Cees

Nothing subtle in post 287 is there

The quote that you make so much of in this post really doesn't prove anything except the plane Ed competed with at the 1963 worlds, (and he didn't compete with the Taurus-2 which had the thick wing and flew on proportional), was 2 1/2 years old, which wouldn't have surprised me. It proves that Ed was still flying his "original Taurus" in 1963...whichever Taurus that was. It doesn't prove the age of either of the planes put up for auction. Why couldn't the plane they are discussing and the one that won the award be the VR/CS Taurus? You certainly have proven this theory of yours to yourself, but I can't follow your logic, and I don't think many others have either.

Both of Ed's planes were beautifully finished, (see attachment).... not just the one I have. Yes, Ed was a "master finisher"...no doubt about that. For example, you should look at the workmanship of the "unfinished fuselage" up close...the wood fit, finish, and the perfect silk/dope work. The fillets he made for the stab...everything.

If what you are saying is true, then the plane that won the award for finish was Ed's BACK UP PLANE. There is absolute proof that the plane I have was Ed's back up in 1963...he didn't even compete with it. As I said in the quote you put in your last post, it certainly appears the top block is the original. The inside has never been cut or tampered with; therefore if my Taurus-2 is indeed the oldest Taurus, Ed would have had to remove and replace the stab, the fin, the pilot, the canopy, the ENTIRE TOP BLOCK...and then repaint the "oldest" or original Taurus, so there wouldn't be much of the "oldest Taurus" left...the fuselage sides, firewall, and some formers.

Now for what I should or should not do with my Taurus-2. If you had read what I said in the other thread, (Ed Kazmirski's Taurus, p 35 #859), THERE IS NO MARKET in the AMA museum or anywhere else for the Taurus-2. The plane as it exists now, is Ed's attempt to improve upon the standard Taurus. It has a more modern tapered wing, (originally thick), thicker sheeted stab etc. Even if I wanted the AMA museum to accept the Taurus 2, there would not be a place for it. The plane the rest of the world thinks is Ed's most famous Taurus is going to be donated to the AMA museum later this year, and they will not accept a plane that clearly looks more modern than the familiar and famous standard Taurus, a variation of it at least was the basis for the kit. The VR/CS Taurus is the one everyone wants to see. So what would you have me do with the other one...just hang it up in my basement shop and look at it?

I am in no hurry to fly the plane, and will never use it as my "regular" everyday plane. It will be displayed and possibly flown at special occasions only. Trust me, I have AT LEAST as much reverance for this particular plane as anyone else. I saw it fly "live" at a very early age, some 40+ years ago. My object is to restore it to look just like it did when Ed flew it.

Enough of these accusations. Find me a quote that says "...Ed tore his very first, original Taurus apart and totally rebuilt it with a new fin, stab, top block and wing..." and you've proven your point.