DC-3 Display Project
I remember the first time I walked into the Commercial Aviation Building at DSU. I noticed that the atrium area resembled an open sky; the ceiling is very high, and there are skylights at the top of the room.
The only odd thing is that there were no airplanes hanging in this "sky." I was surprised to find out later that this fitting architecture was merely the result of a shortage of funds during construction!
Regardless of the reasoning for the vast room, it still could use a few hanging airplanes. I don't remember who came up with the idea, but one of the Alpha Eta Rho members suggested that we study the option of completing the DC-3 model that was stationed in the display case. As an experienced scratch-builder, I didn't hesitate to raise my hand. I figured it would be a breeze... especially since it didn't need to be constructed to flying standards. It has turned out to be a little bit more than a breeze, but I hope that the end result will be well worth the effort.
The first step was to consult Mr. Hemphill for the status on the project. It turns out that they started it quite a few years ago, and the participants were long since graduated or parted in one way or another. With help from Hemphill and Chip Cooper at the airport, we began to round up the current parts inventory so that we could put together an approximate cost for the project.
Upon much searching, we found a semi-complete set of plans, a framed up fuselage, all of the expensive fiberglass parts, and a few beginnings of the tail structure. Since Mr. Hemphill has been associated with the department for quite a while, we tried to convince him to tell us about the history of the project. We couldn't get too much information, other than that a group started it, and wasn't able to finish. If you participated in or witnessed any of the first round of construction or material gathering, please contact me and I will include your information.
Based on a week or two of measurements, I derived an approximate completion cost of $150, and submitted it to AHP. The group approved the expenditure unanimously, and I placed the first balsa order. The initial agreement was that since AHP was rolling in extra money, they would provide the funds, and the Flight Team would provide the labor. However, as soon as I started on the project, I began to realize with increasing frequency that the labor was a bit too technical to pass along to a semi-enthusiastic group. So, instead we began to split the cost of the project between the two groups. So far, each group has contributed in the neighborhood of $50, as have I. For a more complete budget, check out the budget page. As the project came to a close, the AHP group made some unfortunate business decisions that removed them from sponsorship. They are no longer a part of the project due to an outstanding debt to the builder, me.
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