FOUND!! Wally Byam's '55 Cruiser - 1956 European Caravan trailer

[Bubba L]

Thanks Joe. Maybe someday we’ll know.

[goransons]

I think they were a high end option. It's hard to say since everything on this trailer is unique pretty much, windows, end caps, tub, flooring, kitchen, and the list goes on. Here's a picture from either Joe or Dale (I forget who passed this one along) which shows the vents from above.


I do know that at least one of the Vanderbilt Airstreams had these vents as well, because I bought one from one of those trailers to copy the dimensions and the setup as close as possible.

I'd love to see a build sheet on these or option list as Joe mentioned. Ours was a California build by the way if that helps in the pondering!

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by goransons

I think they were a high end option. It's hard to say since everything on this trailer is unique pretty much, windows, end caps, tub, flooring, kitchen, and the list goes on. Here's a picture from either Joe or Dale (I forget who passed this one along) which shows the vents from above.


I do know that at least one of the Vanderbilt Airstreams had these vents as well, because I bought one from one of those trailers to copy the dimensions and the setup as close as possible.

I'd love to see a build sheet on these or option list as Joe mentioned. Ours was a California build by the way if that helps in the pondering!

The Commodore Vanderbilt that you got the lid from and Wally's gold trailer that also had these lids were Ohio built, so they seem to have occurred in trailers from both plants.

[goransons]

Originally Posted by GMFL

You are truly a restoration artist. I am so glad that trailer found you and your uncompromising efforts.
You Sir, have done a good thing.

Thank you! My wife and kids and others have helped too, it's taken a small army. Hopefully next week we get some news from Jackson Center, at least an update. We've decided it shouldn't be on the road from rally to rally, but needs to displayed for its history. If they decide to pass we will have to figure out what the next chapter is. We're really attached to it, but it's an awfully important and expensive garage ornament.

On the garage side of things, we are excited to be breaking ground this spring/summer on a 2 bay 32x32 shop with 12 foot doors so we can have our trailers indoors at home safe and secure out of the elements. We've finished with the architectural drawings, just finalizing engineering requirements then permits.

I'm currently helping a friend on their trailer restoration but look forward to not having an Airstream project for a long while. I understand how those that have transitioned from restoring for fun to restoring for a living burn out on the hobby. I'm ready to just camp!

I'll update any Jackson Center news when if we get any (good or bad).

[goransons]

Well it’s “Facebook official” so I figure I should comment hear. After almost a year of discussion and what if’s, the trailer left us a week ago today to travel from Washington State to Jackson Center, Ohio.

It was a very difficult decision (and a rough goodbye, especially for our kids) but we know it’s where it belongs, in the future Heritage Center, not on the highway or as our own private garage ornament.





Thanks for everyone’s support through all this! We couldn’t have done it without all those that helped with parts, advice and encouragement. We hope everyone can enjoy it for a very long time in the new exhibit.

- Scott, Megan, Jason & Abigail.

[Hittenstiehl]

Congratulations!!!

For you and your familied dedication researching, putting in all the hard work, loving it, using it and making this big decision to share it. For all those that helped, gave encouragement, sourced items or images, advising. And for Airstream and their decision to preserve it for their history and in homage to Wally.

We so look forward to seeing it in person someday.

[batman]

Very cool!

[Bubba L]

Scott, I can only imagine how tough it was to send it off. Now all who visit can have the opportunity to admire your work and the preservation of history. Look forward to your next big renovation. Good luck

[GMFL]

Scott and family,
Thank you so much for your selfless gift. The amount of time, energy, and money put into this project we will never fully know. Thank you for sharing it with everybody who comes through the new Heritage Center.
You and your hard work are now part of Airstream history.
Be proud, you deserve it!

Well done!

[pt.reyesfan]

Originally Posted by goransons

Well it’s “Facebook official” so I figure I should comment hear. After almost a year of discussion and what if’s, the trailer left us a week ago today to travel from Washington State to Jackson Center, Ohio.

It was a very difficult decision (and a rough goodbye, especially for our kids) but we know it’s where it belongs, in the future Heritage Center, not on the highway or as our own private garage ornament.

Attachment 349986
Attachment 349987
Attachment 349988

Thanks for everyone’s support through all this! We couldn’t have done it without all those that helped with parts, advice and encouragement. We hope everyone can enjoy it for a very long time in the new exhibit.

- Scott, Megan, Jason & Abigail.

Very well done!

[Slats]

You folks are wonderful net contributors to the sum total of good ju-ju in the world. Thanks for being being such exemplary human beings.

[bweybright]

Fantastic, as I know it is where your heart wanted it to be.

I just hope they gave you the cash you need to do your next endeavor (I know you have one you are looking at or engaged with).
You have done a noble thing. I am in envy of and respect your abilities.

[Camano20]

Scott and Family
I can't thank you enough for allowing my wife and I to tour this great piece of history at your house last year. At the time you mentioned that you were hoping to be able to send it on to Jackson Center upon completion. I am glad that it finally came to fruition. Congratulations on a project well done. I am sure many many people will enjoy this bit of Airstream history.

How are your other projects coming along. Did you get your new garage finished.
Hope to stop by again next time we are visiting in Yakima.
Thanks again
Jerry

[Argosy man]

What a great ending to the story We will be sure to go in 2020 to see it at Jackson Center. Its great that the trailer made the trip so much closer to us!

Scott, you have many years ahead of you- hopefully after some time off the bug will bite you again and we can observe your skills again.

Thanks!
Shawn

[goransons]

Thanks everyone! While I don’t think it’s appropriate to hash out the details on the forums, I will say that we are helping a good friend with their trailer right now and are about half through it, but aren’t blogging their story. After that I look forward to just doing some repair and redo on things I did 10 years ago on our Around the World Caravan trailer now that it’s not our primary camping option. The same truck that picked up #1 dropped off a very well equipped 2020 Globetrotter that we intend to pamper but use the heck out of. It really was a big community effort getting this far, with tons of research help (and positive ID in the first place) by Joe Peplinski, and further help from Dale Schwamborn with vintage photos, encouragement and help getting it to the right place. Tons of others, the Taylors, Polk’s, 57 vintage, the Holsclaw’s, and so many others that helped with parts etc (I know I missed people just now).

I hope to have our friend’s trailer done before 2020, then I have a garage to finish, a greenhouse to finish and plenty to keep me busy awhile! Thanks for all the positive feedback!

[bweybright]

It sounds like things are working out well for you. You worked for it and any rewards are well deserved.

My offer of parking a trailer here just west of Portland and within driving range of the coast still stands...even if it is in a 2020 trailer and not #1. The work you did has my total respect. I can offer you 30 or 50 amp electric (50 if you have an extension, 30 I have), water, and ability to Flojet to a septic clean out. Plus lots of suggestions for things the kids might like, restaurants, and maybe smoke something on the smoker.
Best of luck to you moving onto your next projects. If you want a break come west and you will be welcome.

[bweybright]

Hey dude, Picture in post #645....love the shorts!!! Rockin the look. They totally fit the "classic and respectable look appropriate to this trailer" I would expect from a recreational vehicle.

[goransons]

Originally Posted by bweybright

Hey dude, Picture in post #645....love the shorts!!! Rockin the look. They totally fit the "classic and respectable look appropriate to this trailer" I would expect from a recreational vehicle.

Awww you noticed, I'd say we wore shorts and tshirts just for our airforums friends but actually the kids just had returned from Jui Jitsu, and it was 98 degrees outside, so comfortable wins the day. Now take a closer work and check out the shirt my son is wearing. Flyrc on the forums (Wally H) made that for him since he was my bucking bar helper on the project.

The Oregon coast is our go-to place so we'll definitely have to take you up on that generous offer sometime!!

Thank you!

Scott

[57Vintage]

I can think of no better place for your dedication and hard work to find a permanent home. I know you will always have the pride of craftsmanship for what you accomplished and now more people than ever can admire your achievement. Thanks to you and your family for all the hard work.

[goransons]

Thank you! We’ve never done fall camping due to our work schedules but that ended up being a 3 day weekend due to an inservice we can postpone so we registered for the rally. We’ll see you there! We did a shakedown on the globetrotter this weekend. Overall great, just a few things to adjust and some cosmetic things for them to take care of. Tried out my Father’s Day gift, the Airstream grill and stand.