I'm going in - looking at SNJ-2 this weekend!

You only live once. There is an 1940 SNJ-2 for sale just north of here and I'm a going to look at it this weekend. It's a strict VFR only plane, but then I'm a strict VFR and grass strip kinda guy. Low time Covington engine, 40 SPOH. The -2's had wet wings which is a PITA, but it does have more range than the usual T-6.
Originally wanted a BT-13 (lower ops costs) - but this is nice.

All advice welcome.

May also call about a Pilatus P-3, but a tailwheel and a round engine is a gift from God...
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Have requested the maint. logs and all to check the AD's
Although advertised as NDH, it kinda does as a quick NTSB search showed it did a classic tail dragger trick of taxiing up behind another SNJ and chewing off its rudder.

Yes, I know they fly nicer and are better built (robust) than the BT, but the fuel burn and maintenence is higher.
My requirements:
stick
central seat
canopy
tailwheel (would consider a Pilatus P-3 if it was big enough)
simple

will take a camera - watch this space for more snj-2 info than you ever needed.

 

There were only about 63 made on a small Navy contract.
It's just had a main spar eddy current check out ok, so we will see.

Much UNLIKE my Mondial, I would restore the and keep the plane as it was pre-war; only exception would be a VHF radio, encoding txp and portable GPS. Would put all original instruments and as much of the original radio set s I could come up with.
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Well, we are on for Saturday. Will try to find my Dzus Snoopy to nose around.
Did a google search on my old snj, n3771m; it was sure good to see it as my friends and I went through the entire plane.

SO - I do remember ONE modification that I will do immediately - change out the navy locking tailwheel for a P-51 steerable type. It makes a HUGE difference
Here'another picture of the -2 I am going to look at and a nostalgic shot of my old blue SNJ-5 that was like a best friend.
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Does anyone know about the history and requirements of the new AD on the T6 wing attach angle? I read on a Warbird board that it was initially a dye penetrant every 200 hrs.

 

I used to belong to Stoney's great organization when I had the Jbird with my original member number being #666 for some reason.
I'll pm the address.
Guess it's time to re-join. OBTW - I also have always had a thing for a P-64 replica with a geared 1340 as on the cover you show. Any advice?
many thanks
Russ

 

Took a look at N60645 today. 3907TT and about 100 SMOH by Covington, but almost 10 years ago. 40 SPOH about 3 years ago on -12 blades. Fresh annual in January.
Overall this plane is what used to be a very average/low average T-6. I do not know the current market at all so this may be inaccurate in today's market. Exterior looks ok, but inside is a bit ratty grey with a tired old KX170B and TXP and miscellaneous wires and breakers and switches thrown about the grey interior. Instruments are mid 60s and a bit tired and out of place. There are 3 external venturis as there is no vacuum pump on the engine. the starter is inertial, and uses an automotive dimmer switch on the floor to spin up, then pull a cable under the instrument panel to engage unlike the original floor mount pedal which did both. In short, 65 years of hodge-podge fixes. However, fwf was strong and well done; the fuselage looked ok and the elevators were metallized.
One of my big questions that was unanswered that no one seemed to know was why was there a big oil tank under the 2nd seat that had not been used for years, but did have a guage and pump where it looked to be a smoke system. The seller said it was original, but I do not think the -2 came with a smoke system. Did not see mention in a cursory review of the papers any mention of a smoke system.
It had an eddy current NDI of the attach angles in January which it passed meeting the -51 AD.
It did have redline brakes upgrade , which is OK although I think having sl marginal brakes like the original in a taildragger is probably ok as well. It has a Navy tailwheel lock, which is ok, but not as good as the steerable 'P-51' mod.
Ithink it is an ok plane, but with 65 years of kludged stuff inside and terrible radios and instruments. I was sick today and could not fly, so we will look at flying perhaps Wednesday.
It certainly has potential, but didn't get my juices flowing as much as my previous SNJ. Will reflect on it a bit, more later.
Most importantly though - I'm back on the hunt and the gun is loaded!

 

Update
Step 1: Looks like to insure me (I am pretty low time with 250 in type) is about $3600/year on first quote for full coverage; waiting on 2 other companies.
Just as a data point for everyone.
Step 2: Will talk to bank tomorrow
Step 3: Find a hangar

Still not as sure on THIS airplane, but going through the drill will help on any others I look at.

While any airplane is more fun than any car, there is that voice in the back of my head that keeps whispering 'Ferrari Daytona...'