Vintage Transports, photos by Friends & Guests (65)

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On a regular basis people sent me photos, to share their enthusiasm for vintage airliners or to illustrate a question. These photos may have been lingering in a scrapbook or a discarded box somewhere or show travelled the same trails as I did.
To prevent them from getting lost, with permission (or special request) of the sender, I like to share them on this page.
Photos already online (personal websites, airliners.net, jetphotos.net, etc) are not meant to be included here.

With the ever growing popularity of Social Media (Flickr, Facebook, Instagram) the barrier has become much lower for people to share their photographs or scans of slides online; imperfection to post aviation images is no longer an issue.
I noticed a decline in requests for publication on my website on my 'Guest Pages', so now some of these images shared below will be copied from Facebook & Flickr by me if I find it has some use for me. For preservation of their historic value as I see it; always preferably with proper credit to the photographer, of course!

Btw, while I am on social media, picking up on aviation news, I use it mainly for other interests while my website remains my main focus to share my interest in vintage aviation and various non-aviation subjects.

 

Jack Ireland provided some photos, thru Peter Hill, out of his book of some salvage going on of crashed DC-3 CF-OOY; on Abandoned Wrecks of The Arctic North (see for more details)
DC-3 CF-OOY crashsite, by Jack Ireland

David Green wrote me in June 2023, sending me these fine vintage photos.
C-47A 'The Grizzly' 42-100997
C-47A 'The Grizzly' 42-100997
David: 'This sepia toned photo is dated 1949, with 'The Grizzly' markings; and later in her service
here at Van Nuys Air National Guard stationed.'

C-47A 0-200997 (42-100997)
C-47A 0-200997 (42-100997)

David: "I am a retired USAF member of the 146th Airlift Wing in California.
C-47A 42-100997 was assigned to us, the 115th Squadron, of the 146th Fighter-Bomber Wing as a Utility Aircraft shortly after WWII.
It stayed with the Unit until sometime in the early 1960s.
Her Nose Art was 'The Grizzly', for the State of California Bear.
She also did a lot of work while assigned to the unit flying the Governor around in 1949."

"Our Wing is the 146th. Back then, we had the 115th Squadron and 195th Squadrons attached to our Wing.
The C-47 served in the 115th Air Transportation Squadron and the 195th Air Transportation Squadron over the years."


C-47A 0-200997 (42-100997) Calif. Air National Guard
C-47A 0-200997 (42-100997) of the California Air National Guard.
David: "Our Unit hails from the 373rd Fighter Group of WWII, returned to California in 1946 and re-designated 146th Fighter Group. I assume she made her way back over way back then, but do not have documents or photos
from the archives to verify that fact."
"The C47A 42-100997 has on its tail 'AFNG', which stands for Air Force National Guard.
The abbreviation 'VNANG', is short for Van Nuys Air National Guard, which is the unit it was stationed with
from shortly after WWII until 26 May 1960 - when our unit retired her from service."

From Joe Baugher's immaculate website on USAF/USN/USMC Serials:
42-100997 (C/n 19460) to USAAF 18Jan1944. To MASDC*. In 31Jul1964 to Air International Corp of Miami, FL for refurbishment prior to delivery to Jordanian AF.
Feb 1975 to N62443.
Right engine caught fire made emergency landing at Heraklion IAP. After engine replacement, flew to Germany and was put on display at Hermeskeil, Germany
[From the batch: 42-100836/101035 Douglas C-47A-75-DL Skytrain MSN 19299/19498.
www.JoeBaugher.com/usaf_serials/1942]

C-47A 0-200997 (42-100997)
C-47A 0-200997 (42-100997) of the California Air National Guard (146th AW)
David responded to my page about my visit to the Hermeskeil Air Museum (2005) report, see for details.

C-97 00703, Calif. Air (National) Guard
C-97 00703, Calif. ANG; couldn't figure out the unit (TW?) high on the tailfin...

David explains: 'On the top of the C-97 tail it reads, 146 ATW ( Air Transportation Wing). Her serial number is 50-703.
The Air Force had ATW (Heavy) and (Light) units. The C-97 being a large aircraft was a (Heavy), and smaller planes such as the C47 would be a (Light).
That verbiage was used during the 1960 to 1966 years roughly. In 1966 the Command was Changed to MATS - Military Air Transport Service.'

"50-703 to MASDC 17Apr1964. Declared excees 16Jul1964
Batch 50-690/703. Boeing C-97C-35-BO Stratofreighter Msn 16234/16247.
All converted to MC-97G in Korean War.' [¬ www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1950.html]


"That's about it. I have access to over 300 tail numbers, most with pictures of those tail numbers, of aircraft assigned to the 146th Wing over the past 99 years.
In the 1920s, '30s and '40s we flew many bi-planes starting with the Jenny.
At the beginning of WWII we had O-47s. During WWII our unit was renumbered the 373rd, assigned to England, participated in many D-Day operations, and post, all the way to Germany flying P-47s.
After the war we had A/B-26 bombers and F-51 Mustangs.
Then F86s from A models to L models, from 1950 to 1960. Then 1960 to 1970 C-97s.
Since April of 1974 we've flown C-130s. Starting at -A models, then -B models, -E models when I first started and currently the -J Model. "

A few more images by Sean Keating taken during his roadtrip earlier this year: the C-119 at Sacramento's air museum
C-119G '114' preserved at

The Aerospace Museum of California is a private non-profit aviation museum located in North Highlands, California, outside of Sacramento,CA on the grounds of the former McClellan Air Force Base.
The museum has a 4.5-acre outdoor Air Park, indoor exhibit space, a classroom, theater, conference room, and gift shop.
Featured displays include: authentic military and civilian aircraft, rockets, historic World War II artifacts, objects from the Apollo missions, and an extensive collection of piston and jet engines.
The museum preserves the history of the former base while supporting current STEM educational standards through its programming and exhibits. [¬Wikipedia, more..]


Fairchild C-119G '114' (c/n 10825) in Sacramento's Aerospace Museum. See my visit (2018) for more details.


C-119G c/n (msn) 10825, date accepted 12Mar53 and 'Modification Incorporated'.
See also my Dossier on C-119s, PAGE #4

András Mihalik sent me recent photos of C-119 N15509 and C-46 N92853 (Tobin Creek, Alaska)
"Thought you’d appreciate a quick update on the two Tobin Creek, Alaska wrecks. My photos, taken 8th June 2023."
C-119 N15509 wreckage by Andreas Mihalik
For more images by András & others, see my Abandoned Wrecks of the Arctic North


Peter C. Hill wrote me in June 2023: "referencing the Isachsen DC-3 43-16062, c/n 20528.
I have found it on Google Maps (bottom image) for you! . I wasn't aware of HERE WeGo for his res pics until
after I sent the previous e-mail, but here is the same area with a much better screenshot!
DC-3 wreck 43-16062 @Isachsen
This wreck is detailed on my 'Abandoned Plane Wrecks of the Arctic North'

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Walter van Brempt sent me some propliner & warbird photos he recently took while vacationing in New Zealand.
Propliners by Waletr van Brempt 2023
ZK-DAK NZ3456 (09Apr2023)

Propliners by Waletr van Brempt 2023
Lift off for NZ3546

Douglas DC-3C c/n 26480/15035, some history: 'Built 1943 for USAAF (43-49219 dlvd Oct.1944); made 43.000hrs while with USAAF, in the Philippines (PI-C486) & New Guinea (VH-PNM).
Bt Mackay Air Museum, Queensland and displayed in olive & grey RNZAF wartime C-47 c/s.
On 23Dec69 reg'd VH-PNM for Pauan Air Transport (dlvd 07Apr70). 27Jul70 Ansett A/l of PNG, Feb72 lsd Bush Pilots (P&NG) Ltd, sold to same Mar74; reg'd Jan82 Air Queensland, 27Jan84 registration cancelled.
R/r VH-SBT Mackay Air Museum, Qld. But in 1987 Mackay in liquidation.
R/r 27mar87 ZK-DAK for Warbird DC-3 Syndicate, painted RAF c/s. 01Oct98 xfrd Pionair Adventures Ltd.
Reported oLn 03nov99 @Ardmore as ZK-DAK, RAF c/s.
Airworthy, in Christchurch 08dec00, owned & oper by Flights 2000, based @Ardmore Airfield,Auckland. Ln 14Nov01.
On 11Jan04 @Hokitika, NZ ( Warbird Assoc.) with D-day invasion stripes; also @Auckland-Ardmore (homebase?) 21Jan04. On A.net pic dated 27Mar05 @Omaka (NZ) w/ 'WB'-code, for 'Warbird Dakota Society'. On A.net 05feb06 @Tauranga 2006 Air Show on fly past.
Roll out in new c/s 20Jan07 Hood Aerodrome, Masterton, NZ as RNZAF Dakota 'NZ3546' (the real NZ3546 at Wonderboom?). Reported flying @Ohakea airshow 31Mar12. @Wanaka Mar2016 air show, Guestphotos #45.

Propliners by Waletr van Brempt 2023
ZK-DAK NZ3456 of New Zealand Warbirds Association (NZWA) airborne!

Propliners by Waletr van Brempt 2023
ZK-AWO @Twizel 08Apr2023

Afaik Chris Rudge is still the owner..? C/n 33480 ZK-AWO's cockpit section mounted on trailer to advertise a radio station in New Zealand. Based at Lyttelton on the northern side of Banks Peninsula which protrudes out on the east coast of Christchurch in the South Island. Mr Rudge takes it to air shows, good man!

Propliners by Waletr van Brempt 2023

Propliners by Waletr van Brempt 2023
DC-3C ZK-JGB (c/n 4363) @Wanaka, 26Mar2023. Would welcome its history: EMAIL

Propliners by Waletr van Brempt 2023
'The Jean Batten Clipper', named in honour of NZ Aviator Jean Batten.

Propliners by Waletr van Brempt 2023
Avro Anson ZK-RRA K6183 'VX-B', 09Apr2023. ZK-RRA is originally VH-BAF of Brain & Brown Airfreighters
which was based at Essendon, Victoria (Australia). More photos on www.airhistory.net/registration/ZK-RRA

Propliners by Waletr van Brempt 2023
Bristol Freighter ZK-CPT 08Apr2023.
From my (RL) files: 'ZK-CPT Marlborough Aero Club, pres. Blenheim/Omaka. Ln 15Jan04 same. Same Nov.2006.
'Friends of the Bristol' intend to restore this Biffo (¬ NZ board). Ok engine tests 13Jun08 @Omaka.
During Feb.2020 @Omaka, 'Merchant Courier', gate guard looking fine'.

NZ Propliners by Waletr van Brempt 2023
Bristol Freighter Mk.31, ZK-CPT c/n 13126, preserved

NZ Propliners by Waletr van Brempt 2023
Mosquito NZ2308 in restoration (13Mar23)

NZ Propliners by Waletr van Brempt 2023
Convair CV580 ZK-CIB (c/n 327A) @Wanaka, 26Mar23

History from my (RL) files: 'Former CV440 (rebuilt from c/n 96 CV340); ex/C-FCIB, dlvd to Air Chathams 26.5.96; r/r to ZK-CIB jun96; cargo (max 6.1T). Delivered CV440 jun56 to Union Producing Corp N8444H; to North Central Al 3/66 used as pax liner; cvtd Allison turboprop CV580 5/69. To Jay Dee / Acft Supply Comp 11/83, later various owners. Many years std at Tucson (TG-MYM Aeroquetzal),1992 bt Kelowna Flightcraft, rr C-FCIB 1995. Anno 98/99 current with Air Chathams.
Was to position to Tonga April 2005 to start new freight ops by 01May05. Ln 12Apr19 oper'l @Auckland but ZK-KFH & ZK-CIF stored -engines. Air Chathams oper'd 1st sched flit to Norfolk Island ..Sep19, w/ ZK-CIB,a combi passenger/freighter.
Last Convair service scheduled 17Sep21. Plane to be donated to Wanaka Airport in 'the Chathams Islands'. /End


DC-3D ZK-CAW (c/n 18923) 17Mar23, the famous McDonald's DC-3! @Taupo,NZ since at least the year 2000
See also earlier photos by contributors on my gallery Off-Airport (Asia).

The Air-Britain DC-3 book (1984) has the following history:
C/n 18923 - delivered 15oct43 to USAAF as 42-100460, continued on to Brisbane (07Dec43). Registered 06Feb47 as VH-ANM for Australian National, named "Yannana". Then to Queensland A/L Ltd (named "Darling Downs") registered on 04Feb56. On 07Dec58 it was registered to Ansett-ANA and a few years later, on 14Feb61 it moved to Airlines of NSW.
It became registered ZK-CAW for South Pacific A/L of NZ (named "George Bolt") on R28Sep61, changing to NZ National Airways (still named) "George Bolt" on 28Feb66.
Qantas leased it from 12May66 and tailnumber VQ-FAI was applied for Fiji A/W, delivery on 06Jun66; it was reregistered ZK-CAW again, for NZ Natl on 05Aug69, the lease obviously ended. Then Mt Cook Airlines leased it, from 05Aug69, returning at some point to NZ National.
South Seas A/W had it registered on 07May71 and Fieldair Ltd (trading as Airland) had it registered on 13May71.

Gil White (R.I.P.) offers the following history of ZK-CAW.


NZ Propliners by Waletr van Brempt 2023
ZK-CAW 'G. Allan & N. Worsley'. More pix on www.airhistory.net/marks-all/ZKCAW

Walter wrote: "I had planned in advance to go to the 2nd annual meeting of Blenheim at the end of our trip. This meeting took place in Blenheim for the odd years and in Wanaka in the even years. I had chosen in advance to go back to Blenheim because more WW1 aircraft were flying there.
Wanaka is known for WW2 aircraft.
I have to say that compared to 2005, only a few WW1 aircraft were flying. It was a pity that the DC-3 only gave 'air baptisms' and did not really participate in the show.
The Anson was just amazing!

John Smit's (?) Mosquitto has been 'trialled' (test run) there every day because the aircraft will never be able to fly (meaning never in the present restoration of this aircraft).
One of John Smit's P40 was also there as it was found and if I understand correctly it goes straight to the museum while another copy is made flight-worthy."

Bob Miller sent me these photos (Oct 2022), he wrote: "Cordova Airlines’ DC-3 N91314, the plane that Hogan made a die-cast model of (1st photo). Next image shows N91314 on the Yakutat airport ramp in the late-1950’s and #3 photo flying over the Yakutat WWII hangar in 2010. N91314 now permanently resides in Yakutat, Alaska and will become the 'starter warbird' for the Alaska Warbird Museum!"
Cordova Airlines, model plane

DC-3 N91314 Cordova AL

DC-3 N91314 Cordova AL

DC-3 N91314 Cordova AL

DC-3 N91314 Cordova AL
Bob: "N91314 is currently not airworthy, but is in excellent condition and we hope to get her airborne again in the near future. Cascade Air was the last commercial operator of her."
More on my On Alaska's Early Aviation: Cordova Airlines

DC-3 N91314 Cordova AL

DC-3 N91314 Cordova AL
Bob: "N91314 was last airborne in August 2010, when we ferried her back to Alaska and put her in the hangar,
so she wouldn’t deteriorate. Engines were last started in 2017."

Alaska Warbird Museum
Alaska Warbird Museum


John Giambone wrote me in May 2023: "C-119G N3003 at KBAK (Columbus,IN) on 03Jan23. Appears it was one of
the ex/ RCAF fleet parked up at Greybull,WY. I was told by the museum administrator that they picked up this aircraft just 2 years ago and fully restored it. She is a beauty. I see this is one of the aircraft featured on your wonderful page, so just in case someone was looking for it, here is an update on it!
C-119 N3003 @Bakalar, by John Giambone (2023)
More photos of this Jan.2023 pix on C-119 Dossier Page #4, by John Giambone.

Sean Keating came across this 'Royal Navy' Heron in Oregon (2023)
Heron in Oregon, photo by Sean Keating (2023)

Heron in Oregon, photo by Sean Keating (2023)
A photo on ABPic (LINK) told me: 'DE HAVILLAND DH.114 HERON 2B, G-HRON / 14102, ROYAL NAVY'
Construction Number: 14102 | Code Number: XR442 | Airport: Chiloquin State (2S7 / K2S7), USA - Oregon
"This aircraft was found next to Melita's restaurant in Chiliquin,OR. It's across Hwy 97 from the local airstrip."

See also Sean's GALLERY on my website

John A. Giambone photographed N472AF in May 2023, which was forward to me by Phil Brooks.
N472AF @IND by John Gambione
Douglas C-47A N472AF (c/n 13485) looking good, going strong!

History of DC-3 N472AF
From ATDB.org online aviation database (20May23)

(Email dated 17May23) "Went out to the Aeropuerto’ tonight to catch an Atlas Air 747 ferrying IND-DOV at 18:00, then
a Cargolux 747 arriving at 18:30. Anytime you catch two 747s at IND it’s a great day in my book."

Unfortunately, I was not paying attention to liveatc.net, so I totally missed this DC-3 which landed...
I could have caught her landing from the end of the runway in glorious sunshine, but I was over by the postal ramp taking a photo of the Atlas 747 getting ready to depart.
So now the race was on to get over by the Colts' hangar to catch the DC-3 taxing by through the chain link fence. 
Barely managed to get a few shots off of her taxiing past me. I could have kicked myself. Oh well.

After I shot the Atlas departing I went towards the IAB to see if I could find the DC-3 there. Nope. Then I drove all the way over to the opposite side of the airport, thought maybe she went to Signature, I didn’t see her there, so I went back towards Million air.
As I was coming up to the IAB building, there she was departing right in front of me and I had nowhere to pull off so I stopped in the middle of the street and caught her as she was turning out west into the sun. I Looked her up tonight.
She is based out of Terre Haute (HUF). Good to know!

It was pretty sweet to see a 1944 built DC-3 still flying. She was immaculate!"

Dennis Stewart (the photographer) wrote me in May 2023: "The Beech 18 that for many years sat atop the Grueninger car dealership in Woodlawn, Ohio is now in pieces at a location in Amelia, Clermont County, OH. No N# found."
Beech 18 relocated Woodlawn,OH to Clermont County
Unidentified Beech 18 relocated from Woodlawn,OH to Clermont County, OH.

Dennis Stewart explained: "Stan Grueninger was the name of the owner and his car dealership was named after him.  'Stan' in 'Stangri-la'  was simply a play on words using his first name. 
The dealership was on RT4, Springfield Pike, in Woodlawn (Ohio), a suburb of Cincinnati. 
Both the car lot and the plane have been gone from there for many years
What I found was likely its final resting place."


Beech 18 relocated Woodlawn,OH to Clermont County
No obvious candidates on www.oldprops.ukhome.net/Beech18 USA Census

Beech 18 relocated Woodlawn,OH to Clermont County
'GO 10300' signifies...? EMAIL Me!
"These remains of the Beech 18 are at a private owner's facility in Amelia, OH. There's no relationship between
this person and the nearby Tri-State Warbird Museum.
He accumulates and collects interesting things including many
vintage automobiles."

FOR THIS AND OTHER PLANE MYSTERIES VISIT MY SEARCHFor.. GALLERIES

Rolf Larsson sent me an update on the Beech E18S F-BUOP pres'd @Cannes-Mandelieu AP, with titles added to the airframe. For more images and details see my gallery Off-Airport Europe
Beech 18 F-BUOP @Cannes-Mandelieu AP, by Rolf Larsson
Photos of F-BUOP by end of Oct.2009 can also be seen on my page Photos by Friends & Guests (22) and
Aug.2010 on Photos by Friends & Guests (26)

Peter Hill sent me a link w/ pics of Beech 18 CF-IKM making its way to a flooded quarry to feature as a diving prop

For more details of C-FIKM (BA-131) and its history see my Photos by Friends & Guests #44.

Michael Mankin sent me a pictorial update to show long-stored C-53 at Petal,MS was repainted from N4003 into N4009; see my Deep South 2000 Report for ful history of this 'propliner' as well as many others seen oat the time.

Douglas DC-3/C-53 N4003, repainted as N4009, @Petal, MS by Michael Mankin (2023)

JoeJoe Prince sent me this of BT67 N115U recently; for more visit JoeJoe's gallery on my website
BT67 N115U of DesertAir

I (RL) picked up extensive 2022 research and concluded (2-2023) with a G. Earth photo (7-2022):
C-119s remaining at Greybull's South Bighorn County Airport (2023)
These 2 C-119s would be N8094 (c/n 10994) and N8505A (c/n 179).
The museum C-119s would be c/n 10824 (false 'N5216R Tanker 136') & c/n 10773 as '06' in RCAF markings.
For more details, images & information see my pages Greybull Log Reports (since 1990s) and Greybull 2014 Revisited.

'Cold case' mystery of USAAF C-47 'Prairie Dog'. Crashed in Yugoslavia in 1945.
C-47 USAAF 'Prairie Dog'
See my Search for.. mysteries. Suggested to be Yugoslav Air Force (JRV) 7301

This month a video was published on YouTube of the 1997 scrapping of crashed Bristol Freighter C-FTPA
The scrapping of Bristol Freighter C-FTPA
Screendumps from video. C-FTPA (c/n 13157) R.I.P.

The scrapping of Bristol Freighter C-FTPA
Stills of the 1997 video youtube.com/watch?v=GOx5-beKp0c

The scrapping of Bristol Freighter C-FTPA

C-FTPA Hawkair Aviation Services, crashed @Bronson Creek B.C. 24Apr97: starboard main gear collapsed on landing, fuselage crushed; all spares removed & collected by Bristol Freighter C-GYQS and registration canx 20May97. Crash described as 'ground looped and ran off runway into ditch' [¬Survivors 2007].
See also www.baaa-acro.com/city/bronson-creek

The scrapping of Bristol Freighter C-FTPA
Bristol Freighter C-FTPA truly was a dinosaur!

Also, in the same video and same location (and amazed to see a Lynden Air Cargo Herc taking off there):
DC-4
Brooks Fuel DC-4 N44909, 'totalled in a snowbank'.

Douglas C-54 Skymaster N44909 (c/n 27371) of Brooks Air Fuel crashed 01Feb971 while landing (descent or approach) at Bronson Creek B.C.), on a cargo flight.
After landing at Bronson Creek Airport, one of the main landing gear struck a snow wall. The aircraft went out of control and came to rest. No fatalities among the 4 on board, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

These two aren't by far the only planes that crashed at or in the region of Bronson Creek:
www.baaa-acro.com/city/bronson-creek

 

Dion Makowski published this image on FB's 'Clyde North Aeronautical Preservation Group', on 11Dec2022:
'Pepsi Cat at her new home, Cressy Aerodrome (Vic)'.
The day before Darryl Gibbs wrote: 'On our way home from Rathmines now. Been up there to pick up our Catalina cockpit which had been on loan to the Australian Museum of Flight, then HARS and then to the Catalina crew at Rathmines for over 15 years.' The identity is believed to be an OA-10 Dumbo, but nothing further with any certainty.
Pepsi Cat at her new home, Cressy Aerodrome (Victoria)
A few more details by posted reactions: '..this is a different relic [from 'Our Girl', see below -Webmaster RL], ours
has been in Australia since the war. It was reportedly involved in an accident and later scrapped.'
And: 'this aircraft was known anecdotally in the region when located, the Riverina. Many locals spoke with us and this, along with our thorough examination of the interior, allowed us to come up with a couple of possible identities.'
Another reply by Dion: 'we are obviously after completing this display and are after any cockpit components
surplus to other restorations'.


Steve Wenban posted this on FB's Aviation Wrecks and relics' on 07Dec22.
"This is the restoration I'm working on , and just about to move to a new workshop so no more laying in the dirt."
PBY-5A Canso N7238Z | ex/ BuNo 48412 (US Navy) | 1774

"In April 2013, after a 7 year worldwide search, a Catalina Flying boat (PBY-5A) was located at San Juan Airport, Puerto Rico. 
The aircraft, which has become known as ‘Our Girl’, was built in late 1943 for the US Navy.  Post war she was sold into private hands and the RCMPA purchased her from the Orinoco Mining Co.

In poor condition, after years of exposure to the weather, Association volunteers made numerous trips to San Juan to work on the logistics of dismantling and shipping the aircraft to Sydney, Australia. 
Prior to shipping, there was [sic] many hours spent in cleaning (ready for Australian quarantine inspection) and finally the aircraft was in 5 manageable sections and shipped, over several months, to Sydney.   

Restoration commenced in May 2014, with 3 volunteers, to date (?) over 25.000 hours of volunteer hours have been logged and volunteer numbers have grown to 17.  It is anticipated that another 10,000 hours will be required to bring the aircraft to static display standards.

The aircraft will be brought back to WWII specifications, with the addition of side waist blisters, bow turret and the tunnel gun hatch.  Wartime radio equipment, navigation and pilot instruments will be on display. 
Painting of the exterior fuselage and upper wing surfaces will be in a camouflage pattern, dark sea grey and a dark insignia blue.  The underside wings and lower fuselage will be matt black."
From ¬rathmines-catalina.com/Our-Girl-Catalina-PBY-5A (no date).

The website added following identity and history details: N7238Z | BuNo 48412 (US Navy) | 1774 | PBY-5A Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Trust, Rathmines, NSW and located at Kilaben.
BuNo 48412 (US Navy)/N10024/ N96R/YV-P-EPX/ YV-P-EPZ/ YV-O-CFO-4/YV-56CP/ YV-585CP/YV-485C.


PBY-5A Canso N7238Z | ex/ BuNo 48412 (US Navy) | 1774


Nelson Little shared on Facebook photos of Catalina RK-A photos of RK-A @Moorabi Air Museum a few years ago.
Catalina RK-A @Moorabbin Air Museum
Shared on FB's 'Consolidated PBY Catalina'. A former houseboat, see more on this subject MY GALLERY.

Aidan Curley wrote me 27Oct22 and he included C-47 (C-117?) photos: 'I came across this place by accident having just left the Victorville airport on 22Sept22; they are easily visible on the right side of the road after a few minutes when travelling south on Hwy 395.
There are 3 C-47 types and a C-45 as well plus what appears to be a test rig of a forward section of a 787.
The chaps there were friendly and had no problem with me walking around the fence of their premises, but they
refused entry on the grounds of that old chestnut: Insurance.
They didn't know the identify of the airframes and of course there are no external serials, but they did say they
came from El Mirage and that one of them is earmarked for a conversion to a food truck..!'

C-47s @HD Trailers LLC, 13926 Hwy 395, Victorville,CA.
The address is: HD Trailers LLC, 13926 Hwy 395, Victorville, CA.'
Any clues to their identity would be useful! EMAIL

Roy Blewett responded: "I've been looking into the three DC-3s that came out of the Aviation Warehouse yard at El Mirage and went to HD Trailers at Victorville...
The US Navy machine is indeed a C-117D, so almost certainly Bu17194; similarly the fuselage in faded US Air Force markings is very probably 45-0894. Both arrived at the Aviation Warehouse from the ARM yard off Davis Monthan AFB at the end of 2014.
The third DC-3 is harder to be so sure about...
However, a good candidate must be C-53 N213MA, which had arrived at El Mirage from Chino by Mar14. Comparing Aidan's photo against those on-line of N213MA shows the aircraft have the same rooftop aerials, port-hole window and what I assume to be traces of paint above the hamburger door."

C-47s @HD Trailers LLC, 13926 Hwy 395, Victorville,CA.

C-47s @HD Trailers LLC, 13926 Hwy 395, Victorville,CA.
A fine airframe among a gaggle of Airstream caravans!

C-47s @HD Trailers LLC, 13926 Hwy 395, Victorville,CA.

C-47s @HD Trailers LLC, 13926 Hwy 395, Victorville,CA.

C-47s @HD Trailers LLC, 13926 Hwy 395, Victorville,CA.

C-47s @HD Trailers LLC, 13926 Hwy 395, Victorville,CA.

C-47s @HD Trailers LLC, 13926 Hwy 395, Victorville,CA.
SEE ALSO MY CALIFORNIA 2018 PROPLINERS ROADTRIP

Antonov An-12BP UR-CNN (c/n 7345004) of Cavok Airlines
An-12 UR-CNN of Cavok Airlines
On 15Oct22 photographed on the Industrial Ramp at St. John's Int'l Airport.
For more details see Neville Webb's gallery on my website HERE...

End of the road for former TransNorthern's C-117D N29TN:
C-117D of Viper Transitions, ex/ TransNorthen, will be scrapped @Anchorage
C-117D N29TN of Viper Transitions, ex/ TransNorthern, returned to TN @Anchorage in 2024.

C-117D of Viper Transitions, ex/ TransNorthen, will be scrapped @Anchorage
For N29TN's history and Viper Transition's decision, see updates on My Visit to TransNorthern Aviation in 2012.


Michael O'Rance shared this photo on FB/Aviation Wrecks and relics in Oct.2022.
He wrote: "Port Moresby, PNG Airways Hotel."
C47B Port Moresby (PNG), Airways Hotel
For its identity and history see my Off-airport Asia gallery

JoeJoe wrote: 'Bethel this afternoon [25Sep22].
DHC-2 N5143G at Bethel,AK 25Sep2022, by JoeJoe Prince
For more see JoeJoe's GALLERY on my website

My Abandoned Plane Wrecks of the (Arctic) North has posts (2009 & 2017) of C-46F N67982,
abandoned @Nullaq Lake, Alaska. Jacob C. wrote me a July 2022 update, with aerial photos!
Curtiss C-46F Commando, N67982, abandoned at Nullaq Lake,Alaska
Curtiss C-46F Commando N67982, abandoned at Nullaq Lake,Alaska by Jacob C. See link above for much more!

Walter van Brempt visited Alaska in June this year and sent me some excellent results!
He wrote: 'After 20 years I've revisited Alaska, June 18th - 27th, visiting a.o. Anchorage and Fairbanks.'
Propliners & bushplanes in Alaska, by Walter van Brempt (2022)
Douglas C-47A, N44587 (c/n 12857) of Desert Air on the ramp at Anchorage 20Jun22.
See also my visit to Alaska in 2012, which features info on N44587 and much more.

Propliners & bushplanes in Alaska, by Walter van Brempt (2022)
Douglas C-47A, N59314 (c/n 12363) of Desert Air, ANC 20Jun22.
History of C-47A c/n 12363 (N59314)
History (Sep.2022) by ATDB.aero, the online Aviation database.
Note: The FAA database ('N-inquiry') has c/n 12363 still reg'd to Barton M. Tiernan (19Jul2017),
the previous (?) owner of Bush Air Cargo, another operator in Alaska (current, @Palmer).
See als my dedicated page to N59314!

Propliners & bushplanes in Alaska, by Walter van Brempt (2022)
Nice line up of Desert Air's piston DC-3's: N272R (c/n 13678) + N44587 + N59314

History of c/n 13678 only shows the following tailnumbers: 42-108983, NC88824, N272R.
TWA had operated it as NC88824 nov45-jan52. Piedmont Air Cargo flew it for a considerable time, in The South, already registered.N272R at that time.
It was named 'Miss Catharine' whene operating for Cascade Air Service.
Jeff Jordan bought N272R in the summer of 2005, with a partner, for fish hauling contracts; DC-3 N91314 was also part o their project.
Next it was registered McCollough Holdings LLC (Parker,CO), on 06Jun06, but continued operating for Cascade Air. It was based at Ephrata,WA when not out on charter.
In May 2010 N272R was bought by Desert Air Transport Inc..

 

Propliners & bushplanes in Alaska, by Walter van Brempt (2022)
Douglas C-47, N305SF (c/n 6208), stored/derelict at Palmer (26Jun22).
Over past decades I came across this C-47 a few times, see for its history my AlCan 2003 Report.

Propliners & bushplanes in Alaska, by Walter van Brempt (2022)
N400MF served Mission Flights International of Florida for a long time: 38 years! In 2015 they sold N400MF
(c/n 26877/15432) and it moved to Alaska. Performs flightseeing flights from Palmer,AK allegedly.

'Ordered by the USAAF as C-47B 43-49616. Delivered to the US Navy as R4D-6 50822 in 1944. To North Central Airlines as N2400 in 1956. Returned to the US Navy in 1962. Sold in 1966. To Missionary Flights and Services in 1984. Reregistered as N400MF in 1994. Still current on the register in 2021 owned by N400MF Inc. based at Anchorage, AK.' [¬www.airhistory.net/photo/423174/N400MF]

'Registered to Kingdom Air Corps, former Missionary Flights that was flown to Alaska a few years ago and parked at Palmer Municipal Airport. Very nice airplane with a very nice pax interior.' [¬www.airhistory.net/photo/277193/N400MF]

UPDATE Dec.2022 (by Scramble's Propliners section): 'Golden Era Aviation in Palmer (AK) has parted with this DC-3 N400MF. It will continue its tourism business with their other DC-3 N763A.
This ship (N763A -Webmaster) sustained serious damage in a snow storm before the 2022 season. They hope the sale of N400MF will supply them with funds to repair N763A before the season 2023 starts.
The airplane (N400MF -Webmaster) was ferried to Aurora (OR) in September 2022, where it is offered for sale at $625K.'

 

Propliners & bushplanes in Alaska, by Walter van Brempt (2022)
Douglas C-53, N763A (c/n 4894), 'Ozark Air Lines', does flightseeing by Golden Era Aviation.
Information about its history can be learned from Photos by Friends & Guests #60 and Photos by Friends & Guests #62.
Update Dec.2022: see info above with N400MF.

Propliners & bushplanes in Alaska, by Walter van Brempt (2022)
BT67 N115U (c/n 33567) of Desert Air (20Jun22). Its history was recently described on JoeJoe Prince's gallery.
Douglas C-117D, N27TN (c/n 43332). Reg'd 04Jun09 to TransNorthern but unused except for parts. Wasilla 21Jun22)
For its history see my USA 1992 + Photos by Friends & Guests (27).
Douglas DC-6A/C-118A, N100CE (c/n 44662) landing at Fairbanks (23Jun22). See my Skytrucks @Fairbanks 2012.
Douglas C-118A, N251CE (c/n 44612) of Everts Air Fuel, taking off @FAI (23Jun22). See my FAIRBANKS 2003.


Douglas C-54G, N51802 (c/n 35930/324), seen stored for parts at FAI (22Jun22).
Going back a little (data from my -RL- database): 'N51802 Skymaster Aviation, Kingman,AZ. Freighter. ex/45-0477.
Ln Kingman,AZ Apr97. Ln 12mar99 Kingman. Same 01feb00, 20dec00. Ln aug01 @Kingman (Propliner magazine 1988).
Ln 12Mar03 Kingman. Bt May04 R.Brooks and ferried to FAI to replace w/o N44911. R13Jul04 Brooks Fuel Inc.
Ln 30Apr07 FAI with expectations to be oper'l in a year. Ln FAI 27Sep07, wfu. Ln Jan08 under restoration at FAI?
On auction Mar2020 @FAI. Bt Alaska Air Fuel @auction, ln ..Jan21 @FAI.
See my Alaska & Canada report, Page 3.


Evert's storage yard (22Jun22). Some call it a dump, but at one time was referred to as '.. future projects'.
Propliners & bushplanes in Alaska, by Walter van Brempt (2022)

Propliners & bushplanes in Alaska, by Walter van Brempt (2022)
Grumman HU-16D Albatross, N20861 (Wasilla, 21Jun22)
My data goes back some 2 decades: 'N20861 (c/n G-425), Upper Limit LLC, Greenville,DE R13Jan04.
Owner Rob Hutchens, no location. Ln 24May09 std Wasilla,AK bare metal c/s.
N-inq: Upper Limit LLC still current. Pic'd 17Jun12 @Wasilla, n/t. Ln 13Jun16 Wasilla AP, same.'
When I checked N-inquiry Sep.2022 I noticed it was still reg'd to Upper Limit LLC, but in Big Lake,AK.

Propliners & bushplanes in Alaska, by Walter van Brempt (2022)
Fairchild C-123K, N4254H (c/n 20052, ex/ 54-0602) @Palmer-Wolf Lake on 26Jun22, brightly polished.
R18Jun13 for Compass Rose. For its history see my Photos by Friends & Guests #18 & Photos by Friends & Guests #19.

The following information is from a post on AirHistory.net by Tim Spearman: "Built as C-123B 54-0603, converted to a C-123K and later UC-123K. Served in Vietnam before being withdrawn to MASDC in 1981 and sold onto the civilian market as N4254H circa 1991.
Various owners including the Olympic Flight Museum and Discovery Air Charters of Titusville FLA. before moving to Alaska in 2008.
Was to be operated by a local construction company who intended to use it haul materials to remote sites, the aircraft has remained grounded since the death of the owner, John Eshleman, in the crash of their other Provider, N709RR in August 2010."

Propliners & bushplanes in Alaska, by Walter van Brempt (2022)
Fairchild C-119F Flying Boxcar, N1394N (c/n 10840), stored. Possibly still owned by John S. Reffett.
When I laid my eyes on N1394H for the first time, during the 1990s, I had hopes it would fly. But that hope is gone!
Its history is detailed on my Propliners on Last Frontier, 2003

A series of deHavilland DHC-2 Beavers at Lake Hood on 19Jun22
Propliners & bushplanes in Alaska, by Walter van Brempt (2022)

DHC-2 N70JE c/n 70. Reg'd N70JE LLC of Eagle River,AK (08Dec2015). It was reg'd N915RC 16May08 to James M. Eule (same owner). Severely damaged on crashing after take off Lake Spenard 07Jun09, no fatalities.
Rr N70JE on 07Jun10.

DHC-2 N310NR c/n 396. R07Jun99 to James M.Jensen. R04Apr2013 to My Holdings Inc, of Anchorage. Opb Trail Ridge Air.

DHC-2 N5162G c/n 658. R25Jun84 (!) to Walter G. Hanni of Anchorage,AK.

DHC-2 N987SP c/n 83. Reg'd to Sportmans Leasing, see JoeJoe Prince's PAGE TWO here.

DHC-2 N715
DHC-2 N715 of Alaska Air Service (20Jun22), R19Apr2018 for William E. Star (of Eagle River,AK).

DHC-2 N4444Z
DHC-2 N4444Z of Rust's (20Jun22).
R13Apr90 N4444Z Rust's Flying Service (Rustair Inc).
Crashed after take off from Anchorage's Lake Hood (AK) on 02Aug2024. Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 7 (ASN)

DHC-2 N454DB
deHavilland DHC-2, N454DB c/n 1183 (Lake Hood, 20Jun22)
C/n 1183 is ex/ C-GTLT of Yorel Properties Ltd, Campbell River,BC R09Jan09. Ln 20Feb09 @Campbell River.
Reg canx 10Apr19 with FAA Register, N454DB res for Alaskan Bushflights. R11Jul2022 for Aircraft Leasing
of Alaska LLC.

Neil Aird's DHC-2 Master Index has almost all histories of the deHavilland Beavers, in great detail!


 

 

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Created: 05-Sep-2022
Updated: 08-Sep-2022