Silvered Wings: Ryan SCW-145 (1938)

The Ryan model SCW-145 was a low-wing coupe-type cabin monoplane with seating for two or three. The cabin was completely enclosed with a sliding canopy that could be slid open in flight for added ventilation. The rear seat could carry an additional passenger or well over 200 pounds of gear. 

With its seven-cylinder Warner “Super Scarab” 145-horsepower engine, the SCW offered a good range of high performance. Its broad tapered wings, wide stance, and “drag brake” were distinctive features.

First Lt. Walter H. Nicolai, Jr., of the Pennsylvania Wing owned and flew NC18909 out of Coastal Patrol Base No. 6 at St. Simons Island, Georgia. First Lt. Walter H. Nicolai, Jr., of the Pennsylvania Wing owned and flew NC18909 out of Coastal Patrol Base No. 6 at St. Simons Island, Georgia. Some of its story is included in the 1988 History of Coastal Patrol Base No. 6. Nicolai continued his CAP service through January 1944, receiving the Air Medal for meritorious achievement during June 7, 1942-Aug. 31, 1943.

Maj. Ron Finger is a freelance illustrator and member of the Minnesota Wing’s Crow Wing Composite Squadron. He’s an Air Force Art Program artist, one of a select pool of artists assigned “art missions” to document specific U.S. Air Force operations. 

Among his duties as Civil Air Patrol’s national artist, Finger researches and creates art that portrays our historical emergency service. A personal goal is to complete paintings documenting every aircraft type CAP has flown. 

This is the 26th painting in Finger’s second series of depictions of vintage CAP aircraft. More of Finger’s CAP artwork can be seen at redpine.net.

Silvered Wings No. 1 — Fleetwings Sea Bird F-401Silvered Wings No. 2 — Curtiss-Wright 15-D SedanSilvered Wings No. 3 — Rearwin Sportster 7000Silvered Wings No. 4 — Cessna U-3B “Blue Canoe”Silvered Wings No. 5 — Aeronca C-3 (1932)Silvered Wings No. 6 — Rearwin Sportster 900-LSilvered Wings No. 7 —Travel Air C-4000Silvered Wings No. 8 — Kinner “Sportster B”Silvered Wings No. 9 — Boeing Model 40-A/BSilvered Wings No. 10 — Brunner-Winkle “Bird,” BK (1929)Silvered Wings No. 11 —Meyers OTW-125 “Out-To-Win”Silvered Wings No. 12 — Cessna 0-1/L-19 Bird DogSilvered Wings No. 13 —Monocoupe 90A Silvered Wings No. 14 — Silvered Wings: North American/Ryan L-17A NavionSilvered Wings No. 15 — Aeronca LBSilvered Wings No. 16 — Helio U-10D/HT-295 Super CourierSilvered Wings No. 17 — Aero Commander L-26/U-4B 55-4647Silvered Wings No. 18 — Bellanca “Cruisair” 14-12-F3 (1941)Silvered Wings No. 19 — Cessna 150D (1964)Silvered Wings No. 20 — Boeing Model 100/P-12 (1929)Silvered Wings No. 21 — Bellanca ‘Junior’ 14-9 (1940)Silvered Wings No. 22  — Alexander Eaglerock A-15 (1931)Silvered Wings No. 23 — Cessna Mescalero T-41A (1965)Silvered Wings No. 24 — Fleet Model 7 (1929-1931)Silvered Wings No. 25 — DeHavilland Canada DHC-3 Otter (1956)_