Les Richman is the proud owner of this ¼-scale replica of
Charles Lindbergh’s Monocoupe D-145. The real D-145 is hanging on display
in Lambert St. Louis International Airport. Walt Wilson conceived the
project, researched and photographed the D-145, then modified an Ikon
Northwest Monocoupe 90A kit to build the basic airplane. Walt sold the
unfinished Monocoupe to Les Richman. Les engaged Jim Rawlings to help him
finish the project, which took nearly a year. The D-145 has a Super Tigre
3000 with a self-starter and modified muffler to dispense smoke.
The Missouri Historical Society arranged a
cherry picker ride for Les to take pictures of the original Monocoupe’s
interior. Les engineered the
engine/starter installation and designed a full lighting system. He also
had a scale instrument panel built and custom decals made. The D-145 is
covered with 21st Century Coverite and finished with matching paints. It
weighs slightly over 20 pounds and hasn’t been flown as of this writing.
Photos by Walt Wilson.
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Last updated:
November 07, 2011
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