When was the C-46 retired from the USAF?
Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:42 pm
Nearly all sources say 1968, but the usually reliable Squadron/Signal Publications "C-46 Commando in Action" claims that it was 1972, when the last First Air Commando Group C -46s stationed in the Panama Canal Zone were retired. Can anybody say for sure one way or the other?
Re: When was the C-46 retired from the USAF?
Wed Dec 09, 2015 7:04 pm
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vint-1942-Cur ... 7675.l2557
Can't help with your query, but did you know the CW-20 which became the C-46 Commando was initially called the Condor III ?
See the caption sheet in the above expired auction
Are you brewing a C-46 article for Air&Space?....I have a Swedish book which has a little on the transatlantic delivery of the CW-20 to BOAC which I'll dig out tomorrow
Can't help with your query, but did you know the CW-20 which became the C-46 Commando was initially called the Condor III ?
See the caption sheet in the above expired auction
Are you brewing a C-46 article for Air&Space?....I have a Swedish book which has a little on the transatlantic delivery of the CW-20 to BOAC which I'll dig out tomorrow
Re: When was the C-46 retired from the USAF?
Wed Dec 09, 2015 7:56 pm
Actually, Civvy, I do know about the Condor III designation, and I'm pretty familiar with the prototype's BOAC career, but I appreciate you bringing it up. My article is for Aviation History, not Errand Space.
Re: When was the C-46 retired from the USAF?
Wed Dec 09, 2015 9:42 pm
My two Pete Bowers books are silent on the subject.
But I thought it might be worthwhile to go to the source, the C-46 fact sheet at the NMUSAF website.
It concludes: The C-46D on display is painted as a C-46 flying the Hump in 1944. This aircraft was retired from USAF service in Panama in 1968 and was flown to the museum in 1972.
Assuming they retired all the C-46s at once, probably a fair guess, then it's 1968. The fact the museum, ship arrived in 1972 that could explain how that year got associated with the type.
For a positive answer, you might try the museum research staff (I had great service from them, albeit 20 years ago when Dave Menard was still there)...or closer to your home, perhaps the Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport might know. They have a C-46 on display.
But I thought it might be worthwhile to go to the source, the C-46 fact sheet at the NMUSAF website.
It concludes: The C-46D on display is painted as a C-46 flying the Hump in 1944. This aircraft was retired from USAF service in Panama in 1968 and was flown to the museum in 1972.
Assuming they retired all the C-46s at once, probably a fair guess, then it's 1968. The fact the museum, ship arrived in 1972 that could explain how that year got associated with the type.
For a positive answer, you might try the museum research staff (I had great service from them, albeit 20 years ago when Dave Menard was still there)...or closer to your home, perhaps the Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport might know. They have a C-46 on display.
Re: When was the C-46 retired from the USAF?
Thu Dec 10, 2015 12:13 pm
My Curtiss arhives collections have a pretty fair amount of super-sharp, Original CW photos and info from their original files. There are several different groups of C-46 detail and construction photos, including one group with a lot of linen backed photos that weighs eight pounds, by itself. Almost all photos are dated, including many as 1942/43 etc, Also numerous original 8 x 10 of the CW-20 and the BOAC plane when first finsished and then when delivered, What are you looking for?
Re: When was the C-46 retired from the USAF?
Thu Dec 10, 2015 4:07 pm
Hi barnbstormer... apologies to Stephan for latching on to his thread...I'd be interested in any photos you have of the CW-20 especially in BOAC markings...I've just made a post to the other thread about pressurization if you want to split the postings or do you want to sell photos? Do you have many of it as a twin-tail?@
Re: When was the C-46 retired from the USAF?
Thu Dec 10, 2015 4:10 pm
barnbstormer, I'm not looking for photographs, just information.