One of the most intriguing small multi-engine airplanes that were produced in great numbers is the Cessna T-50 Bobcat. It incorporates the “look” that a vintage radial multi-engine aircraft should have. It has a pugnacious little nose with a serious greenhouse cockpit office behind it. Twin, fire-breathing Jacobs 245 HP radial engines mounted on a clean lower wing and fuselage with a retractable landing gear tail-dragger stance. It has a roomy, 5-person cabin offering a comfortable ride at a breathtaking 140 mph.

Cessna built the first examples before WWII (the T-50 Bobcat) as a business/feeder airline aircraft. As WWII absorbed general aviation, many hundreds were produced as a multi-engine trainer for future bomber pilots (the UC78). The airplane earned the nickname “Bamboo Bomber” because of its one piece, 42’ wooden wing. Its U.S. military designation was UC 78 known also as the “useless 78” because of its limited performance and application.

After WWII hundreds of examples were sold for surplus to civilian owners. Because of its size most would not be hangered; the elements quickly reduced the population. At this time, there are very few airworthy examples.

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In 2009 John Pike and the Big Sky crew rescued this derelict Cessna T-50 "Crane" (the Canadian "Crane" version) from the desert of Idaho. It is serial # 1122, an early 1940 RCAF Crane. With its 42 foot long wing unit being made out of wood, it is a perfect project for the wood working crew of Big Sky to restore.

The project is for sale at the special price of: FREE with Big Sky restoration contract. It needs a dreamer with big pockets to get it back into the air. As of 2020 Big Sky has restored the ailerons, flaps and empennage components.

If other owners of derelict T 50’s are interested in following our progress or having us help them with their owner produced wooden wings, please feel free to communicate. One thing is for sure, though, there will no longer be any “cheap” Bamboo Bombers!

Also visit the "Bamboo Bomber" Club at: www.cessnaT50.org