Derelict Convairliner in Fredericktown, Ohio?

[gale_dono]

I came across this while browsing Flickr today:

https://secure.flickr.com/photos/xlbird ... 938887884/

The only clue he gives is "southwest of Fredericktown." I've sent along a message on Flickr but I'm not holding out much hope, as the guy's account doesn't show any activity since 2009. Does anyone have any intel on this bird? I even went so far as to search for the cemetery he photographed on the same day, using the name and death date on one of the gravestones, but since the Convair was photographed first, I'm not sure how to build a radius out from that.

[davidwomacks]

Pretty odd and it looks like its been there for years maybe a kids play house? You could try Google earth looks like a corn field is behind the trees.

[davidwomacks]

Another clue is that its on a dirt road. I'm looking for dirt roads southwest of fredricktown on google earth but haven't found any yet.

looks like he's on facebook a few of the pictures on his FB match those on flicker so you might get ahold of him that way.

https://www.facebook.com/jeff.avalon

If you do find anything out let me know I'm interested in finding out the history of this plane.

[thundergull pilot]

That airplane is located west of Mt. Vernon Ohio near state route 229. It has recently been moved and I do not know where to. It is one of the Convairs that sat at the Wakeman Airport in Northern Ohio. Carl

[Woodsy Airfield]

The Convair in question from Ortner's Airport is probably is N8048X, ex NASA 707. It was broken up a few years back, where remains went has had me wondering until now. Supposedly, President Kennedy had used it during his term in office. There was also a T-29 located at airport, but it too has been broken up...The blue stripe along fuselage in Fredricktown corresponds with photo I have of NASA 707...

[JohnB]

Supposedly, President Kennedy had used it during his term in office.

A C-131 would be a great AF One for short trips back in the day. IIRC, the 89th had a turbine conversion for AF2/First lady use.
One wonders what was used for short trips in the early 60s before the JetStars came into use? Ike's Aero Commander? A 131?

During the 1960 campaign he flew in his own private Convair that's now held by the NASM. That might cause confusion with him flying in a military Convair.

BTW: Before the jets arrived, did JFK use a Ike's C-121 as AF 1 as well as the C-118 that's now at Pima...or both?

I recently came across a photo of him posing beside a civil Bell 47J Ranger. It's dated 1961 so unless it was taken before January 20th, he would have been president, However, I can't imagine the secret service would let him fly in a privately-owned aircraft after becoming president.

[APG85]

During the 1960 campaign he flew in his own private Convair that's now held by the NASM.

I wish that Convair, N240K, would get reassembled and put on display. I believe internally, it's in decent shape. If you Google "images", there's a shot of the interior that a photographer took that looks pretty good. Unfortunately, it sat outside for years at Garber so the exterior took a beating. Not sure how much work it would take to make it presentable. It's a shame that the Kennedy Library doesn't show any interest in it. Anyone have any details on it's actual condition...?

[bdsmith337]

I actually live in the area and the address is listed in public records as 18296 north liberty rd. fredericktown, ohio 43019. I looked around though and didn't see anything obvious on google earth.

[dc8jet]

Gerald Ford flew on one of the VC-131Hs while he was in office. Can't remember which one it was. It is now a freighter with the IFL Group.

[The Inspector]

Supposedly, President Kennedy had used it during his term in office.

A C-131 would be a great AF One for short trips back in the day. IIRC, the 89th had a turbine conversion for AF2/First lady use.
One wonders what was used for short trips in the early 60s before the JetStars came into use? Ike's Aero Commander? A 131?

During the 1960 campaign he flew in his own private Convair that's now held by the NASM. That might cause confusion with him flying in a military Convair.

BTW: Before the jets arrived, did JFK use a Ike's C-121 as AF 1 as well as the C-118 that's now at Pima...or both?

I recently came across a photo of him posing beside a civil Bell 47J Ranger. It's dated 1961 so unless it was taken before January 20th, he would have been president, However, I can't imagine the secret service would let him fly in a privately-owned aircraft after becoming president.

Ike flew in an AERO COMMANDER round bottom 680 several times and was the first POTUS to fly in a helicopter (a USAF BELL 47J)on trips to his farm in Gettysberg. U--4B later L-26 55-4647 is in the Presidential wing of NMUSAF, 55-4648 went to a C.A.P. wing then to the Weddell-Williams museum @ Patterson, LA.
I believe Kennedy used a C-118 a couple of times and switched over to the first VC-137 with the dayglo paint patches. After his first flight in the 707 the 'quarters' were relocated ahead of the wing since ahead of the J-57's was quieter than in the aft cabin.

[gale_dono]

I actually live in the area and the address is listed in public records as 18296 north liberty rd. fredericktown, ohio 43019. I looked around though and didn't see anything obvious on google earth.

I'm not sure I understand, which public records? Plus, that location's to the Northeast of Fredericktown, not the Southwest.

I've also come onto some other interesting bits, namely, these photos of N8048X in 2008:

https://secure.flickr.com/photos/hellmutt/3016771419

https://secure.flickr.com/photos/hellmutt/3017594726/

Reviewing Google Earth imagery of that location shows that N8048X was present on that site since at least 2000:


2000


2002


2004


2005


2006


also 2006

so it seems unlikely that the example I'm looking for is N8048X (although, as it's not visible in the recent satellite images of its site either, I'm curious to know where it went as well). It's also possible that the poster of the original photos simply hadn't correctly set the date information on his camera when he was using it, in which case we're equally hosed for finding info. The Plot, She Thickens.

[thundergull pilot]

I live in the area and I have visted the site several times and it was located on a dirt road which ran north from state route 229. There was also part of a wing at that site. Everything is now gone from that site. Regards Carl

[bdsmith337]

@Gale- I just searched for property the guy currently owns on the auditors website just assuming it might give people a good place to start looking it it was moved. I understand it's a different location.

[gale_dono]

@Gale- I just searched for property the guy currently owns on the auditors website just assuming it might give people a good place to start looking it it was moved. I understand it's a different location.

No worries, just didn't understand your approach was all

[tom d. friedman]

The Convair in question from Ortner's Airport is probably is N8048X, ex NASA 707. It was broken up a few years back, where remains went has had me wondering until now. Supposedly, President Kennedy had used it during his term in office. There was also a T-29 located at airport, but it too has been broken up...The blue stripe along fuselage in Fredricktown corresponds with photo I have of NASA 707...

that's the 1 leon, wonder why it was left in fredricktown?? paolucci had them both sold & cut up for scrap in 1998. i watched them scrap both of the convairs. maybe kennedy joined the "mile high club" with marilyn monroe in it!! i recall seeing a newspaper clipping in the old office bulletin board their relating to the kennedy link