I ran across some old prints of an R4D-8

[Larry Kraus]

I've been sorting through some boxes in my storage unit and ran across some prints that I misplaced from my 1981 Alaska Fish Haul days. Incidentally, I'll start a thread on that subject when I can figure out where I hid my Flikr login information. I'll take achance with Photobucket with these shots. When we were getting this R4D-8/ C-117D ready to haul fish, Hank Moore (owner of TBM Inc. and this airplane) had the mechanics temporarily put the retardant tank that was removed from F7F Tanker 62 in the appoximate position that it might be installed on this airplane to make it into a tanker.

My notes on the back of one of the prints are: "F7F retardant tank temporarily fitted to Douglas C-117D BuNo 17108 N8538F at Sequoia Field 10/1982. So, this took place after I got home from the Fish Haul and was a different airplane than the one that I flew (N8358R). My memory isn't quite sharp enough to remember that sort of detail from 36 years ago. That's why we take notes, I guess.

[Sasquatch]

Really interesting Larry; I always enjoy your posts. Clever idea!

-Tom

[mike furline]

Nice pics!

http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDos ... rial=60171

[marine air]

Thanks Larry. Always appreciate your pics and commentary. There's a R4D-8 featured briefly in the movie "The Great Santini." Wonder if it's the one you flew way back when. Always wanted to fly one but they are getting scarce.

[maxum96]

Interesting pictures. Thanks for sharing Larry. If you don't mind a neophyte question, what are the physical differences between a C47/DC3 and a R4D?