Willow Aircraft
Like many airplane aficionados, Roy Rehm fell in love with the classic Army Air Corps Boeing P-12, Navy F4B, and the civilian version of the Boeing 100 of the 1920s and 1930s.
Roy had previously built a number of home-built aircraft projects but the continued to dream of someday building a Boeing 100. He even purchased an engine and some parts when they became available.
In 1992, when Hurricane Andre struck Florida, Roy found out that much of the Kermit Week’s collection of aircraft in the Fantasy of Flight Museum had been destroyed. Among the destroyed aircraft was a Boeing 100. Roy contacted Kermit, offering to rebuild the destroyed airplane. Kermit had received many offers to rebuild the destroyed plane but Roy’s proposal impressed Kermit, and his proposal was accepted. In March 1993, the mangled remains arrived at Roy’s shop in Gardnerville, NV.
Realizing he would have to build most of the parts from scratch, Roy decided to make the parts for the eight (8) Boeing 100s.
In 1973, renown aviation historian, Boeing Engineer, and amateur aircraft designer, Peter Bowers, said he did not expect anyone to successfully build an exact replica of the Boeing 100. Bowers predicted it would take twenty (20) years for an individual to build a single Boeing. All eight (8) planes are now, as of 2021, near completion.
If you visit Roy’s aircraft shop, you will be overwhelmed by the high level of craftsmanship employed.
Besides airplanes, Roy is a dedicated “Car Nut”. He works evenings on his car projects (a good lesson on how to schedule your time). His cars include a 1940 Ford Coupe, 1934 Ford Sedan, and an American Austin.
During the Saturday, October 2, 2021 Carson City/Carson Valley Day Cruise, we will be visiting Roy’s shop as part of the tour. The tour will start at 10:30. The Northern Nevada Inliners Chapter are hoping that you can attend the Inliners International Convention, set for September 28-October 3, 2021 in Carson City, NV
