Sam Stewart's Martin 4-0-4

[warbirdguy]

I was going through one of my old Warbirds Int'l magazines and came across a photo of Sam Stewart's Martin 404. The aircraf twas painted to resemble a Coast Guard VC-3 VIP Transport. I've heard no more information regarding this aircraft since this article. The photo was taken in August 1999. Does anyone have any info regarding this plane?

[bdk]

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry ... rtxt=404CG

http://www.repaonline.com/mailbag.html

On 11/13/52 EAL took delivery of Martin 404 registration # N487A serial # 14235 and it served EAL until 12/31/62. It then went through several owners over the years until it was sold to Mr. Sam Stewart on 05/02/79. In 1997 Restoration was started and by 1999 the aircraft had been restored to US Coast Guard design. In early February 2004 N487A was purchased by the group that is restoring the original Hobbie Field Terminal in Texas. N487A will be ferried from California to Galvston, Texas by the son of former EAL Captain Whitesell during the week of February 9th, 2004. At this time the aircraft will be stripped of it's US Coast Guard colors and will be restored to it's original all silver "Silver Falcon" delivery paint scheme with full authorization from Eastern Air Lines and reregistered back to it's original Eastern tail number N487A. This will now be the fourth ex-Eastern aircraft to again wear the proud Eastern Logo and Name.

[airnutz]

Here's a page of airliners.net, Martin 404, NC404CG
The latest photo of the Coastie-colored 404 was snapped at Victoria, Tx
April 2005. Photographer DeVore offers a statement that s/n 14235 has
serious corrosion troubles.
Single photo..
www.airliners.net/open.file/0833842/M/

The Martin N404CG page...
www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?c ... entry=true

I think WIXer NathanT24 has an affilliation with the 1940 Air Terminal guys
at Hobby, maybe he can shed some light on the whereabouts and local
of the Martin? The website, www.1940airterminal.org gave no clue, that
I was able to find anyway, about N404CG's current situation or any info
about Eastern Martin LLC and their plans for the bird.

[warbirdguy]

It is always sad when you hear that an old plane has corrosion problems. I remember reading somewhere that corrosion is aviation's cancer.

[airnutz]

It is always sad when you hear that an old plane has corrosion problems. I remember reading somewhere that corrosion is aviation's cancer.

Amen to that brother!

[RickH]

The Martin is especially susceptible to corrosion due the the metals used in construction. We were at the SAC hangar at Kansas City a few years ago and they said their Martin had so much corrosion that it would never fly again.

[NathanT24]

I am kinda affiliated sorf of LOL. But yes talking to the guys at the terminal museum the plane was SEVERELY corrodid and will never fly again. Wish they could have just painted it at Hobby!!

[airnutz]

I am kinda affiliated sorf of LOL. But yes talking to the guys at the terminal museum the plane was SEVERELY corrodid and will never fly again. Wish they could have just painted it at Hobby!!

NathanT24, glad you had a good giggle. Sorry if I over-assumed in your
affiliation. Last year you were so definite in your belief that the ex-Hughes
S-43 was going to the 1940 Air Terminal Museum...any new news?

[NathanT24]

No word on the S-43, only reason I am so interested is I work out at Houston Hobby.But its all cool I am friends with everyone out there.

[RickH]

Airnutz, I don't think Jess Bootenhoff will let the S-43 go to Hobby until it has an inside display site. It's pretty comfortable down at Brazoria County.

[Aircraft Mech Paul]

The Martin is especially susceptible to corrosion due the the metals used in construction. We were at the SAC hangar at Kansas City a few years ago and they said their Martin had so much corrosion that it would never fly again.

Rick,

It is very sad to see a classic such as the Martin 404 remain ground bound. One can only imagine the operating cost for any mid to large scale prop liner, let alone the operating cost of a medium to heavy bomber aircraft.

If I may, may I ask to what extent the corrosion issues are ?? I ask purely from the standpoint of my background being in heavy aircraft structure repair. It has always been my opinion that any aircraft can remain flyable, if the maintenance issues are properly dealt with.

If the corrosion issues are in the wing structure, outside of the main wing box in the fuselage, then the issues could be adressed fairly easily over time and the old girl could return to the air. Additionally, if the issues are fuselage and skin related, that too could easily be adressed over time. The stabilizers most likely do not encounter too much corrosion. But, if the corrosion is within the main wing box structure, then you are most evidently correct as the aircraft will likely forever remain ground bound.
From the perspective of getting "qualified" volunteers for the project....you would most certainly be in need of guys with heavy structure experiance that are willing.

Just my two cents worth,

Paul

[airnutz]

I work out at Houston Hobby.But its all cool I am friends with everyone out there.

When you "connect or associate oneself with", you fall within one of the
definitions of affiliation. LOL-switch ON.

Thanks for the info. Who could possibly resist the charm of that big Sikorsky?

[RickH]

Paul, apparently the Martin uses a high percentage of Magnesium in its main structure. Corrosion is so severe that it can't be repaired, it would have be completey replaced. I don't think that would be feasible. Just what we were told by the folks associated with the museum.

[airnutz]

Airnutz, I don't think Jess Bootenhoff will let the S-43 go to Hobby until it has an inside display site.

Thanks Rick, rumours about the S-43 are various. The Terminal museum website is out of date and only adds to the confusion. I'm guessing money
is at the root of it all..small beginning museum..big dreams? Time ticks
away and still no public display for her. At least she's safe and has a
careful overseer.

Back to the 404, did the Martin use alot of magnesium in the wing or did it
have something to do with their choice of aluminium alloy?

Edited out..Convair 440
DOH!!! Sunday morn brainfart

[Aircraft Mech Paul]

Paul, apparently the Martin uses a high percentage of Magnesium in its main structure. Corrosion is so severe that it can't be repaired, it would have be completey replaced. I don't think that would be feasible. Just what we were told by the folks associated with the museum.

Rick,

One word...OUCH...when it comes to the use of metals for aircraft structure, magnesium is by far the worst choice. Now I can well understand why the old girl is having issues. On a side note, early in my career, I used to rebuild flight controls for the T-34B's and C models for a depot level maintenance company for the USN. All I can say is what a mess they were, and yes, they had a lot of magnesium in them (from what I recall). I was thinking primary structure issues with the Martin. Hopefully, they can find a way to ferret out some parts to keep the old girl from disolving before their eyes.

Thanks for the info,

Take care,

Paul