N4159 was stored in this partially heated garage in Arcanuma
until February, 2004 when it was purchased by Keith Mackey and transported
to Ocala, Florida for rebuild.
We understand that Mrs. Harbaugh was very pleased to have
the Mite removed from the garage after twelve years!
A good friend of Keith's, Les King, picked the Mite up at Harbaugh's
in his truck and brought it home to North Lawrence, Ohio, where it resided
for a week before leaving for Ocala. Les drove the truck (which has been
all over the U.S., Canada and Mexico carrying motorcars), down via Charlotte,
NC and Columbia, SC. to Ocala with his wife, Cindy, for a few days of
vacation. The rig has a 28' main deck length. The Mite wing fit perfectly
along with a tail cone for Walter Dix, N4057.
Inspection has revealed no rotten wood at all and only
a few loose glue joints.
Keith has assisted the Mite Site greatly, sending us our
first photos of this airplane, as well as copies of the logs and technical
documents.
Rescuing this Mite from oblivion will require a lot of
work, but from the enthusiasm and effort Keith as shown so far, we know
he will make a success of the project.
The only things added to this Mite were a Turn & Bank and prop spinner,
which Keith has. The original altimeter was replaced with a Sensitive
Altimeter. Other than that, it is stock. The ship has a Continental A-65-8,
but Keith got a -12 engine from Fred Schmidt which will enable
him to install an electrical system.
Keith says, "The ship is strictly original. Original
fabric (which is now in shreds), original paint, instrument panel, interior
and upholstery, paperwork all complete etc. Of course, it is the old
story of the airplane found in a barn."
Here are the pictures of it in his shop after unloading.
The aircraft was grounded due to bad fabric in 1969.
