Wally Byam's Holiday

lwebb · 01-05-2003, 07:29 PM

I am looking at a Wally Byam's Holiday camper. I don't know how old it is or anything about it and I can't find any information about it anywhere. Can you point me in the right direction? It doesn't say Airstream anywhere but has a picture of Wally Byam on the name plate.
many thanks
lanny Webb

hex · 01-05-2003, 08:45 PM

We'd like to look too.
Where exactly are you looking?

lwebb · 01-05-2003, 10:04 PM

Hey Hex, I live in Georgia. I love the camper and will enjoy putting it back in shape. I will post pictures as I go if anyone is interested. I was just looking for any information about when it was made and what it would be worth. Any ideas?
Lanny

John · 01-06-2003, 06:16 AM

Hey Lanny,

We would enjoy seeing pics as you restore this trailer.

You may want to try www.vintageairsteam.com I'm not a "vintage" person, but this site seems to have some great information/history.

John

**overlander64** · 01-06-2003, 07:54 AM

Greetings Lanny!

I can't say that I have heard of a "Wally Byam's Holiday Camper" on any of the Vintage Airstream related lists nor have I seen any identified as such at the various Vintage Airstream Club activities that I have attended.

Four bits of data might help in identifying the coach:

1.) Is it of rivited aluminum construction similar to the well-known classic Airstream design? Even if it isn't, it could be a very early Airstream from the days when Wally Byam was selling plans and/or kits that individuals could build (1930s). Some of the early factory trailers were of materials other than aluminum (pre-WWII).

2.) Is all, or a portion of the trailer, gold anodized aluminum? In the early 1960s, there were a few 22' tandem axle airstreams built with gold anodized features and were called "World Travelers" if my memory for the discussion of the topic is correct.

3.) It there any plant identification on the plate with Wally Byam's picture? Typically one of the i.d. plates will have plant of origin information as well as the serial number which could also help to identify the trailer.

4.) Does the trailer have a central "tube" frame (identified by a round steel tube visible at the center of the coach both front and rear) or a "channel" steel frame (rectangular/square steel members visible at hitch and rear bumper? The tube frame would identify the rig as being built prior to the early 1950s.

It is possible that the coach could be a custom unit produced during an era when many Airstreams were built to specific custom order for customers (1950s and before).

Good luck in determining the identity of the trailer.

Kevin

lwebb · 01-06-2003, 07:37 PM

Thanks Kevin,
It must be a fifties because the frame is square tube construction. It was built in Jackson Center, Ohio. Serial number #1094. Here is a picture.
Lanny

Chas · 01-06-2003, 07:53 PM

Maybe it means that old "Wally was on Holiday" when they made this one, doesn't resemble anything I've seen as far as Airstreams go. I wonder if there were a lot of manufacturer's in Jackson Center in the old days??

Any ideas?

Chas

lwebb · 01-06-2003, 08:00 PM

Chas,
Here is a picture of the plate.
Lanny

**flyfshr** · 01-06-2003, 08:02 PM

Hi Lanny, welcome. Anyway to post a picture of the nameplate with Wally's picture on it? This would really help to identify this rig.

Brad

lwebb · 01-06-2003, 08:04 PM

Well see if this comes through.

**flyfshr** · 01-06-2003, 08:09 PM

It did come through. I think you have a rare trailer there. Does it belong to you or are you thinking of purchasing it? What's the interior arrangement and condition? Appliances present? We want to know all about this unknown bit of A/S history.

Brad

thenewkid64 · 01-06-2003, 08:26 PM

We received a book for Christmas called Airstream History of the Land Yacht.

In it are many vintage photos of trailers that were built from plans prior the the start of maufacturing in 1936. These trailers are flat sided and look very much like the typical "Canned ham" trailers of the 50s, even though they were built in the late 20s and early 30s.

The plaque is interesting, I am aware that there were one off test trailers built at diffrent times in Airstream history, I wonder if this is one. Another one I am aware of is an all fiberglass model form the early 60s when they were tryng new materials. It is in a boneyard somewhere in Arizona I think.

John · 01-06-2003, 08:36 PM

Lanny,

A thought: call the factory and give them your serial # and see if they have a record on this cool trailer.

You may at least find out the manuf date.

John

lwebb · 01-06-2003, 08:43 PM

Brad,
I discovered the trailer last Saturday. I put down a deposit and am negotiating the final price. He wants $1500 but make take a couple of guns in trade. I have no idea wether its a good price or not. Its in relatively good shape for an old trailer. The floor is rotten in back but the tin looks good all around except for a few very minor blemishes. The door frame is bent but the original screen door is still in place. There is an ice box, range and oven. The table drops down to make the bed and there is a small bathroom with a small toilet. I'd guess its 16'.
Lanny