red1

I am looking for plans and or kit for the Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 float plane (primary trainer). There was a squadron of these based at the US Naval Academy, Greenbury Point, Annapolis, MD for a number of years. I would like to build an RC 1/5 scale model. Any help in locating a source would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

red 1 (aka Don Borton)
AMA IMAA
Waco Brotherhood #72

timothy thompson

My Feedback: (1)

had a ride in one and was allowed to pilot the aircraft several years ago. very nice ride

fliir

Don:

The bad news is that I have looked for years. I have only found one plan, and it is hardly scale. I can send it to you if you want. It is also posted on the thread mentioned below.

I want to build one in 1/5 or 1/6 myself, although it is well down in my list of projects. My dad was a crew chief for N3Ns at Great Lakes NAS during WWII. I have a bunch of data including a set of blueprints, an erection manual and a photoshoot that I did at the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum. Let me know if you need anything.

There is an N3N thread, started by Flicka5 with comments by FokkerAce (the thread was mistakenly put in the "3D" forum). FokkerAce said he was planning to design one about a year ago. You may want to PM him

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_62.../tm.htm#624803

David

red1

David, Timothy

Thanks for the reply. I'm former Navy, originally from St. Joseph. MI. Went through Basic at Great Lakes NTC. Spent some time at The USNA, Annapolis 1951-52. I could look out my 4th floor window in Bancroft Hall across the Severn River and see some of the 35 N3N-3s in the water or on the ramp. Never forgot them. I understand thay have one on exhibit at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum in Virginia.

David, thenks for the lead to FokkerAce et al. I will definitely drop them a PM.

If anything new develops re the N3N-3 float plane, please let me know.

red 1 (aka Don Borton)
AMA IMAA
Waco Brotherhood #72

TFF

The one at the Smithsonian is at the Udvar-Hazy hanging up. You need to visit. I went last summer. The Smithsonian probably has raw data that you could use to make your own plans as you seem passionate. A Stearman conversion would be the way to go if it does not have to be "perfect" as no one else would ever know.

CoosBayLumber

My Feedback: (1)

I have the plan and magazine of the Yellow Peril from a very old edition of M.A.N. but it does not mention anything about a float plane version.

Wm.

red1

TFF

Timely suggestion. Just so happens I put a "passionet" letter in the mail about an hour ago to the SASM Director of Aircraft Restoration Let's hope something usefull comes back.

red 1 (aka Don Borton)
AMA IMAA
Waco Brotherhood #72

red1

Wm

Depending on which source you look into, there were some 800 or 900 of this AC built... 100 of which were the float plane version.

red 1 (aka Don Borton)
AMA IMAA
Waco Brotherhood #72

Chad Veich

My Feedback: (60)

Yanks Air Museum in Chino, CA has a very nice one on display as well. Photo by Chris and taken from the WIX forum.

timothy thompson

My Feedback: (1)

rides 100 for an hour . pilots get to fly in air . plane is in mt pleasant mi. Anyone wanting a ride in an authentic unmodified n3n pm me for info. need to be under 220 lbs and able to climb in the cockpit. period seat belt and instruments. all documentation is available including military logbook. Original engine. i got a chance to take her off as i have a tail dragger ndorsement. really surprised the guy belived me without seeing any pilots licnce from me

red1

Hi Tim,

I assume (hope) your N3N ride was in the land plane version, since an FAA Single Engine Sea (SES) certification would be required for the float plane version.

red 1 (aka Don Borton)
AMA IMAA
Waco Brotherhood #72

timothy thompson

My Feedback: (1)

yes you are correct

n3njeff

Hey all, glad this thread is still going strong!!! We have had our N3N since 1969!!!!!

There were 816 N3N-3's built. All of them COULD have floats. Just unbolt the gear and install the floats. Dont need it as a float plane, pick it up, remove the floats and re-install the gear!! RED, our N was one of the airplanes you watched out your window!!!!! If anyone needs help, you can e mail me at
[email protected]

red1

Hi Guys,

I received a reply from the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum Archives. They have available the following on the N3N-3:

Drawings on Paper:General Three View Landplane (31x59); General three View Landplane (22X43); Inboard Profile - side elevation (21x61); General Three View Seaplane (22x48). Drawings range from $4.90-$9.10. Complete pkg $25.20 + S/H.

Engineering drawings on microfilm: 2 rolls. Also available: printed index to above. Rolls are $30 ea, index is $2.40.

I suspect no one has a microfilm reader/printer at home, but most public libraries have one available

If you are interested, drop a line to Smithsonian Institution, PO Box 37012, NASM, Archives Division, Rm. 3100, MRC 322, Washington, DC 20013-7012. They will do the search and send you an information/purchase package. They will not accept an order unlass accompoanied by a signed/dated Document Use and Indemnification Agreement, which they include in the pack.

I have ordere all the paper drawings. I'll let you know what they look like after I receive and review them.

red 1 (aka Don Borton)
AMA IMAA
WACO Brotherhood #72

naval flight officer

n3njeff,
I saw a nice write up in NAVY TIMES yesterday of your N3N-3 on my way to drop a torpedo in the Bahamas. It looks like a nice plane. Someday I hope to be able to afford the experience to be a caretaker of Naval history like your self.

Scott

tailwheel234

My Feedback: (1)

Looking for an N3N ARF or Kit.... have a frien that owns the one in the photo attached... fully restored. I have flown in it several times, and LOVE the ride! Let me know if anyone knows of a Kit or ARF supplier. THis one is based out of Glasgow KY, USA.

fliir

N3N PLAN!

An IMAA sized (68" wingspan) N3N-3 is available here:

http://www.montanamodelworks.com/mmwsite4_080.htm

I received the plans earlier this week. They are drawn for electric power (700-1000w outrunner) but the outlines look pretty good.

buzzard bait

Wow, I had never heard of this company. Exciting selection of subjects! But unfortunately their pictures do not look convincing at all. It's hard to tell from photos like that because perspective can mislead, but I looked at several of their photos, and the models just don't look right to me.

If you get a good 3-view, I hope you will carefully check out your plans and let us know. I'd love to be proven wrong about this.

The N3N-3 has been one of my favorites since I saw a plan for a 39 in diesel powered single channel version in Flying Models. I have that plan, and I think overall proportions are good, but it certainly lacks the detail you would want.

A full scale N3N-3 flying in Vermont? I visit the area now and then, and I would love to see that!

Jim

Maylon

A good buddy of mine has a flying full scale here in Dansvill, NY . Lot's closer to you than Vermont.

buzzard bait

Thanks Maylon, I'd love to hear more.

Jim

Maylon

Jim,
Go here.
http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/N1120.html

Hydro Junkie

That is one good looking aircraft. Not sure about the markings though. The side number is for aircraft #1 of VS-2, flown by the squadron Commanding officer. Using the VS-2 side number, the chevron on the top of the wing and the tail surfaces should be "Lemon Yellow while the nose and aft fuselage should have a red band signifying it's place in the squadron.
As for the "Felix the Cat" logo, I found this at http://bluejacket.com/usn_avi_insig_vf1-99.html
Original Felix the Cat (1928)
used by
VF-2B, VF-3, VF-6B & VF-31

buzzard bait

Thanks for the link, Maylon. Dansville looks to be not much over 2 hours from me, so I will want to check this out next year. Great photos at that link. Nice that they are posted on Airport-Data...it's a fine website.

Jim

Maylon

Those 4 pictures are him flying it. He also has 3 more not flying that have enough good parts to make two. They are for sale if your interested.
Yea, Dansville is only 15 minutes from Geneseo where the B-17 Memphis Bell is at the 1941 HAGmuseum there.

buzzard bait

Wow...N3N-3 project for sale. How do I want to spend the next several years of my life and a big chunk of my savings? There are a lot worse ways, but I'm not there yet.

Thanks much,

Jim