Champion 7JC Owner Died N610WA

[Red(neck) Barron]

Since the dawn of aviation, there have been designers out there who occasionally come up with one of those airplanes that they actually get from the drawing board to the assembly floor. And all the people said “What the ___ were they thinking?”
In the list of strange airplanes of the world, the 7JC should make in the top 10 of just about anyone’s list. However, as Paul said, it would be criminal at this point for someone to convert it back to a EC model, something this rare, assuming it is still in its original configuration, needs to be kept that way and the museum is probably its best choice. Maybe I have just always had a soft spot for the unusual; I have, for many years, harbored a desire to own a Lancer for instance.
So I hope this little, oddball offspring of a Champ can find a home where it can be made good as new once again and not sent to the plastic surgeon to be made to look like everyone else. Reminds me of a Twilight Zone episode. While I have no personal interest in it for myself, I do live fairly close to its location and would be willing to lend a hand in any way I can.
BTW, I think, that if I looked long and hard enough into my Dad’s old Flying magazines that I have stored deep in the bowels of my house, I might even find an original ad for one of these.

[skongable]

Larry, you will soon be able to see the plane at the Mount Pleasant, Iowa airport - not too far from you. It still has the belly wheel configuration.

[Red(neck) Barron]

Thanks Scott, I look forward to it.

[Richard Murray]

Well this is like an intriging mystery. Scott assured me he would let us know when the plane was going to be sold and the estate sale was Friday, June 16, 2017. There was no mention of the 7JC in the sale bill. Paul A have you acquired another for your collection?

[skongable]

Everything in the estate was sold except the plane and an antique runway light kit. The auctioneer told me the plane auction should be in the next month or so.

[skongable]

Everything in the estate was sold except the plane and an antique runway light kit. The auctioneer told me the plane auction should be in the next month or so.

[skongable]

From the auctioneer webpage:

Also, selling Aviation memorabilia from the Sheldon Kongable Estate that includes: Lrg. Flying Farmers painted board sign; Flying Farmers cookbooks, patches & glasses; Military history & fictional Aviation books.

Please note that we will be selling Sheldon’s rare Champion 7JC Tricon Aircraft at a later date, be sure to check our website for future details.

[skongable]

Also, the plane was not moved to the Mt. Pleasant airport - it is at Fraise Auctions in New London, IA.

[Paul Agaliotis]

Richard,
No, but I am taking in all of my aluminum cans for refund to add to my war chest. It would be a great airplane to own, very rare. Right up there with the KM Chief and the Chum. An un-named group skidded the Chum paperwork out from under me. Not really, I'm certain we will have an operational Chum someday.
Paul

[Richard Murray]

Scott so good to here from you, albeit too late to take advantage of the aircraft memorabilia. I'm sure Fraise is a very popular auction company in your region, but they sure didn't reach the buyers that have expressed interest on this and other aviation sites where Aeronca owners/collectors lurk.

Paul this could be a collective ownership proposition if Todd doesn't decides he wants it in his museum or Craig would be looking to add to his collection and share space with the LC.

[skongable]

Fraise would only do the auction if the aircraft stuff was included. Not my optimum approach, but, the rest of the estate was languishing.

[Paul Agaliotis]

Richard,
It's my opinion that we get together as a group and put down roots somewhere. I've got a lot of stuff that could go into a permanent location. I'm sure our BOD share the same desire.
I was lucky enough to tour the Aeronca facility when it was in the old 1950's building prior to its demolition. It might be a good location to replicate the building as a permanent location. There is a lot of Corporate and Government money that might be available for such a fine group as ours.
Paul

[Richard Murray]

Paul,

You are tugging at my heartstrings! That Butler County Museum would be a good hangar. If enough of us with a like mind started laying the foundation there might be a partnership with the Ohio Historical Connection, who manage and oversee many of the museums in Ohio.

If Todd Trainor and Robert Szego would consider divesting their individual interests in all things Aeronca a destination could be established for Aeronca lovers and the aviation community on Hook Field offering patrons fly-in or drive-in access and a single focal point for our Aeronca family.

This type of endeavor would involve a larger committment of our present volunteer force.

Certainly worth considering and additional discussion.

[Richard Murray]

Dion Carr sent along these recent pictures of N610WA

[joea]

Great photos!!