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NC12350 Monocoupe 110 |
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NC12350’s History |
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From “A.T.C. #327 (6-16-30) Monocoupe 110, US Civil Aircraft, Joseph P. Juptner, Vol. 4, P95—P99. “As a basic development from the earlier “Monosport” series, the “Monocoupe 110” was designed especially for the sportsman-pilot, one who would best enjoy a small cabin monoplane with some of the extras in speed and performance. The standard 90-series was actually the basis for this new development which was typical, except for the installation of the 7 cyl. Warner “Scarab” engine of 110-125 h.p. By the time almost 40 examples of the “Model 90” had been built, 2 prototypes of the “Model 110” were rolled off the line for flight test. Dainty and light, with not a useless pound in her frame, the “One-Ten” proved to be a fast-stepper with a fairly frisky nature, Company pilots were of course jubilant about its speed and sharp handling, so its creators smiled with satisfaction, - together they planned for things ahead. Pent-up enthusiasm could be tethered no longer so the “Monocoupe 110”, in several examples, was carefully groomed to a shiny perfection and flown off to the arenas of up-coming air races. The 1930 National Air Races held at Chicago proved to be a sweeping victory for “Monocoupe” in general and the “Model 110” had somewhat of a field day; it was the winner in at least 4 events and placed high in many other events. Class for class, the “One-Ten” was practically unbeatable and even nosed out ships with more than twice the horsepower. With the sweet taste of victory in its innards, the “Model 110” was hard to keep from the races but not all of them spent their time happily rounding the pylons; several served as fast air taxis in various fields of business. It was fairly evident that “Monocoupe” had a star on hand that was a real trouper, one quite able to handle the lead no matter what the part.” |
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It was during this period that Don A. Luscombe, Vice President and General Manager of the Monocoupe Corporation, signed the Application for Aircraft Registration for NC12350 on October 12, 1932. Shortly thereafter the aircraft was delivered to Tony Little, of Haverton, PA (just outside of Philadelphia). NC12350 was based at Patco Field in Norristown, PA.
Tony Little was a Monocoupe dealer and planned to race NC12350, which was delivered with the new racing landing gear. NC12350 had both a Townend anti-drag ring (speed ring cowling) and a special racing cowl (NACA tight fitting bump cowl). Other equipment listed in the delivery documents include an eight day clock, and a cylinder head temperature gauge. The airplane was painted yellow and black. |
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I received a photographic quality (8.5” x 11”) black and white print of this photograph with the project. This is NC12350 and the Monocoupe factory before Tony Little took delivery.
This picture was used in Monocoupe marketing literature and brochures and appears on Page 97 of Volume 4 of the Joseph P. Juptner series on US Civil Aircraft. |
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Tony and NC12350 participated in Langley Day, held at College Park, MD, airport on May 7, 1933 and on May 6, 1934. You can find an excellent write up about Langley Day at Don Warrington’s website. Don’s grandfather, Chet Warrington, organized these events. Tony and NC12350 were very successful at Langley Day, as the results show. The picture above shows Tony and his Fiancée, Frances Sykes, along with NC12350 and the trophies won at Langley day. This picture appeared in a 1934 issue of Sportsman Pilot in an article written by L. Ron Hubbard, who had attended the May 7, 1933 event. L Ron Hubbard wrote:
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Tony and NC12350 appeared in the pictures above and to the left which accompanied the article. Tony is the tall gent in the center of the picture and of course NC12350 is in the center surrounded by the other racing planes. |
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Tony Little regularly raced NC12350 at events from New England to Florida, including Langley Day air races and the All American Air Maneuvers in Miami, Florida. During the four years between 1932 and 1936, Tony and NC12350 won numerous closed course events and several cross country derbies. Tony Little appeared in the Monocoupe sales brochure below. |
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The third event listed ships with a rated speed of 140 M.P.H. It was at this point, by the clock and by the program that Tony Little of Pylon (stimulated, no doubt, by the presence of Miss Frances Sykes) rubbed his hands together and began to walk off with the meet. Col. Holland Duell of New York was the only other entry. Both ships were Monocoupes. Little whipped his yellow, be-spattered racer home amid a volume of cheers a minute and four seconds ahead of Colonel Duell. Little’s time: ten minutes, fourteen seconds. The air, until the third event, had not been what you would call crowded, but for the free-for-all handicap a swarm arose. A bit of everything seemed to be upstairs. Tony Little streaked in with the field far behind, thereby netting another cheer. The impossible always seems to occur in dead stick landing contests. It did this time. Tony Little in his felt hat and suspenders was towering over a mechanic who was helping wind yards of string around the Monocoupe’s brakes. We solemnly requested Tony to win the contest as to give our story a high point. He straightened up, pushed back his felt hat and wrinkled his nose. Said pilot Little: “No use even trying with a racing plane.” And so, after winning the swiftest high-speed event of the day, Tony sailed down from a thousand feet without shimmying and placed his nose 8 feet and 31/4 inches from the spot. Wilkes came within 19 feet, 11 1/2 inches. Floyd scraped to a halt 25 feet and 1 1/2 inches away.
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