A Progress report on Boyd Maddox's Naked Mite

2016-04-30:

You will recall from our news item of January 4th that Boyd is completing the last M18C-55 off the assembly line. It will be a "naked" airplane — not covered or painted, so you can see how it was made. Afterwards, he will donate it to Mooney, to be hung in the Rotunda of the new Mooney Factory Museum.

"Here are the pictures of the "Naked Mite" as it has progressed so far. The wing is done. The tail feathers are 90% done and I'll send pictures when they are done. The fuselage tubing, is 40% done.

"I think I have located a static display engine and I have a Beech Robie prop to put on it.

"Boyd"

2019-03-14:

The "Naked Mite" moves to the Lone Star Flight Museum , Houston, TX.

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Below are four photos of the orginal fuselage (1955) still mounted on the 1955 and earlier rotisserie. Boyd is debating whether to remove the fabric from one half and varnish the other half.

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The forward section (tube) is coming along.

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Front to back looking inside.

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Side view, hi gloss Varnish.

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All three wood parts.

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The back end of the appendage, with the pulleys for the Rudder, Trim mechanism & Elevator Control.

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Automatic flap control connected, when you trim it nose up the flaps are lowered.

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Side view with appendage and fuselage connected. Varnished side.

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One side covered in original 1955 fabric in silver.

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2017-01: I hung the engine today and put the gas tank in. The 3rd picture is of the hole that supports the rear of the tank and the original fabric that sealed it off

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March, 2019 - The "Naked Mite" moves to the Lone Star Flight Museum , Houston, TX.