1974 - the end of a proud bird (Invader)

[Swiss Mustangs]

Hi

one of those photos that make you weep -


Lufttransport GmbH On Mark Marksman RB-26C D-BACA on the fire-dump at Zurich Airport (ZRH) in 1974 - the a/c had suffered an engine failure and on-board fire here at ZRH and because of lack of money for repairs the a/c was 'donated' to the Fire-Fighting unit......



and this is how she looked in 1970



44-35938 converted to On Mark Marketeer N4203A. Also N510X, N516X, D-BACA


Martin

[Scott Rose]

http://www.warbirdregistry.org/a26regis ... 35938.html

Okay to use the images in the entry Martin?

[Swiss Mustangs]

sure - grab 'em, Scott !

Martin

[airnutz]

Of all the post-war exec conversions the On Mark Invaders IMO were THE
sexiest things in the air. I always had the desire to radius those the square
corners on the cabin windows tho...

Thanks for the photos SwissM, well the last one anyway...

[C170BDan]

Oh, I agree.... cool machines. Think it would be awesome to use one of those for transportation today! Pull up on the ramp at any FBO and you would be KING! Take it to Oshkosh and park in the Vintage parking! Would be the biggest antique/classic out there.

[T J Johansen]

That really is sad. I agree with those who say the exec versions of the 26 are the best looking VIP transports of that era. Too bad most of them get that all too necessary star/bar when someone buys one today. Apart from Howard Keck at Van Nuys (no paint) I don't think anyone flies an exec. Invader in civilian colors. Hopefully somebody will do something to rectify that in the years to come. Back in the 80s there were actually some flying in a somewhat civilian scheme. George Rivera's N500MR, the ex-Mickey Rupp/Whittington bros. N26WB, Calspan's N237Y, Garrett's N26GT, and Natrona Svcs. N7079G.

So for the vintage aviator who don't know what to get next, buy an exec. Invader, restore it to former glory with the interior etc. and I'll bet your wife will be more happy to let you spend money since it will have those nice leather seats and mahogny tables, (and not look like a bomber) that will make those long trips to the Hamptons that more endurable...

T J