob’ Smokey’ Ray, telling us his adventures flying his RV4 all over and in the Idaho back country, led me to want a RV15. I didn’t know it at the time,, but
After several trips to Idaho In my RV6,, including Smokies favorite Strip,, Upper Loon,,, I realized I wanted more comfortable, camping.
I looked at Bear Hawk, Murphy Moose, Rebel and, Finally the North Star Kit.
I choose it because the kit and plans were pretty good. 2 years to build. I flew it to Idaho 6 times before meeting Carol. Upps! Now I needed more room. Two peoples gear. Still no RV15,,, I bought a Skywagon to fill that need. The Wagon has been the perfect plane for us since 2009. 1030 hours, lots of trips Idaho, Maine, and Oshkosh. You might have seen it in Home built Camping. HOW did that Spam Can get to park in HBC!?
Smokey has open lots of eyes to new adventures over the years. And I think he has influence in the RV15 coming to a hanger near you.
Can’t wait.
 
I started my RV-4 build in October 1984. I picked up my early parts directly from Dick Van Grunsven, in his shop next to his home at Sunset Airstrip, Hillsboro, Oregon

My first flight was on July 23, 1988 from Independence State Airport (7S5) Oregon. I have lived at the Independence Airpark, adjacent to the State owned airport since April 1996, when I completed my hangar/home.

In 60 days I'll be 85, and past my biennial BFR in November 2022, so hopefully I'm good for another 2 years of flying.

I built 5 Van's RVs, with one being a quickbuild. My last build was a scratch- built Thatcher CX5, that I'm now flying as an LSA, and on my driver's license.

I pay my annual dues to Doug Reeves and usually read the Forums daily.

Jake Thiessen, Independence, OR

Quite a testimony. Thanks for the encouragement and for sharing!
 
Well, I sure see a lot of names I recognize!

I bought my RV-8 kit at Sun-N Fun 98,and flew it in December 2005. Flew 500 hours in 10 years, and medical issues stopped my flying. Miss Sue still flies on however. What a sweet ride she is.

I did see many of you at Sun-N-Fun, Oshkosh, and Triple Tree. Always a good time.

Cheers to the pre quick build crowd. Google N68AK for pictures
 
10 years

Wow! I don't feel quite as bad.
This is year 10. I thought mine was taking way too long. Finally getting close. Starting to pull wires for electronics.
 
Our progress

Could not find digital pictures of our first project, RV6a, in the 90's. But we started RV7a in 2005 and found lots of pictures which brought back many memories.

First picture is Martin Sutter helping me, we mounted gear legs and engine Christmas week 2006. Second is plane on our ramp. Third is Mel, Bonnie and I day Mel signed off N967BT in March 2007.
Last picture is at RV Flyin in N Mexico that used to happen.

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Started my RV-6 (ser# 22910) in 1993. Completed in 1998 and sold in 2007 (on 3rd owner now). Began the RV-8A in 2004, airworthy on my birthday in 2008 (thank you Gary S). 1500 hours between the 2. Not many hours the last couple of years. Hope to change that trend now that I retired this year. Did plan to build again once retired, not sure I have another one in me. So many other things to do and see.
 
This is a second hand RV4 tail, #2541 that I started in 1997 on the #3 F1 Rocket N97HG. First flight June 2, 2004 sold in 2011. Fun airplane but didn’t glide well:)
 

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Hmmmm…I went hunting in some very old and dusty photo archives and found primitive digital photos of my RV-8’s tail kit under construction dated April 2003….so I don’t QUITE fit Smokey’s window of “twenty years” - but close!

But Louise does own RV-6 serial number 20004, so I’m waiting for Mike Seager to chime in here on the thread!
 
I flew my first RV-4 in the summer of 1984. Was told it was the first one flying in Canada. Serial number 27.

I finished 10 RVs before my wife said enough.

Still have three.

Carr
 
Tail end of the Jurassic era for me…an RV-6 QB delivered in 2000, built in 22 months with a mate - I moved on, but he still has it, and it’s done 1000+hours since.
 
I flew my first RV-4 in the summer of 1984. Was told it was the first one flying in Canada. Serial number 27.

I finished 10 RVs before my wife said enough.

Still have three.

Carr

Good morning Bryan

For those of you that aren't familiar with Bryan Carr, including in his builds are, I believe, two RV-4s with retractable landing main landing gear, and also a very elegant retractable tail wheel.

He's a real craftsman.

Jake Thiessen
 
Started January, 1999 on the tail kit with the encouragement of my younger brother Mike and friend Danny King. Serial number 80898. Hammer, screwdriver and pliers were my only tools when I started; Boy did that change. First flight May 30, 2005 from Hicks Airport (T67). Still love every minute I get to fly this machine. Picture shown is returning from LOE 2005 (Land of Enchantment fly-in), Santa Teresa, NM organized by the famous Doug Reeves. Photo shows my RV-8 in foreground, Ron Grover RV-8 in background and Gaudelupe Peak (8,749 ft.) highest point in Texas. Photo by Marthajane King backseat in Danny King's RV-8. Good times.

 
25 years...

Ordered tail kit and QB fuselage/wings in 1998 for what became Stu McCurdy's (Falcon) RV-8.

Sheesh - I've aged... :D
 

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1986

Started my RV4 in 1986 and flew it in early 1991. In 1998 I Started on my Super Six and flew it March 2005.

In about 1984 some pilot I met at a Central California Airport was telling me about an airplane called an RV4 with a O360 that he flew and its performance. This was an era when Jim Bede and the like were promoting kits. I wasn't interested in the 4 because it sounded like a fantasy.

After talking to a few other RV people from Bakersfield I got educated that the performance numbers were correct. I then started saving up to buy a kit.

Steve
 
Started 1998. First Flight 2007.
I hangar'd my '42 Aeronca L3 in Hillsboro OR in a hangar that some 14 or more RV's where built, including one of the few retractable 4's. The factory was still in North Plains, not far away. I didn't even consider an RV before I moved in.
Over the next year or so, my shared hangar had roommates and neighbors the likes of Ken Scott, Scott Risen, Scott McDaniel, Rob Hickman, Brent of Brentz Tail Lynx, Randall Henderson, etc.... I was surrounded by Vans employees and early adopters. It was just a matter of time. It was also pretty cool that I had professional steel jigs and all the tools to build with, plus dozens of years of experience and talent to tap.
Never regretted a minute. As one person said when I told them it was a hobby, I was corrected. It is a lifestyle.
 
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