So instead of a Helio (too slow) I decided to get another Skywagon with the intent of making it one of the best performing wagons. The only real must have was RSTOL. I watched Barnstormers and Trade-A-Plane for a few months looking at both 180's and 185's- preferring a 185. Most had previous damage, some multiple times. Some had high time engines. I decided to run an ad in both Barnstormers and Trade-A-Plane hoping to find a plane that wasn't on the market but was something I wanted. And here she is.

A 1978 A185F, low time airframe, low time Lycon IO550D (yes a Lycon 550), RSTOL, and a new 88" Mac. Wheel pants and little tailwheel. Wow what an awesome platform to start with. And no damage history. First mod? New Cleveland double-puck brakes, wheels, and 29" Bushwheels. And she is fast even on bush wheels. Now the fun really begins.

[emoji857][emoji857]

She looks even better in person!

Wow that looks like a great Wagon, Phil! I’m sure you’ll have fun with it!

Oooh, I like that green. Looks sharp!

Nice!

Not specifically pointed at Barnstormer, but at any RSTOL enthusiast: I have an opinion on RSTOL that I like to express. It has utility, but can bite, hard! I flew a T210L for 800 hours that was equipped.

BODY OF MY COMMENTS REMOVED BY ME IN RESPONSE TO OBJECTIONS EXPRESSED BELOW. SORRY.


Congratulations Barnstormer on upgrading your 185 to.........another 185! As you know, the Swiss Army Knife of airplanes. Nothing out there that covers such a broad spectrum of flying with just a few accessories!

What a great find! I need a bigger plane like I need a hole in my head, but if I were to start shopping tomorrow, THAT is what I'd be looking for. You are the second person in the last couple weeks I know to have bought a great RSTOL 185, you probably know the other...

I'm sure you've heard all the RSTOL arguments pro and con ad nauseam, and I'm also confident, you're flying style is in the camp of those who are not likely to get bit by the bad juju. I love droops... I love them on everything, but they are most certainly not for everyone.

I'm sure you remember the one George Mandes built up. It was light, but I'm confident with todays avionics and a few different ideas lighter is not far fetched. Throw RSTOL on top of that?

Pinecone wrote:Not specifically pointed at Barnstormer, but at any RSTOL enthusiast: I have an opinion on RSTOL that I like to express.

WTF? Express your opinion in a separate thread. Opening up the RSTOL thing here is BS.

Congrats on the new toy Phil!! May it bring you lots of smiles.

That is a very nice 185. I have had two of the beasts, one a 1978, like yours with RSTOL and a 1976 without. Frankly, I liked flying the RSTOL one better. It handled better, aside form the rather impressive STOL performance, it was also faster (RSTOL includes flap gap seals). It could get me into some rather interesting fields, sand bars, roads, jungle strips while I worked in Central America in the 80's. I would probably still own that bird if a hurricane had not rolled it up into a tight ball of tin.

Congrats, work into its capability gradually and you will be rewarded by a fun filled life with a Skywagon.

Great looking 185! Congrats from one green Cessna owner to another.

Sorry Papa Z...

Nice plane Phil! I’m eagerly awaiting the rebuild thread.

Congrats, Phil!

Seems that tail number might have a good story behind it?

-DP

She is indeed a beaut, Phil! Congratulations. As you well know, that’s one of the most versitile airplanes ever built, and that one sounds to be the cream of the crop.

Keep us posted as you make her your own. So, I’m guessing Montana calls in June? A wee bit faster than the SQ......

Mike

Hmmmm, this site has been doing some strange stuff lately......I posted the note, site said another post was entered while I was posting......I said okay, and my post appeared twice.

Or, I had a fat finger.

MTV

Thanks everyone.

And thanks Mike for your help. And yep, she'll be the chariot in June for the Montana trip.

denalipilot wrote:Congrats, Phil!

Seems that tail number might have a good story behind it?

-DP

Search Group 44 Racing and you can see why the number and the color.

akaviator wrote:

denalipilot wrote:Congrats, Phil!
Seems that tail number might have a good story behind it?
-DP

Search Group 44 Racing and you can see why the number and the color.

Here she is from back in those days. And I really do like the color and the paint scheme, especially the N-number although I would have preferred a 2" number.

That's a beautiful machine. Congrats Phil.

akgreg wrote: WTF? Express your opinion in a separate thread. Opening up the RSTOL thing here is BS. ....

I didn't start this thread, but I disagree.
The "RSTOL thing" was opened up by others (like the OP).
Isn't this a discussion site?
As log as the discussions are kept civil.
In real life, people participating in a discussion can't expect to control it-- even the person who initiated it.

BTW Phil, I agree with the others-- that's a beautiful 185!
Looking forward to you posting about mods you make to it & adventures you have with it.

That looks fun

I recognize that airplane... Bob Tullius owned it. He is a great guy. I did a story on the airplane in Pilot Journal many years ago, so there is air-to-air kicking around for the airplane. It was a great airplane then! I think you'll enjoy it!