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CROSS-COUNTRY SPEEDSTER
Below is an image of this beautiful
airplane, which was designed with the sportsman pilot in
mind. The Type Certificate (#327) for the Model 110 was issued
June 16, 1930. About 20 examples were manufactured before
the end of 1931. A few were built 1937-1939. This airplane is a Model 110, S/N 5W70.
The 110 was powered
with the 7-cylinder Warner "Scarab" engine of 110-125 HP.
With streamlining and meticulous weight reduction, the performance
of this model was beyond expectations for an airplane of
that horsepower. Thus, the Model 110 was a favorite for air
racers of the era, starring in the 1930 National Air Races
with four victories and high placement in many other events.
Davis-Monthan Register pilot John
Livingston flew Monocoupes
in the 1930 and 1931 Races.
Monocoupe NC533W, ca. 1930?
(Source: Cowell)
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NC533W landed at Tucson twice flown by Thomas
Colby on October 29th and December 26, 1930. On the first
visit he carried a passenger identified as Mrs. Pendleton.
They were westbound from Douglas, AZ to El Centro, CA. He was
solo his second visit, eastbound cross-country from Los
Angeles, CA to Miami, FL. He remained overnight in Tucson, perhaps at
the Pioneer
Hotel, and departed on the 27th.
Juptner (reference, left sidebar) states, "With the sweet
taste of victory in its innards, the 'Model 110' was hard
to keep from the races but not all of them spent their time
happily rounding the pylons; several served as fast air taxis
in various fields of business. Tom Colby for one, genial
promotor of 'Berryloid' airplane finishes, managed a busy
schedule over most of the nation with the help of his gayly
painted 'One-ten'."
NC533W was delivered new to Colby with the Townend anti-drag
ring around the engine, a steel propeller, navigation lights,
Heywood compressed air starter and wheel pants. Notice also
the extension to the entry step just under the door. Colby
ordered the extension for his wife.
NC533W is alive and well today, and
is presently being restored, with first flight expected in
2008. The engine still has the Heywood starter and Mr.
Cowell (cited, right sidebar) intends to restore and to fly it.
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THIS PAGE UPLOADED: 06/25/07 REVISED:
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