Larry Westin's Stinson 108 Photo Page

Stinson model 10A, NC36794, serial number 8094, built in 1941. This image came from the Corel Classic Aviation series CD-ROM. Permission to use comes with purchase of the CD-ROM. Added 10/05/98, about 45K.

Ground view of Stinson model 10, NC26253, owned by Air Associates Underwriters. B&W, about 37K, added 07/16/02.

Very nice in-flight view of Stinson model 10, NC26256, built in 1940. At the time this airplane was built the Stinson manufacturing facilities were just moved from Wayne, Michigan to Nashville, Tennesse. The airplane is shown over Brooklyn, New York, with the East River below, Manhattan and the Hudson River in the background. Photo taken by famed aviation photographer Hans Groenhoff. Added 10/01/07, updated 01/01/09, about 136K.

Two more images of Stinson 10 inflight, NC26256. First view shows NC26256 flying over Brooklyn, New York, with the East River shown. Second view of NC26256 shows her flying over Manhattan, New York, with the Hudson River under the airplane, and the East River also visible. Believe these photos taken by famed aviation photographer Hans Groenhoff, probably taken during the same flight as the same Stinson 10 photo above. B&W, about 169K and 98K respectively. My thanks to Charles Wirt for providing these two photographs. UPDATE - Kent Shook emailed me to say his great-grandfather, Roland Bliss owned NC26256 and was probably flying the airplane at the time the above photos were taken. Here is a color image of Kent Shook's great-grand parents standing next to NC26256. Location is South Bend, IN, date unknown, size about 120K. Kent Shook also send this image of a letter his great-grandfather wrote offering his services and the use of NC26256 for the Civil Air Patrol. Color, about 224K. Note this was written just after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Added 01/01/09, updated 02/16/09.

Two images of Stinson 10 inflight, NC27786. First view shows an inflight Closeup of NC27786, next is a second view inflight of NC27786 in a steep turn. My thanks to Charles Wirt for providing these two photographs. B&W, about 112K and 129K respectively. Added 01/01/09.

Ground view of Stinson model 10A, NC36793. This view photo was taken in 1943 at Bar Harbor airport, Maine. At the time this airplane was flown by the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) on anti submarie missions off the Eastern seaboard of the United States. A CAP mechanic has the right cowling opening inspecting the engine. Color, about 176K, added 03/05/05.

One half Front inflight view of Stinson model 10A NC32208, owned by Dianna Wirt. Here is a second view, this time about 1/4 rear inflight of Stinson model 10A NC32208. The airplane is being flown by Dianna Wirt, and photographed by Charles Wirt from their Stinson 108-3. The Stinson model 10/10A was built prior to WWII, this particular example was used by the Civil Air Patrol in Florida to hunt German submarines operating off the Eastern U.S. seaboard during WWII. Color, about 116K and 109K respectively.Charles Wirt sent these images of Stinson model 10 operating the with the CAP at Lantana, Florida, against axis submarines. Stinson model 10 in the hangar getting prepared for flight, Stinson model 10 with a bugler on the flight line, Stinson model 10's on the flight line,Stinson model 10 instrument panel which is very basic by todays standard, even more so when you consider these light airplanes were flown over water, Stinson model 10 radio equipment as used by the CAP for anti submare reconnaissance. My thanks to Charles Wirt for providing all these images. First two color images added 06/09/04, black and white CAP images added 10/15/05.

Ground view of Stinson O-49 (Later renamed the L-1) Vigilant, this was Stinson's first attempt to build a liaison aircraft for the USAAF. In fact it performed very well with excellent short field capabilities. Only some 324 were built primarily because the USAAF considered the airplane too expensive. The USAAF next conducted tests for a lower cost liaison aircraft, see the YO-54 below, and finally Stinson developed the L-5 Sentinel. This photograph is of serial number 40-192, the first O-49 built. B&W, about 39K, added 07/16/02.

Ground view of a Stinson YO-54 Voyager, serial number 41-143.Some publications refer to this as a Stinson 105, others a model 10. Examination of the airplane indicates to me it is a model 10. The USAAF purchased 6 commercial Stinson model 10 Voyagers for tests as liaison aircraft in an effort to find a lower cost liaison airplane than the O-49 above. The YO-54's were tested at Wright field, along with similarly powered aircraft by 5 other manufactures. None performed particularly well, the Stinson YO-54, with 80HP, was very underpowered. Stinson chief engineer A. P. Fontaine learned from the YO-54's, and from them he next designed the Stinson L-5 Sentinel. B&W, about 40K,Added 06/01/02.

Stinson Voyager 125 NX31519. This is the prototype of what would become the Stinson 108. As shown it was officially identified by Stinson as the Voyager 125, powered by a Lycoming 125HP engine. The press release on the back of the photo says the airplane was in production, not so. This airplane would later be modified into the prototype Stinson 108 with a 150HP Franklin engine. It never entered production with the Lycoming 125. The press release goes on to say the airplane can accomodate 2 or 3 passengers in addition to the pilot. Poor performance was the reason the Voyager 125 never went into production. After modifications as the Voyager 150 (model 108), it could accomodate 3 passengers plus the pilot. Photo is dated 9/21/45. Added06/27/04, About 89K.

Stinson Voyager 125 Prototype NX31519.This is the prototype Stinson 125, it was originally built as a model 10A and modified into the 125 configuration. Shown with test pilot Al Schramm in its initial configuration with the low model 10A tail and model 10A vertical stabilizer. Thanks to John Baker for scanning this photo, and John Underwood for permission to use it. Added 03/01/02, About 31K.

Stinson Voyager 125 Prototype NX31519 on the ground.This is the prototype Stinson 125. Note the tail section, particularly the vertical stabilizer and horizontal stabilizer. These are the original surfaces on the prototype 108. B&W, about 44K. Added 02/06/10,

Young lady in tight skirt steps up into the Stinson Voyager 125 Prototype NX31519.This is the prototype Stinson 125. B&W, about 104K. Added 09/01/11,

Stinson Voyager 125 Prototype NX31519 Inflight. This view appears as if taken very early in the test program, probably on the same flight as the inflight view above. Airplane has the original type nose grills, the original low set horizontal stabilizer, model 10A type vertical stabilizer, and the original carburetor intake, still with the original Lycoming 125 engine. Added 03/01/02, about 80K.

Now modified this shows the Prototype 108, NX31519 in a Ground Ground View. This view was taken later and shows the modified horizontal stabilizer and carburetor intake.The horizontal stabilizer is now mounted up higher on the changed vertical stabilizer, this is the "small tail" 108 vertical stabilizer configuration. In this form the airplane, still registered NX31519, is now the Stinson Voyager 150 model 108 prototrype. Added 03/01/02, about 59K.

Another ground view of Stinson Voyager 150 Prototype NX31519 with a women in high heels about to climb in the co-pilot side.B&W, about 105K. Added 06/29/11.

Stinson Voyager 150 Prototype NX31519 in the air from above.B&W, about 82K. Added 02/06/10,

Stinson 108 Prototype NX31519 on the ground with the Engine Cowling open. Believe this is a factory advertising photo showing a man and a woman examining the Franklin engine in the Stinson 108 prototype. Viewing the original photograph reveals the airplane still has the NX registration, this airplane would later carry the approved NC registration. Note the prototype engine grills, used only on the prototype airplanes. All production airplanes have horizontal bars only on the engine grills, and the bars are spaced differently than shown here.Sensenich wood propeller. B&W photo, about 167K, added 01/3/03.

The second Stinson Voyager 150 Prototype NX31532 on the ground. The second prototype was photographed very seldom, this is the only image I have of the second prototype. As with the first prototype, NX31532 was modified from a Stinson 10A airframe. NX31519 was serial number 108-1, and NX31532 was serial number 108-2. Both were scrapped after the test work was complete, and the first two production airframes were assigned serial numbers 108-1 and 108-2. B&W, about 63K, added 02/06/10.

Beautiful inflight view of Stinson 108 N97141 serial number 141, straight model 108, completed 06/12/46, delivered originally on 06/17/46. Now owned by Andy Heins >who provided the photograph. Added 03/20/98. Color, about 23K.

Left side ground view of Stinson 108 N97570 serial number 570, straight model 108, completed 08/29/46, delivered to first owner on 08/30/46. Base color is Maroon with Green trim. B&W, about 174K. This is a close up of the Stinson 108 cowling logo as seen on serial number 108-570. B&W, about 55K, added 02/01/17.

Right side ground view of Stinson 108 N97570 serial number 570, straight model 108. This image shows the airplane equipped with the optional flare installation. Flares were offered as factory options on the Stinson 108 and other light aircraft light general aviation aircraft manufactured after WWII. The flare installation involved adding 3 electrically actived flares. The flares were intended to illuminate the ground in case of a forced landing at night. B&W, about 182K. This is a close up of the Stinson 108 flare installation as seen on serial number 108-570. Webmaster Larry Westin has been working around light general aviation aircraft since the late 1950"s and not seen an actual flare equipped airplane. B&W, about 31K, added 02/01/17.

This is a photograph of the Stinson Factory with workers adding sound proofing to a straight model 108. Nothing to indicate precisely what airplane. This airplane does have the early type control wheels. B&W, about 311K. Added 07/29/11.

This is a second, different photograph of a Stinson Factory worker adding sound proofing to the interior of a straight model 108. Stinson period advertising proclaimed the model 108 was so welll insulated head phones were not necessary to hear the radio. Compared to other period airplanes the Stinson 108 was well insulated, however I (webmaster Larry Westin) recommend using head phones, or a head set. This image gives a good view of the cabin interior. B&W, about 325K. Added 03/20/16.

Stinson factory photo of Stinson 108-1 NC97742, serial number 108-105, listed on the Stinson production summary as the prototype 1947 model 108-1. Airplane is shown as being completed by Stinson on 6/3/46 and delivered to the first owner on 6/27/46, base color is Insignia Blue with Orange Yellow trim. Photo was taken at the Stinson factory just as the airplane was to be delivered to the first owner. B&W, about 36K, Added 02/01/01.

Inflight Stinson factory photo of Stinson 108-1 NC97743, serial number 108-743, this is the first production 1947 model 108-1. Airplane is shown as being completed by Stinson on 10/1/46 and delivered to the first owner the same day on 10/1/46, base color is Insignia Blue with Diana Cream trim. B&W, about 216K, Added 05/01/17. On the back of this photo is the Stinson 108-1 Press Release with the factory specifications for the model 108-1. Adobe PDF format, about 120K, Added 05/01/17.

Beautiful inflight view of Stinson 108-1 NC8170K. Serial number 108-1170. From the factory this airplane was painted red overall, with Diana Cream trim. Stinson completed the airplane on 11/26/46, and delivered it to the first owner on 11/27/46. Airplane is current on the FAA register. The photograh I own of this airplane that I scanned for this image doesn't have any credit or copyright on the photo, however I've seen this photograph image on other Internet sites as being taken by Bill Larkin, hopefully I'm giving credit to the right person for a very nice photo. B&W, about 202K, Added 01/14/17.

Another beautiful inflight view of Stinson 108-1 NC8170K. Serial number 108-1170. This photo was taken shortly after the view of the same airplane above from a slightly higher angle just a little further down the Golden Gate bridge. B&W, about 181K, Added 06/05/19.

Photo of Stinson 108-1 on the ground. This is serial number 108-1732, NC8732K. My thanks to Carl B. Jordan for sending this photo. Jordan soloed this airplane on June 24, 1949. NOTE that this airplane is equipped with "Wheel Fenders" rather than the standard "Wheel Pants." Unlike wheel pants, the fenders, themselves, didn't tend to get clogged-up with mud and grass clippings, often to the chagrin of the owners of some aircraft adorned with wheel pants. Note as first delivered (through serial number 108-1469) the model 108-1 did not have an external baggage door. The Stinson sales brochure for the 108-1 does not show an external baggage door. Stinson incorporated the external baggage door beginning with serial number 108-1470. The model 108-1 is the first model 108 with the external baggage door, all future model 108's came standard with the external baggage door. This airplane is serial number 108-1732, Stinson completed the airplane on 2/10/47, and delivered it to the first owner on 2/11/47, and it is current on the FAA register. B&W, about 123K, Added 08/14/10.

Factory photo of a Stinson 108-2 on the ground. Registration is NC9270K, serial number 108-2270, completed 4/23/47, delivered 4/25/47, a Voyager model with the base color of Sand. Not too many Stinson 108's were painted Sand from the factory. Look closely at the landing gear - it is NOT broken, this is a Goodyear Crosswind landing gear installed on the airplane. The crosswind landing gear allowed the airplane to land in a crab with the wheels tracking straight down the runway. In 1959 as an airport kid of 13 I saw my first crosswind landing gear on a Cessna 195. I thought the Cessna had a failed landing gear and walked up to the airplane during his runup to tell him he had a problem. The Cessna 195 pilot calmly explained to me the crosswind landing gear. B&W, about 98K, Added 01/01/05.

Factory photo of a Stinson 108-2 on the ground. Registration is NC9327K, serial number 108-2327, completed 4/14/47, delivered 4/15/47, a Station Wagon model with the base color of Sand. Not too many Stinson 108's were painted Sand from the factory. B&W, about 105K, Added 01/01/05.

Photo of Stinson 108-2 NC9382K on the ground, a side view. In this photo you can see the external baggage compartment door just behind the rear window. This is serial number 108-2382, a Station Wagon model completed 4/17/47, delivered 4/18/47. The production summary has a note that this airplane is an "Army Demonstrator." NC9381K was also shown as an Army Demonstrator. I'm not aware of the US Army or US Air Force ever isuing a military serial number, however they were tested by the U.S. military. If anyone else has information about the tests run by the US Army or US Air Force, I'd like to hear about them. B&W, about 36K, added 03/01/02.

Factory photo of a Stinson 108-2 Inflight view 1. Cannot read the registration number on this beautiful inflight view with a nice cloudscape background. This photo may my NC9424K, see the image below. B&W, about 22K, Added 03/01/02.

Beautiful high resolution inflight photo of Stinson 108-2 NC9424K inflight view 2, from the side with a very nice cloudscape for the background. This is serial number 108-2424, completed 4/18/47, delivered 4/21/47.April 1947 was a banner month for Stinson and model 108, according to a press release Stinson built 316 model 108's during April 1947. B&W, about 78K, added 06/09/02.

Yet another beautiful inflight view of Stinson 108-2 NC9424K inflight view 3. Very nice cloudscape. Believe the three views of NC9424K shown here were all taken on the same flight. B&W, about 81K, added 01/01/10.

A second close up view of Stinson 108-2 NC9382K's nose showing the "Stinson Flying Station Wagon" logo as applied to the model 108-2. B&W, about 39K, added 03/01/02.

Period inflight foto of Stinson 108-3 Flying Station Wagon NC501C. This is serial number 108-3501, the first model 108-3. This aircraft is also shown in the float plane photos area equipped with floats. Note the unusual Stinson logo on the cowling used for only a very short period. Added 10/21/07, about 51K.

Two photographs of the Stinson logo. This first view shows an unusual Stinson cowling Logo apparently applied only to NC501C, the first Stinson model 108-3. Thisview of the second production model 108-3, NC502C, shows the standard Stinson cowling Logo that was adopted for production. Added 11/23/07, about 58K and 48K respectively.

Side view inflight foto of Stinson 108-3 Flying Station Wagon NC502C, serial number 108-3502. Added 11/23/07, about 59K.

Another period inflight foto of Stinson 108-3 Flying Station Wagon NC502C. Note the manual direction finding loop antenna on the cabin roof left side. Added 06/02/99, about 67K.

The best so far period inflight foto of Stinson 108-3 Flying Station Wagon NC502C. Added 01/12/08, about 93K.

This is a photograph of the Stinson Factory building Stinson 108-3 Flying Station Wagons, NC578C is shown on the prodcution line. Four other model 108-3's are shown in various stages of construction. NC578C, serial number 108-3578, a Station Wagon model completed 10/3/47, delivered 10/6/47. Based on the completion date this photograph shows the Stinson factory at Wayne, Michigan in very late September or very early October 1947. B&W, about 151K. Added 01/01/05.

Period photo of Stinson 108-3 Flying Station Wagon NC634C. B&W ground view of the right side. Photo taken at the Decatur, Illinois airport, August 13, 1948. Photographed by Ralph Brown, via the Fred Freeman collection. Look closely through the rear window and you can see the nose of a Cessna T-50. B&W, about 119K, added 06/02/99.

Period photo of Stinson 108-3 Flying Station Wagon NC949C. B&W ground view of the left side. Note the position light, there is a bracket for the low frequency "V" type radio antenna to connect to. about 49K. Added 06/02/99.

Modern inflight side view of Stinson 108-3 F-BEXD. This is serial number 108-4419, painted in the same scheme as it flew in 1951 in Vietnam (French Indo China then). It flew in Vietnam with original colors Maroon and they put on it the French Cocarde and the insigna of the ELA 52 (Escadrille de liaison aerienne). My thanks to Joe Rimensberger who took the photo over Lons-le-Saunier, France; camera plane was Jean-Pierre Schenk's Cessna 180 HB-COE, with cabin door removed. Color, about 406K. Added 06/01/14.

Modern inflight overhead view of Stinson 108-3 F-BEXD. This is serial number 108-4419, painted in the same scheme as it flew in 1951 in Vietnam (French Indo China then). It flew in Vietnam with original colors Maroon and they put on it the French Cocarde and the insigna of the ELA 52 (Escadrille de liaison aerienne). My thanks to Joe Rimensberger who took the photo over Lons-le-Saunier, France; camera plane was Jean-Pierre Schenk's Cessna 180 HB-COE, with cabin door removed. Color, about 690K. Added 06/01/14.

The data plates shown below are the data plates attached to each airplane by Stinson at the factory. Even though there are a number places on the Stinson 108 which have serial numbers, the FAA recognizes the airplane serial number as stamped on the data plate.

Note the FAA changed the FAR's to require an external data plate near the tail. All U.S. registered aircraft which were delivered without a data plate at the tail, such as the Stinson 108 series, must have an additional data plate added. The FAA only requires the make, model and serial number on the tail data plate. Tail data plates are made by several other companies and come in various sizes and shapes. No tail data plates are shown here.

Here is a Straight Stinson 108 Data Plate.

NOTE on the model 108-1 data plate. The Stinson factory errored making some model 108-1 data plates, serial numbers 108-743 through 108-2249. These 108-1 data plates may have incorrect information stamped on them. See Stinson Service Bulletin 261 for details.

View of a Stinson 108-2 Data Plate.

Here is a Stinson 108-3 Data Plate.

The Stinson aircraft data plate is located on the inside of the firewall. I have seen the data plate attached to both the inside and outside of the firewall. I believe it was attached to the inside of the firewall when delievered from the factory. This image shows the correct location of the Stinson 108 series data plate.

All Stinson 108's had the same type data plate. Images about 90K, 74K and 61K respectively, added 03/01/02, updated 07/29/11.

Stinson Cutaway of the Stinson 108-3 Voyager. My thanks to Flying Magazine for supplying the original 8x10 and giving their permission to display this photograph on my homepage. B&W, about 170K. Added 03/19/97.

Factory inflight foto of Stinson model NX8563K. Built as a model 108-2 in Michigan, it flew to Consolidated's factory in San Diego for modification. These modifications included a new vertical stabilizer and rudder, later used on the 108-3, and a single wing strut that did not go into production. The airplane was converted back to a standard model 108-2 and delivered with a standard registration NC8563K. Currently the airplane is owned by Bill Stoos in Florida. Bill reports there are still some of the changes present, some additional welded pieces aft of the rear seats. Probably strengthing for the single strut. Photo scanned from John Underwoods book, used with permission. NX8563K is serial number 108-1563, completed 01/14/47, delivered 01/15/47 (delivered to Consolidated?) B&W, about 24K, Added 03/01/02, last updated 01/01/05.

Inflight foto of Stinson N6289M. This photo shows a model 108-3 which has been modified with the fabric covering replaced by sheet aluminum. Several companies hold STC's to replace the fabric with sheet metal. This image also shows the standard radio antenna included with the 108-3. This is serial number 108-4289, completed 2/3/48, delivered 5/14/48, a Station Wagon model painted blue at the factory. B&W, about 86K, Added 03/02/04.

Ground view of a Stinson L-5 Sentinel. There is no serial number visible, however examination of the print shows this airplane has full span leading edge slots on the wings. Only the prototype, civil registration NX27772, had full span slots. These long slots caused a big problem trying to recover from spins, and they were shortened to half span on this airplane, and all subsequent L-5 Sentinels. B&W, about 112K, Added 06/28/00.

Nice ground view of Stinson L-5 Sentinel 42-????2. B&W, about 108K, Added 07/20/08.

Very nice in flight view of Stinson L-5 Sentinel 42-14803. This is the fifth Stinson L-5 built. B&W, about 98K, Added 10/14/07.

Ground view of a Stinson L-5B Sentinel, serial number 42-99574. Photo shows the ambulance version of the Stinson L-5 Sentinel. Stretcher door is open with man on stretcher being loaded. B&W, about 169K, Added 04/17/12.

Ground view of a Stinson L-5E Sentinel, serial number 44-17696. Photo taken at Fort Belvoir, VA, April 24, 1951. B&W, about 72K, Added 06/01/02.

View of a Stinson L-5E Sentinel Insturment panel, serial number 44-17746. Photo taken at Decatur Municipal Airport on February 4, 1950. B&W, about 93K, Added 12/15/08.

Inflight view of Consolidated Stinson L-5G Sentinel USAAF serial number 45--34996. Later this airplane was used by the Japanese Army, later yet to N9840F. B&W, about 170K, Added 12/27/18.

Ground view of the First Stinson XL-13 serial number 45-58708. The first two XL-13 aircraft were built at the Stinson Wayne, Michigan facility. Follow on production occurred at the Convair San Diego facility. B&W, about 102K, added 01/01/10.

Inflight view of the first production Stinson (Consolidated Vultee, later Convair) L-13A serial number 46-068.The L-13 was designed by Stinson at their Wayne, Michigan facility.Two prototypes were built and flown by Stinson at Wayne, MI. With the sale of the Stinson division to Piper in late 1948, Consolidated Vultee kept the rights to the L-13, and put it into production at the San Diego, California, Convair plant. Eventually 300 L-13's were built.B&W, about 51K, added 06/28/02.

Second inflight view of the First Stinson Production L-13A serial number 46-068. This view shows the right side of the airplane. B&W, about 94K, added 11/13/11.

Water take off view of Stinson L-13A serial number 47-290 on floats. B&W, about 159K, added 06/01/15.

Light Stinson's Before the Model 108	Light Pre WWII Military Stinson's	First & Second Prototype Stinson 108
Model 108	Model 108-1	Model 108-2
Model 108-3	Model 108-4	Model 108-5
To Be Added Later	Stinson 108 series Data Plates	Special Stinson model 108 Images
To Be Added Later	Stinson model 76 - L-5 Sentinel	Stinson model 105 - L-13