Celebrating Life Over 50 in the Puget Sound Region and Beyond

A Man Named Skip and a Woman Named Sue

December 26, 2021 at 4:38 p.m.

Skip Clemans helped to build a full-scale A 26C Light Bomber named Sexy Sue. He later got to cross an item off his bucket list when he was able to take a flight in Sexy Sue.

...by Skip Clemans

...by Skip Clemans

I’ve been a model airplane builder for as long as I can remember. I started when I was three or four years old when we moved from my grandparents’ home to our own place a few miles away in Coos Bay, Oregon. It didn’t amount to much, but it was ours and offered privacy to learn and grow. My mother lived there until she passed away at 98.

My father fondly referred to our home, as “The house that Jack built”, since it had been added onto so many times. I graduated from high school in 1951 and directly enlisted in the Airforce for four years. In 1955, I enrolled at Oregon State University and after a few interruptions I graduated with my class in 1959. I married Janice Moon, a hometown girl in 1958.

I didn’t build models much during my high school or college years, but that changed when I entered the aerospace industry and had some time for hobby activities. At that time my passion for airplanes of all sorts reasserted itself and I began spending much more time building models.

Time passed quickly, and after raising three daughters and welcoming six grandchildren, Janice passed away in 2013. Not long after that I was recruited to join a team that was building a model of a full-scale A 26C Light Bomber named Sexy Sue. She was owned by Peter Hambling and his business partner. The model was to have a ten-foot wingspan and hang in their office at Kent, WA.

Sexy Sue preparing for takeoff

Money was no object, and the model was to be as accurate as possible. A sound system recorded from Sexy Sue would accompany the raising and lowering of the model landing gear and operation of the engines during takeoff and landing. My friend Porter Cragin and I would be responsible for basic fiberglass work with Ward Emigh adding detail and final finish. Porter also took responsibility for the highly detailed cockpit.

The team was taken on a familiarization ride in Sexy Sue prior to the beginning of work. Unfortunately, I was one of the last to join the team and missed the introductory flight. I talked with Peter about taking a flight, but it got pushed into the background and never happened. The sound and electronics team had completed their work and the model was now fully operational. According to Peter, it has received many rave reviews.

In reconnecting with Porter in October of 2021, I mentioned that I regretted having never gotten my flight in Sexy Sue. She was on my bucket list and with my declining health, I was running out of time. Porter said that he would reach out to Peter and see what could be done about getting me on Sexy Sue.

This is where things began to get complicated. A lot of things had to come together. Peter was willing, which was good. The runway would be closed for paving in just a couple of days, which was bad. Peter would then be in Europe for a couple of weeks on business. Time was not on our side. In addition, my survival and the weather were of major concerns.

I’m happy to report that in the end it all came together within a week’s time. The date for flight had been set for Friday, October 1, 2021. The flight almost didn’t happen due to the co-pilot, Brad, getting sick from the side effects of a COVID shot on Thursday and the impending morning fog on Friday. Early Friday morning the flight was cancelled due to weather issues. Luck would be our friend, as the fog lifted and Brad felt better, the flight was back on schedule and by 2:30pm we were in the air. Departing at 240 mph from the Renton Municipal Airport that took us straight over Lake Washington and off to the San Juan Islands.

Peter talks with Skip about flight plans and safety

Peter met us and escorted us to Sexy Sue’s hanger where she sat waiting for us on the taxi strip. Entry was via a fold down door with built in steps. A short climb and I was in the lavishly upholstered passenger area, which seated six.

Sexy Sue's cockpit

Access to the cockpit was via a short tunnel from the passenger area or via two clamshell doors which opened on top of the fuselage and were used by the flight crew.

The passenger area was narrower than expected, but very plush. The upholstery appeared to be leather. I took my seat at the left of the cabin. Peter and his copilot Brad joined us to discuss operational and safety procedures and we were soon ready to go.

The engines started and after a short preflight, we taxied to the end of the runway to await further instructions from the tower.

The A26 C is powered by two twin row 18-cylinder engines. The engines are very smooth and generate over 1100 HP each. We quickly reached takeoff speed and our cruise speed of 240 mph.

We flew past Mercer Island and out into the San Juan Islands where we were free of altitude restrictions and could maneuver close to land and water without the restrictions of controlled air space.

Sexy Sue flying into the San Juans

Our pilot was able to maneuver within a hundred feet of the shore and water. It felt exhilarating and like I was on the top of the world! When you fly at a high speed that close to the water it puts into perspective the power and speed of the plane.

Our one-hour flight went by quickly and soon we were flying down the eastside and lining up for our landing at Renton Municipal Airport. I estimated our touchdown speed to be 160 mph. We returned to the center of the field, crossed the runways and parked in front of Sexy Sue’s hanger. I couldn’t believe that my flight was over. What an amazing ride!

People ask me what I found most exciting about my flight, and I find it difficult to answer. The airplane was completely new to me from the standpoint of size and speed. Once I had discarded the distractions of camera and cell phone, I was able to fully enjoy being there in the moment.

I’ve heard people say that the fun is in the chase. In this case it was certainly true, but the actual flight was great fun too. There is no doubt about it. It was the flight of my life!

--Skip Clemans – Renton, WA – Oct 8, 2021