Posted 5 years ago
fortapache
(3415 items)
One of the most iconic of all iconic aircraft this is the DC-3. One of the best commercial aircraft of the early days of aviation it was used by the military too as a transport as the C-47. In the Vietnam War it was used as a gunship known as the AC-47. Not many aircraft from the 1930s were still being used by the US military in the late 1960s.
This model is the passenger plane version in the livery of an American Airlines airliner. I always liked the basic natural silver finish of the American Airlines planes. The model has moveable propellers and retractable landing gear. Not sure what time period this one reparents but I would guess pre WWII. Pre 1950 perhaps. Tail draggers like this were out of date by 1945. Tail draggers being planes with a rear landing gear in the tail. Aside from small Cessna type aircraft the rear landing gear was replaced by one in the nose such that the aircraft would be parallel to the ground. Gives the pilot a better view of the airfield. But enough details this is a great looking plane (and model).
Great post. Iconic definitely, it's a legend. Love these Mini-Planes. In about '61 I flew from Duncan,Ok. to Montgomery. The Duncan field was real small and I don't remember the airline but they still had Dc-3's. We flew from their in a Dc-3 to Love Field(Dallas) transferred to a tricycle type tje the rest of the way. This was the only tail dragger commercial passenger I've ever flown in. I'm sure only the little small feeder flight aitlines were the only ones still using the DC-3 at that time. This also was the only plane I've been behind the controls of. In '71 a group of ROTC students went to Maxwell AFB and got to take turns flying. Most of us were making uncoordinated banks(just the wheel, no rudder pedals) which really can give you air sickness. It was the vomit-comet for sure. Thanks again for a Mini-plane that btings back some memories.
Ah, the ole "Gooney Bird". "They keep going, & going, etc.". Carry a big load & those radials just wouldn't quit. Made a big blip on radar though. Maybe I should shut up now in case the statute de limitations haven't expired ! LOL !!
Thank you very much Toyrebel. Another very thoughtful reply. Very cool to have a ride in a DC-3. I took one airline ride in a prop plane, was a 4 engine tricycle plane. Had an odd smell I have smelled in old passenger cars and a DC-3 I toured. The cabin door started opening and closing for no discernable reason. I was too young to appreciate the plane then, was bummed it wasn't a jet.
No post tonight, worked late and going to work early.
Thank you very much bb2. I will not rat you out about for 40mm Bofors, or was it your 88mm flak gun?
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Thank you dlpetersen.