I had spoken to Gary and had tried to help him with the tailwheel steering on the Bucker he had just bought from the estate of Jim Swick. As soon as I saw the airplane, I realized why my suggestions had not helped Gary very much! Why was I thinking Jungmann? Of course it would be a Price/Swick Jungmeister - Duh!
What an aircraft! This is another example of a Price, or "American" Jungmeister, this time equipped with a Vendenyev M14P engine of 360 HP. Even at 1,400 pounds empty weight, that is a lot of engine. I can't wait to see it fly one day soon.
Like most of the Texas built Jungmeisters, this one has the rear jump seat, a semi-symetrical airfoil, and rigid landing gear, but is very true to the original structure. All the Bucker details are there: The tapered longerons, complex and detailed wing fittings, all the swivels and bearings etc. The tail wheel is close to a Bucker original, but the steering mechanism is quite different. There are a couple of pulleys in each cable to permit adjustment, but no coil springs.
N103S has all the usual air start paraphenalia that comes with the Russian engine, a Pitts S2 style canopy, a small battery in the tail, a dual smoke oil/aux fuel tank, as well as a modern autopilot.
I am so thrilled that this historic aircraft is now based so close to me. Congratulations Gary and Kay.