Polliwagen: Too Good to be True Offer

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cyrus
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the offer of a free airplane known as a Polliwagen, which consists of fiberglass components but is considered to have a defective design and safety concerns. Participants explore the implications of accepting such an offer, including the potential for assembly and modifications, as well as the risks involved in flying an aircraft with a questionable safety record.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the Polliwagen is made entirely of fiberglass and requires assembly, an engine, landing gear, and cockpit work.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that the "experimental" sticker should have indicated potential issues with safety.
  • Concerns are raised about safety modifications, with one participant questioning if the original poster has the necessary knowledge and experience.
  • Some participants express willingness to take risks if the safety issues are predictable, while others caution against it, citing the high risks associated with small aircraft.
  • There are humorous suggestions about using the airplane as a shelter or for fun, despite its safety concerns.
  • One participant mentions the possibility of using the airplane as a weather vane, indicating a non-traditional use.
  • Another participant contrasts the Polliwagen with a Pitts Special, suggesting that if one desires a clean and nimble aircraft, they should consider the latter instead.
  • There are inquiries about the availability of the Polliwagen, with one participant expressing interest in contacting the sellers.
  • A later reply indicates that the Polliwagen has already been sold, closing the discussion on its availability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the safety and desirability of the Polliwagen, with no consensus on whether it is a worthwhile endeavor to pursue the offer. Some advocate for taking the risk, while others strongly advise against it due to safety concerns.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights various assumptions about the safety and functionality of the Polliwagen, as well as differing levels of expertise among participants regarding aircraft assembly and modification. There are unresolved questions about the specific safety issues associated with the design.

Cyrus
Messages
3,246
Reaction score
17
I was given an offer I (almost) could not refuse:

l467.jpg


All the pieces are made out of Fiberglass (wings, tail, fuselage). I would have to assemble it, buy an engine, landing gear, and do the cockpit. But the airframe is all there. The company that has it wants to get rid of it and would give it to me for free. But after googling it, it turns out the design never was any good when it first came out and its not a very safe airplane to fly. Major bummer :frown:

It's called a polliwagen.
 
Last edited:
Engineering news on Phys.org
so the "experimental" sticker wasn't what gave it away?
 
Do you have the knowledge/experience to make safety modifications, then have a friend or person you don't like test it?
 
What are the saftey issues, i would risk them if they are predictable, it sure looks like it should fly.
 
Stupidity is the number one cause of small aircraft deaths. I wouldn't do it unless you have a death wish.
 
wolram said:
What are the saftey issues, i would risk them if they are predictable, it sure looks like it should fly.

I can't see how the wings are supposed to flap.
 
Go on, give it a go.
 
You could always keep it, it's a place to sleep when times get rough.
 
  • #10
Winzer said:
Do you have the knowledge/experience to make safety modifications, then have a friend or person you don't like test it?

:smile::smile:
 
  • #11
wolram said:
it sure looks like it should fly.
With a big enough rubber band.
 
  • #12
Oh I see it has your name on it "CYS"!

Cyrus said:
I was given an offer I (almost) could not refuse:



All the pieces are made out of Fiberglass (wings, tail, fuselage). I would have to assemble it, buy an engine, landing gear, and do the cockpit. But the airframe is all there. The company that has it wants to get rid of it and would give it to me for free. But after googling it, it turns out the design never was any good when it first came out and its not a very safe airplane to fly. Major bummer :frown:

It's called a polliwagen.

Get rid of what? The airplane or you?:-p
 
  • #13
Let's see...

Free airplane
No engine
No landing gear
Known to be defective design
Suckers apply inside

Sounds to me like a way to avoid garbage fees.
 
  • #14
Why don't you take it so you can build, just for the fun of building it. Then you can show it off.
 
  • #15
Heck there is no Wright Spirt here, test it over water so only you would pop your clogs in the event of a failure, i would give it a go.
 
  • #16
wolram said:
I would give it a go.
There are old pilots, there are bold pilots, and then there is Wolram!
 
  • #17
mgb_phys said:
There are old pilots, there are bold pilots, and then there is Wolram!


Hey, that's not fair.
 
  • #18
Haha, great replies all!

The model airplaner inside me said (take it and build it, it will be such a great learning experience on how to build a real airplane!) but the engineer inside me says...I don't think so tim.

Its supposed to be a pretty clean and nimble airplane.
 
  • #19
Cyrus said:
Haha, great replies all!

The model airplaner inside me said (take it and build it, it will be such a great learning experience on how to build a real airplane!) but the engineer inside me says...I don't think so tim.

Its supposed to be a pretty clean and nimble airplane.
You want clean and nimble? Buy a Pitts Special and turn yourself inside out. Over-powered biplane with enough torque to suspend the plane in a prop-hang while imparting a slow spin. I saw Chuck Caruthers (dentist) doing his magic in one of these over 30 years ago, and if you can get your hands on one, TAKE IT. Amazing! BTW, he navigated from Ohio to Maine by following the interstate highways.
 
  • #20
turbo-1 said:
BTW, he navigated from Ohio to Maine by following the interstate highways.
That's how they all do it - ever wondered why pilots carry those big cases? They are full of gas station maps.
 
  • #21
mgb_phys said:
That's how they all do it - ever wondered why pilots carry those big cases? They are full of gas station maps.
I asked him how he navigated to Maine, and he said the he followed the interstates to Old Town Maine. Daylight flying in good weather, and eyeballs. Nothing much better than our pilots in WWI had available.
 
  • #22
Cyrus said:
I was given an offer I (almost) could not refuse:

l467.jpg


All the pieces are made out of Fiberglass (wings, tail, fuselage). I would have to assemble it, buy an engine, landing gear, and do the cockpit. But the airframe is all there. The company that has it wants to get rid of it and would give it to me for free. But after googling it, it turns out the design never was any good when it first came out and its not a very safe airplane to fly. Major bummer :frown:

It's called a polliwagen.

I see a great possibility for a full size weather vane here.
 
  • #23
Hi, I realize that this is an old post, but I was wondering if the poly you're speaking of might still be available, if so would you please put me in touch with the sellers. Thanks Bob

Cyrus said:
I was given an offer I (almost) could not refuse:

l467.jpg


All the pieces are made out of Fiberglass (wings, tail, fuselage). I would have to assemble it, buy an engine, landing gear, and do the cockpit. But the airframe is all there. The company that has it wants to get rid of it and would give it to me for free. But after googling it, it turns out the design never was any good when it first came out and its not a very safe airplane to fly. Major bummer :frown:

It's called a polliwagen.
 
  • #24
polliwagen said:
Hi, I realize that this is an old post, but I was wondering if the poly you're speaking of might still be available, if so would you please put me in touch with the sellers. Thanks Bob

Hi Bob,

please send me a private message with your contact information and I will forward it to the company. They would be very happy to sell it to you (if its still there).

-Cyrus
 
  • #25
I talked with them today, and I'm afraid it's been sold off last month.
 

Similar threads

Cracks Found in Pickle Forks, Boeing 737 NG (Sep - Dec 2019)
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
5K
I Want To Make/Fly 10 Aircraft/rotorcraft for the price of 1
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Failure of Sparcraft Wings on my Aerobatic Aircraft
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
15K
Why is the U-2 nicknamed the Dragon Lady?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K
No problem.Meet a Mentor: D H - Get to Know Your Wonderful Mentors Better
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
8K
Chemically regenerating my auto's catalytic converter?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
10K
Programs How to continue after a major academic failure
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Meet a Mentor: Mark44 - Get to Know Your Wonderful Mentors
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
Kerbal Space Program - Rocket Design Basics
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
11K
Fork in the road, each path leads to possibly more disappointment.
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
8K