DC-6 Sacred Cow at Macdill AFB c. 1974-75

[SaxMan]

I find it hard to believe that nobody saved the plaque from the Capital presidential plane. Maybe it'll turn upon American Pickers .

I would imagine somebody saved it.

I would venture a guess that the "Capitaliner Washington" would be the C-54 in question. It certainly would be a logical name for a plane with that particular pedigree.

[SaxMan]

It looks like N86554 "Capitaliner Washington" could very well have been the FDR plane:

"This aircraft was the third C-54 built. Delivered to the USAAF on 5/15/42 and flew as 41-20139. Flew as NC86554 for Pennsylvania Central Airlines from 1/46 to 4/48, and then for Capital from 4/48 until 7/61. on 8/22/61, it was sold to Chesapeake Airways, and later to Charlotte Aircraft. From there, it appears to have been scrapped. "

[SaxMan]

Ron from 1000aircraftphotos.com was able to supply me with this picture of 41-20139, and later NC86554 for PCA & Capital. Thanks, Ron!


8036L by onyxsax, on Flickr

I have not seen a C-54 with the star/red dot markings before. This was probably taken shortly after its delivery as the red dot was eliminated by June 1942 (IIRC). I'd love to see a C-54 on the airshow circuit restored to these markings.

[zorro9]

Saxman:

Hi! The shiny DC-6/C-118a in question was seen last time at Macdill AFB c. May-74-Nov 1975. There were couple of USNR DC-4/DC-6s also in that time frame flying USNR on week-ends on the E. coast of Fla. If anyone has some pics of those planes plz post. Tks in advance.

p.s Pic below the poss USNR DC-6 samples.Photo via AEC.

[zorro9]

..USAF C-118A S/N 33247 at LAX c.'73. The poss MCDAFB sample once stationed in the Tpa Bay area c. 74-75. Photo UK/ courtesy R.A Scholefield.