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Books

Stinson Aircraft Company: Images of America

by John A. Bluth. By the early 1920s, Eddie Stinson - a charismatic daredevil pilot - had become nationally known for his fearlessness and skill. In 1926, he and his close friend Bill Mara founded a company to design and manufacture airplanes that combined features then only found in luxury automobiles. In 1932, Stinson was killed in a tragic crash while demonstrating a new model. Although his life was short, the world of aviation still reveres the airplanes built under his name. Featuring many never-before-published photographs and comprehensive biographical information, this book chronicles a remarkable period in airplane development. It details the growth of Stinson's company, which produced more airplanes for a longer period of time than any other Michigan airframe producer. The book also reveals the story of Eddie Stinson and Bill Mara, who together made aviation history. Today, about 3,000 Stinson airplanes remain and are still greatly esteemed by aviation enthusiasts, 56 years after the last one was built. 128 pgs., 165 B&W photos, 6½"x 9¼", softbound. $19.95

U.S. Liaison Aircraft in Action

Adcock. Trace the development and service of U.S. "L-Bird" observation and liaison aircraft from the initial Stinson L-1 of 1940 through the Taylorcraft L-2, Aeronca L-3, Piper L-4, and Stinson L-5 of 1942. You'll see their extensive service on all fronts of World War II, and even follow the L-4 and L-5 into service in Korea. 50 pages, approximately 100 B&W photographs, 10 color profiles, line art and more. 11"x 8¼", softcover.  $11.95

Katherine Stinson: The Flying Schoolgirl

by Debra Winegarten.   Flying was a dangerous pursuit in 1912, killing many would-be pilots. But Katherine Stinson was determined to fly. Because she was a woman, she constantly had to prove herself. Defying expectations, she quickly became a pioneer of the skies. This long-overdue book features stunning photographs of Stinson, who racked up many "firsts"-first precision flyer, first to do preflight inspections, and first to fly solo at night. She also invented night skywriting, amazed audiences in Japan and China, and, with her family, established a flight school and assembled and sold high-quality aircraft. Ages 9 and up. 115 pgs., 30 B&W photos, 10¼"x 7¼", hardbound.   $26.95
 

Taming the Taildragger

Ball. Written in simple, easy-to-understand style. Techniques used to fly the most humble of personal airplanes (Cubs, T-Crafts, Aeroncas, Stinsons, etc.) Lots of useful info on hand-propping, no-radio navigation, takeoffs, three-point and wheel landings, short and soft field techniques, emergencies and basic maintenance. For the taildragger pilot or the wanna-be. 105 pgs., 5¼"x 8½", softbound.   $9.95

Art

Stinson

by Cher Pruys. Even the northland's cold winters don't stop hearty bushplanes such as this 1937 Stinson SR9 FM. A beautiful example of its type, this craft is now located in The Bushplane Museum in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. 19"x 13" limited edition giclée print is signed and numbered by the artist. $84.95
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All American Pickup

by Frank Loudin. The Stinson Reliant, introduced in 1933, was a masterpiece of classic styling with its distinctive gull-wings and molded engine cowling. But it wasn't just pretty to look at. It was an efficient worker as well. All American Aviation of Morgantown, West Virginia, with a modest fleet of SR-10s, revolutionized airmail service with its ingenious in-flight pick-up and drop system. At a stunning 120 mph, with remarkable precision and apparent ease, the pilot maneuvered his Stinson over the field, snatching up a 100-pound sack of mail from the marked spot. What a show each day at mail-time for an amazed and admiring audience of locals! Signed and numbered print measures 20"x 15" with included matte.   $39.95

The Detroiters

by Frank Loudin. Feel the excitement of golden age travel with this airfield view of a Stinson Detroiter. The award-winning Detroiter was recognized for its reliability and endurance, and was the first American airplane with a completely enclosed, soundproof, and heated cabin - with the added safety of having brakes on its wheels. Signed and numbered print measures 20"x 15" with included matte.   $39.95

Stinson L-5 Sentinel

by Tony Weddel. This particular scene shows a typical mission for an L-5 of the 25th Liaison Squadron, better known as the "Guinea Short Lines." An A-20 bomber has been shot down during an attack on a Japanese base. Having been discovered by a prowling Sentinel, the downed aviators hacked down enough of the tall Kunai grass to form a makeshift runway. The L-5 put down, and took aboard two of the bomber crewmen despite a 400-pound gross load limit. The L-5 pilot somehow managed to get airborne and threaded his way through the jungle, gaining altitude at every opportunity. Another miraculous rescue, but just a day's work for the men of the "Guinea Short Lines." 23"x 19" print.    $19.95
 

Models

Stinson Voyager Balsa Kit

Classic post-WWII four-place aircraft was the choice for distance travelers because of its speed, capacity and range. The 50+ laser-cut parts included with this kit make it one of the finest quality balsa kits available. You get hand selected balsa, color peel and stick decals, 5-inch plastic propeller, full scale plans with step-by-step instructions, light weight color tissue, wheels, rubber and more. 17½" wingspan when completed; assembly required. For display or rubber-powered flight.   $18.95

Stinson Reliant SR-10 Balsa Kit

This balsa kit of the famed "Gull Wing" Stinson includes more than 80 laser-cut, hand-selected balsa parts; vacuum-molded parts; light weight colored tissue; color peel-and-stick decals; full size plans with step-by-step instructions; and much more. 30" wingspan when assembled; for display or rubber-powered flight.   $38.95

Other Goodies

American Classics Coverlet

Trace the rich history of general aviation with this coverlet featuring richly woven images of the Wright Flyer, Stearman N2S, Waco UPF-7, Stinson Reliant, Ercoupe, Travel Air Speedwing and other Golden Age greats. 100% cotton; measures 48"x 68".  $59.95.