Good news today, we were able to source some construction material locally. Two local EAA chapter members had started a Breezy about 25-30 years ago and started building the Sport Trainer wings - but never finished the project. We were able to purchase some construction material including wing spar blanks and lift strut tubing from them at a reasonable price - without having to pay shipping.

Wag-Aero Sport Trainer - the journey begins

So, Dale Benskin and I made it official last week. We are building a Wag-Aero Sport Trainer - basically a clone of a Piper J-3 Cub.

I'm a repeat offender of aircraft building - just finished a Sonex/Waiex - and also own a Pietenpol that I purchased (now for sale!). Dale has previously restored a Meyers OTW.  We are also in the process of restoring a PA-16 Piper Clipper of his.

Dale's got quite a few pieces parts of previous J-3's around that he's accumulated over the years from three previous ones that he owned.  He ordered the Wag-Aero Sport Trainer fuselage kit last week and we will be going up to pick it up at Wag-Aero (5 hour drive from here) on March 14th.  I'm cleaning my shop in the basement, building the tables, studying plans and learning oxy-acetaline welding skills. I've done quite a bit of mig welding in the past, so it's not been too tough to pick up on this - also took a Sport Air oxy-acetaline welding workshop several weeks ago up in Oshkosh to get a good foundation to build on.  Below is a picture of the weld quality that I'm up to after about a dozen pieces and a number of hours of practice.

First ones welded a week ago. Lousy.

Last set welded. Getting better.