Gee Bee Conquistador
#1
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Looking for documentation,pictures for this rare Gee Bee inspired racer. It really is not a Gee Bee but rather a QED or R-6H. There was only one ever built and I understand it is in Mexico now on display. I have some pictures but they are not very good.
Thanks
Jerry
#2
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The plane you are seeking is indeed a GeeBee model R-6H. It is only named Q.E.D. It was built for Jackie Chochran for the MacPherson Robertson London-Melbourne race in 1934. It flew in the 1935 Bendix Race and the 1936 Thompson Trophy Race. The plane was sold to Francisco Serabia, the president of TASCA, the Mexican airline, renamed "Conquistador del Cielo" and registered as XB-AKM. It is now in Ciudad Lerdo, Durango, Mexico in a museum built to house it.
It had a span of 34' 3", length of 27' 2", and a height of 9' 6". It carried 400 gal of fuel, 28 gal of oil and had a gross weight of 6500 lbs.
My source for information is The Golden Age of Racing, Volumes 1 & 2 published by the EAA Aviation Foundation, 1983.
Have you tried Bob Banka's documentation services? He has a hugh collection of 3-views and photo packs of many planes. He might just have what you are looking for.
It had a span of 34' 3", length of 27' 2", and a height of 9' 6". It carried 400 gal of fuel, 28 gal of oil and had a gross weight of 6500 lbs.
My source for information is The Golden Age of Racing, Volumes 1 & 2 published by the EAA Aviation Foundation, 1983.
Have you tried Bob Banka's documentation services? He has a hugh collection of 3-views and photo packs of many planes. He might just have what you are looking for.
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Great aircraft!!!! Also ... if you are looking for more racers of the 1930's check out this site:
http://oldbeacon.com/plans/resource4...rce_page-4.htm
http://oldbeacon.com/plans/resource4...rce_page-4.htm
#6

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There is a plan set available through Scale Plans and Photo Service. 87" wingspan, designed by Pete Fusco.
http://www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/IMAAads...miscplans.html
http://www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/IMAAads...miscplans.html
#7

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Fusco lived a block from me. I watched him build it. It turned out fantastic. Serabia's family was in Houston and met Fusco. I believe Serabia was killed in it. Something about a red rag in the cowl being sucked into the carb and he dead sticked into the Patomac shortly after take-off. The plane was salvaged and yes, it is in Ciudad Lerdo. QED is notation for "it is proven" in Greek. Take a close look at the flying wires . They run through the pants . I'll find a pic.
#8
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Here you go. These are located at the National Archives in Washington D.C.
I had to reduce them in size and quality to upload them on this site.
Should you still be looking for them I can be reached at
[email protected]
and will be glad to email the original large files to you.
I had to reduce them in size and quality to upload them on this site.
Should you still be looking for them I can be reached at
[email protected]
and will be glad to email the original large files to you.
#10

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BTW, thats the last paint shceme the QED saw. But I bleive it was green earlier, I think Lucky Stike sponsered it for the London to Melbourne race. I think it dropped out. I don't think it flew in a Thompson Tropy Race, it was never intended for a closed course sprint. It wieghed too much.
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According to "A Legacy of Speed The Gee Bee Racers" By Mendenhall/Murphy the R6/QED was built for Jackie Cochran and painted "lucky Strike green" since she was there spokes model. It was meant to race from London to Melbourn in the Mac Robertson air race. She flew it a little then it was sold to Charles Babb. He repainted it white with a green stripe. Later (1938) he added 61 to the side and right wing tip bottom for racing (not sure of the numbers color). Then Babb sold it to Capt. DA Francisco Sarabia who painted it "gleaming high-gloss white" with red speed lines (stripes) on the sides along with the script also he added the cowl art work (crossed American and Mexican flags).
Tom K
Tom K
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#15
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The book- 'The Golden Age of Air Racing' by Wes Schmid and Truman Weaver has quite a bit of info regarding this Gee Bee. The book can be purchased from the EAA. It is well worth the investment if this genre of aircraft suits your fancy!
#18
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Yes big adventure most when I pass the mexican border with this big airplane , Need more time to finish his journey .. right now is sleeping near the original. I have take this airplane to a diffrent cities in mexico for Sarabia Conference ..
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#24
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TFF yes, when I was building my replica I had the oportunity that Mr jim Moss and I had a good conversation , about that project and Had the oportunity to give him all my Pictures and information about the original Q.E.D ,The rest is now in reality ........
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Hello there. I'm searching for the Gee Bee Q E D plans made by Pete Fusco. It's 87" span. They were sold from Scale Plans and photo service, which is no longer in business.. Will appreciate very much any help on this one.
Best regards Flemming Vestrup Denmark
[email protected]
Best regards Flemming Vestrup Denmark
[email protected]