1918 Curtiss JN-4D Fuselage

Description

This extraordinary close-up reveals the inner workings of a 1918 Curtiss JN-4D “Jenny”, offering a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship behind one of the most significant aircraft of the early 20th century. Captured during its restoration at Ranger Antique Airfield in Ranger, TX—a historic site in its own right—this image showcases the intricate structure that gave the Jenny both strength and lightness.

With its fabric covering removed, the fuselage unveils its stunning complexity. The varnished wood frame, with carefully routed members, is laced with bracing wires, turnbuckles, and steel fittings, forming a delicate yet robust lattice. Within the cockpit, a simple aluminum bucket seat clad in leather marks the trainee pilot’s place, positioned before a wooden control stick, its shape reminiscent of a baseball bat. Below, finely crafted aluminum castings anchor the controls, evidence of the precision engineering behind this seemingly simple biplane. Above, the hand-formed cockpit coaming adds both structure and elegance to the fuselage’s lines.

This image tells a story of contrasts—an aircraft that appears straightforward yet is built from an intricate, labor-intensive assembly of materials and design choices. But more than anything, it highlights the skill of the original builders and the dedicated restorers who bring this century-old machine back to life, ensuring that the Jenny’s legacy in aviation history endures.

All prints are ready to hang, with a mounting pad on the back. Framing is available for an additional cost, please inquire.