Hello BT world,

I have been thinking about a tail dragger for a while now.

The prices of some are now quite attractive.

I have been looking at Cessna 170's and the Stinson 108's lately.

I have flown the 170, but not the Stinson.

I will open it up to all, any comments, advice, experience in the aircraft.

Please comment.



Thanks,

Stinsons fly and land much nicer but that Franklin is a pain in the ass. If you find a 108 with the 180 Lycoming then you would really have a gem. The 170 is going to be easier to maintain.

The Stinson is a joy to fly, but yes, there can be challenges with the Franklin - though it runs very nice when well taken care of - avoid lead if you can... Parts are supposedly continuing to get better and better for them - at least that's the ongoing rumors... Make sure you get a heavy case Franklin. Also avoid the ones with the Lycoming 435 - very hard to support. The Conti-470 is awesome in them from what I've heard.

Avoid aluminized from what everyone says - heavier, redundant structure, etc... (plus it's ugly).

Big tail or small tail... I asked that question at the Oshkosh Stinson forum a few years back. Holy cats! You'd have thought I had asked which was better - a V-tail or a conventional tail at the ABS convention. The small tail (-2 or earlier) look a lot better, and are supposedly better in a crosswind. Lots of earlier ones have been upgraded to the -2 equivalent (baggage door, rudder trim, big fuel lines for the 165HP, etc...)

Overall, great airplane that's fun to fly and easy to land, and can haul a load - most of what I saw was 50 to 150 pounds better useful than the 170's I saw at the time. One that I looked at - the owner just tossed me the keys and said "go fly it - it'll sell itself - see ya in a bit".

I've owned and flown both. Go with the 170!

I fly a 108-1 with a 150HP Franklin frequently. The engine is a marvel---starts instantly, runs very smoothly. The airplane is also fun to fly as long as your not going very far. Controls are light and it's fun to land. Cruise is a bit of a chore though. The airplane wallows and hunts a fair amount in level flight and you definitely need to stay on the rudder. I've also flown a bit in the 120/140 and of course 172. Based on my experience, I'd be pretty interested in the 170.

David

Do you have hangar space?

I owned 1953 C-170B for 10 years. It was a super good airplane: good instrument platform, inexpensive to own, had fair short field capabilities. Cockpit shoulder room somewhat cramped. IIRC I flt. planned 105 ktas and 8 gph. C-145 and earlier 0-300 series engines had no provision for vac pump; 0-300D engine has vac pump pad on the accessory case. Otherwise, venturi's unless you can find one with 165 or 180 hp Lyc. or Franklin (Doyn conversion?). Seem to recall that there was a vac pump kit that was belt driven off the prop shaft that was available at one time. Be sure to have solid MLG axels. Contact Int'l Cessna 170 Assoc. for nitty gritty. Wish I had mine back. Very little experience in Stinson 108 series but, I do recall that they sure handled well. Hope this helps.
MM

I'd go with the 170, we have a Stinson 108-3 basket case sitting in the back of a hangar for last 30 years. My dad horse traded it for repairing an Aztec or something. It flew ok but have found the Cessna 140/170/172 easier to support and maintain.

Regards,
Nigel

The Stinson 108 is a sweetheart. They are also half the price (or less) of a 170. I have one that I have flirted with selling. It has a fresh annual. Feel free to PM or call if you would like to visit further.

Hello again,

Thanks for all the input. I appreciate it very much. To answer some questions....

Charles, yes do have hangar space available. So fabric is good for me.

Andrew Meyer, thanks for your input. I agree with your assessment of the different mods out there. One that I may be interested in is a Franklin 220 HP.

Is anyone familiar with the 220 HP Franklin motor for the Stinson or the 170.

Drew, I remember that aircraft listed for sale. I may be interested. Send me info. I will PM you.

Thanks for the info from all.

And for those who are curious, no the Baron will not go anywhere. I love the aircraft. I just want to make my short hop $200 hamburger runs, $100 hamburger runs.

Keep the info coming.

I think there is a Stimson for sale in Milwaukee. Not sure which model, but I know it has the Franklin. I will see if I can find the ad.

David,

Welcome to beechtalk! We appreciate your input.

Kevin

A certain someone who posted above taught me to fly taildraggers in a 170 so perhaps I am partial.

The 170 being all metal (well, most are) is a nice consideration. While the O-300 Continental isn't the greatest engine ever made, perhaps it is more supportable than the Franklin.

On the business end, both are quite easy and inexpensive to insure so there is no "Maule-like" issue there. Not hating on Maules. Just their insurance issues.

Don, I've had my 108 over 12years and might as well sell. Don't fly it much, if interested, let me know.

Ronny, I'm just curious. What engine do you have in the Stinson?