In 1928 Wichita, Kansas, the Travel Air Company began the design/construction of an aircraft project so shrouded in protective secrecy, that the craft became known as the 'Mystery Ship'.
Rolled out for the 1929 Thompson Cup Race, this little, low wing racer won the prestigeous event with an average speed of 194mph. The best aircraft entered in the race by the military were up to 30mph slower than that. This marked the first time a cilvilian aircraft bested a military entry.
The Mystery Ship was an entirely plywood covered aircraft, with steel tube fuselage construction, and wing formers in wood. It packed a Wright R-975 Radial engine putting out 400hp.

Historical Photos:





Kit Entry and Date Stamp:




Hmmm! I just noticed this copyrite molded under the wing tonight. Tried highlighting it so you can read properly:



No wonder there's zero for cockpit detail. I'll have to work something out to fix that. Might come up with some idea .

If you put the pilot head in there mate you won't be able to see any of the cockpit anyway. Problem solved!

Howdy,

One of my favorite kits. The engine puts to shame some of the modern day kits out now.

Brian Riedel

Welcome to the GB!

Beautiful plane!

Mikael

Thanks for the comments, folks.






Nothings quite finished. I still want to add switches to the instrument panel. Also, the pilot needs a quick swim in future followed by some wash.

Just would like to show I've started on the project. Waiting for paint to dry, so thought I'd photo and post.

It is a small tragety that all my instrument bezel rings popped off while trying to fit everything in for closeup.


Since this photo, I have secured the wings in place. Everything fits tight enough.

I admit, that I'm not having much fun with this one, and feel as though I'm doing a second rate job. A realization that the fine line and swirling paint work will have to be masked torments me. Also, this is the first time I've used a kit pilot to hide the fact there is no interior. I don't like that much. I'm playing with letting my grandson have this one, and doing a Bristol Scout instead.