Laird Super Solution

[Lyle462]

From the early days of air racing.

[l Heather l]

Very nice Lyle. You really captured the magnificence of this machine.

[Lyle462]

Thanks Heather. These were such beauties. I'd love to just hear one at full throttle.

[michaeleric]

Wow, what a machine - one massive engine with some attachments

Always look forward to the next one, Lyle

[Lyle462]

Thanks Michael. These things fascinate me. Built with one thing in mind...GO FAST!.

[SparrowHawk7]

Those were the days! Great job ... did you forget your fascination with portraiture?

[jennaboo88]

Beautiful work! I really like this one...but then, I really like all of your work!

Stunning!

[Lyle462]

Thanks Ken and Jenna! Sometimes I think I was born a bit late. I love these old airplanes. Yep Ken, forgot about the portrait AGAIN!

[nuguy]

This sure is a powerful looking design. Wonder when it first made its appearance? Also wonder how the pilot can see whats going on? I saw one being used at a military air show on TV and a clip of several used for acrobatics in a military show down in Florida in the late 1940's. Like Michael said, what grabs you is that huge engine with some parts attached. (I like that, Michael.)
The drawing does capture that power wonderfully. Love your work.
Sonny

[Janby]

It really does look like a small, but powerful machine. Another wonderful drawing, Lyle

[Lyle462]

Thanks Sonny and Jan! I appreciate the kind words. I had read an article about when Jimmy Doolittle flew these. He said taxiing the airplane took some getting use to but once you figured it out everything was fine.
If you would like to know more about the plane just google "Laird Super Solution." Pretty interesting articles if you're into that sort of thing.

[SparrowHawk7]

Originally Posted by Lyle462

I had read an article about when Jimmy Doolittle flew these. He said taxiing the airplane took some getting use to but once you figured it out everything was fine.

Taxiing tail draggers is always tricky. I used to fly a Helio Courier a few years ago. The only way to see the runway/taxiway was to stick my head out the window and even then it was a bit tricky. No problem once you reached rotation, of course. It's a really interesting plane also ... one model was designed for the military to insert and remove operatives. A friend of mine flew one in Nam and for Air America later. It's nearly impossible to stall - it can create enough lift to keep flying at 28 knots. According to my friend, the model he flew could land and take off in the courtyard of the Pentagon making it superior for special ops.

I can only imagine how difficult taxiing was in the Laird with that huge cowling!

[Lyle462]

That's a beauty! The camo really sets it off too. Sometimes folks get so wrapped up in speed that they forget how vital short take-offs and low stall speeds are. Oh yeah...Air America had some pretty scary missions. That's a whole story in itself. Thanks for adding this into the mix Ken!

[Michelle & a pencil]

Wow... can I have one of these? I don't know anything about airplanes, but I can just see speed! (Of course, I get motion sick as a passenger in a car, so I'm sure flying in this would be disastrous! )
Great drawing Lyle! I love your style.

[daisie]

Wonderful form and lines daisie