@kaiser Buy this: https://www.beechtalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=206916&view=unread#unread Thank me later
You'll have to have an account. Here's the plane, doesn't look like it's changed since these pictures: https://www.aircraft.com/aircraft/32085583/n3795b-1955-beechcraft-c50-twin-bonanza Asking $40k
*shameless plug* BeechTalk is free to join. There’s verification to join to control the trolls, but it’s a treasure trove of information.
Honestly if there weren’t a few things going on right now, I’d probably take a much closer look at this. It’s flyable and a great platform for investment. It’s got the *most* reliable engines that came with them (GO-480, so no troublesome fuel injection or supercharger). I don’t remember the tolerances for gearboxes, but overhauls aren’t terrible ($1.5-2k a side?). I don’t know how good of an instrument platform this would be - would need investment there. Also, corrosion is a killer too… and insurance…. And a big hangar….
My request for the user ID and password was in jest, but thanks for pointing out its free to register.
Using "investment" in describing any potential aircraft purchase should send the poster straight to jail, without passing Go, to give them an opportunity to reflect and reconsider.
I know this plane and the seller. If anyone is genuinuley interested, feel free to reach out and I can provide info on TBone ownership generally. This airplane has good bones and is a hell of a value at the listed price. If I had a place to park it, I'd buy it from Tim.
The only thing worse than one geared Lycoming engine is two geared Lycomings. At least these are 480s. I love the T-Bone, but I'll never fly behind another gopher engine.
The T-Bone it's one of those classically really awesome airplanes.. There's one rotting away at Hemet complete with Eisenhower stairs and everything.. Can't beat that augmented exhausted note either! PS- apparently there's an Excalibur 800 version out there that uses twin Lycoming 720s.
I agree, it sort of kills part of the look and appeal of the plane. Still.. not many twin lyco 720 planes out there!
I own 2 GO435s, and the 480s are better supported (though the 435s are plenty supportable if you're a decent parts sleuth). Lots of spares floating around if you know where to look/who to talk to. True overhauls are getting harder to come by, but not for lack of parts just lack of interested shops. They're really good motors, though. Most of the folks who claim the gearboxes are made of glass haven't actually flown or owned one. Couple years ago, a Florida-based TBone owner geared his up, dual prop strike. Sent the gearboxes off for overhaul, and the report from the shop was that there wasn't really anything wrong with them (despite the strike...). You can't necessarily be ham-handed with them, but you should be with any engine.
I bet it's a load monster but still no speed demon. Heck the props on the thing look stubby enough I wonder if it's any faster than stock I wish there was a pressurized T-bone, because it's "right sized" IMO. The 58P is too small and cramped to convey luxury, and the King Air is just too much airplane for my taste (and wallet). I'd have enjoyed a Jack Air out of beech using this airframe, and a center aisle instead of the 3-across seating fit possibly for landscapers when away from their truck. The later Tbones got the interiors right IMO, and air stair, and pushing that aft bulkhead way back. I didn't really enjoy the 5 hours I have in a T-bone and am something of a hater (despite loving most other brand B stuff). That said, though, this price is enough under market that I sent it to a few friends of mine, with hopes I might get "borrowing rights"
I looked at performance numbers. Cruise of less than 160? Twice the fuel and no more speed. Granted, more meat and baggage capacity though.
Most non-supercharged Tbones will do 155-165kts (varies based on model, weight, specific airframe) on 22-28gph. But many also have a ~2000lb useful load and SUV-level baggage capacity and passenger room. I may not be the fastest or most efficient airplane around, but I'm flying around in a living room With 4 people in my TBone, each person has a TON of space and we can carry more bags than the rental car at the destination will hold.
Yeah, I'm currently at 155-160 with 1300 at 12-13gph. If I'm stepping to a twin, I'd like to be doing at least 3 miles a minute.
Yes. The T-Bones and QueenAirs are better off than those using the Gopher 35s. Not great, just better.
Will grant BT has the best avionics, parts classifieds vs here or Facebook. For the T-Bone, the price is nice but that’s about it. We’ve all been reading the threads about cost overruns and shop delays. I imagine fully kitted planes aren’t eating the half off rule of thumb on avionics these days.
Another T Bone for sale and this one is calling my name… this one is $84k. Super charged, air stair, but old radios. @masloki are you ready to part with your Mooney?
Part….ner? Sorta inching that way. My sixty year old plane’s monthly little squawks are making my POS Mini Cooper, first year of its gen, look like a bastion of reliability. But you? You fly too much. Get your own plane! And let me know your open pilot clause so I can borrow it.
