PTA Transit Authority

Baldwin M-1 Locomotive

2012-02-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

Between 1947–1948, Baldwin built three unique coal-fired steam turbine-electric locomotives, designed for passenger service on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O). Their official designation was M1, but because of their expense and poor performance they acquired the nickname "Sacred Cow".

The 6,000-horsepower units, which were equipped with Westinghouse electrical systems, had a 2-C1+2-C1-2 wheel arrangement. They were 106 feet long, making them the longest locomotives ever built for passenger service. The cab was mounted in the center, with a coal bunker ahead of it and a backwards-mounted conventional boiler behind it (the tender only carried water).

These locomotives were intended for a route from Washington, D.C., to Cincinnati, Ohio, but could never travel the whole route without some sort of failure. Coal dust and water frequently got into the traction motors. These problems could have been fixed given time, but it was obvious that these locomotives would always be expensive to maintain, and all three were scrapped in 1950.

Bugatti Railcar

2012-01-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

This railcar bears the signature of one of the greatest inventors in the world of racing cars: Ettore Bugatti. During the 1930's, Bugatti, who was born in Italy, predicted the future of high-speed trains. So it's not surprising that the railcar he proposed to the French rail networks was more or less the TGV of its time -- and it had the same success.

Driven by several gas engines, these railcars rapidly created world speed records (122 mph in 1933). Starting in 1935, the trip from Paris to Strasbourg took 3 1/2 hours at an average speed of 90 mph over the 313 mile long route.

U.S. Airliners

2012-01-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

USAir McDonnell Douglas MD-81 (DC-9-81) - Bob Hope (Lockheed Air Terminal) - Burbank, California, September 24, 1988 - PSA colors--still smiling!

Pan Am Boeing 727 - George Bush Intercontinental - Houston, Texas, May 7, 1980 - During Pan Am/National merger transition.

Republic Airlines Boeing 727 - Sky Harbor International - Phoenix, Arizona, March 16, 1981 - Interim colors after Republic's acquisition of Hughes Air West.

National Airlines Douglas DC-8-54 - Miami International - Florida, December 27, 1970 - Leased from Airlift International to operate MIA-LHR services.

Delta Air Lines Lockheed L-1011 TriStar 500 - Atlanta International - Georgia, October 19, 1986.

LINK: All pictures copyright George W. Hamlin (Used with permission).

Braniff Airways

2012-01-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

Braniff International Airways was an American airline that existed from 1928 until 1982. It operated in the central midwest, South America, Panama, Asia and Europe. The airline ceased operations on May 12, 1982, a victim of escalating fuel prices, aggressive expansion, and fierce competition.

Braniff International Airways - McDonnell Douglas DC-8-62 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, April 19, 1974.

In 1928 an insurance salesman and financier named Thomas E. Braniff financed an aviation company with his brother Paul Revere Braniff, named Paul R. Braniff, Inc. The airline was named Tulsa Oklahoma City Airways and offered passenger service between most of the major cities in Oklahoma.

Braniff International Airways - McDonnell Douglas DC-8-62 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, June 12, 1977.

During the 1950s the airline expanded nationwide. The acquisition of Mid-Continent Airlines in 1952 allowed Braniff to add several more domestic cities to its already established north-south route system. Eventually Braniff was purchased by what was to become today's American Airlines.

Braniff International Airways - Boeing 727-2B7 at Houston - George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Texas, December 24, 1979.

Charles "Chuck" Beard became the first non-Braniff President of the carrier after the deaths of the Braniff brothers in 1954. He would lead Braniff into the jet-age with the introduction of the Boeing 707 in 1959, and would be instrumental in turning Braniff into a 95% jet carrier by 1965.

Braniff International Airways - Boeing 747-127 at Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport, Texas, October 11, 1981.

In 1970, Braniff accepted delivery of the 100th Boeing 747 built, a 747-127 model, N601BN and began "jumbo jet" service to Hawaii on January 15, 1971. This plane, dubbed "747 Braniff Place" and "The Most Exclusive Address In The Sky", became the flagship of the airline.

LINK: More of George W. Hamlin's Airplane Photographs and Transportation Information.

Ruzyne Airport 1970s

2012-01-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Ruzyne Airport serves Prague, Czech Republic. Located 10 km from the city centre, the airport is a hub for Czech Airlines. It was opened on April 5, 1937.

Prague Ruzyne is the biggest airport in the Czech Republic and with 12.7 million passengers in 2008 the busiest one within the new EU member states.

Air France Sud SE-210 Caravelle III.

Austrian Airlines Sud SE-210 Caravelle VI-R.

BEA - British European Airways HS-121 Trident.

KLM - Royal Dutch Airlines Douglas DC-8-55.

Pan American Airways Boeing 707-321B.

LINK: All photos copyright and used with the permission of Petr Popelar on Airliners.Net

Santa Fe - Tehachapi

2011-12-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe EMD GP35 - Tehachapi, California, April 17, 1988 - A westbound freight through Tehachapi loop.

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe EMD GP35 - Tehachapi, California, April 17, 1988 - Delayed due to an earlier derailment near Barstow, westbound AT&SF freight tries to beat an afternoon storm as it comes off the lower of section Tehachapi Loop.

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe EMD SD40 - Tehachapi, California, April 17, 1988 - A westbound piggyback winds under itself while heading around Tehachapi Loop behind 5818 8750 8160 in April 1988, during the "Kodachrome' era.

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe EMD SD40 - Tehachapi, California, April 17, 1988 - Kodachrome liveried 5818 and 8750 lead 8160 a westbound freight around the upper section of Tehachapi Loop.

LINK: See more of Chris Nuthall's railroad pictures on RailPictures.Net

British Rail 1980's

2011-12-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

These copyright photos are from Graham Williams and are showcased here with his permission. (To visit Graham's website just click on the banner)

Class 40, Manchester Victoria, Manchester, United Kingdom, February, 1980 - An old shot from 1980, showing a typical scene of the time. 40 117 stands in the platform at Manchester Victoria, while a Class 25 waits for its next banking duty. Sadly, this station has now been totally transformed and reduced in size.

Class 47, Warrington Arpley, Cheshire, United Kingdom, January, 1982 - How things were back in 1982. A Class 47 with a merry-go-round coal train from Yorkshire to Fiddler's Ferry power station at Warrington Arpley.

Class 47, Old Oak Common Traction Maintenance Depot, London, United Kingdom, May, 1986 - Inside the old Great Western "factory" at Old Oak Common depot with a line up of three Class 47s and three Class50s. Now, alas just a memory.

Class 86, Crewe Station, Crewe, United Kingdom, August, 1981 - 86 241 Glenfiddich leaves Crewe with a southbound express. (Yes, British rail actually named a loco after a malt whisky. We take our trains seriously here in UK!)

Class 55, Doncaster, Yorkshire, United Kingdom, May, 1980 - Deltic no. 55 006 The Fife and Forfar Yeomanry approaches Doncaster Station with a train from Kings Cross. Sadly, this view is now spoiled by overhead catenary. The loco was withdrawn the following year and subsequently scrapped.

Class 86, Crewe Station, Crewe, United Kingdom, September, 1981 - This loco, no. 86 235 was named Novelty and given a special livery with a decorative panel to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1980. It still carried the panel a year later.

Class 47, Bolton Trinity Street Station, Bolton, United Kingdom, June, 1984 - 47491 makes a stop at Bolton with a Glasgow to Manchester Victoria service back in 1984. Many changes today: This service is operated by 185 DMUs (not suited to services of this distance); The service now goes to Manchester Piccadilly; The old large building over the bridge has been demolished; The centre track has been removed. All gone a bit boring really.... Mind you, the loco still exists as 47769 with Riviera Trains.

Airbus A300

2011-12-07T01:00:00.001-08:00

The Airbus A300 is a short to medium range widebody aircraft. Launched in 1972 as the world's first twin-engined widebody, it was the first product of the Airbus consortium of European aerospace companies. The A300 ceased production in July 2007.

Scandinavian Airlines - SAS - Airbus A300-B2-320 - Paris - Le Bourget Airport - France, June 7, 1979.

Alitalia - Airbus A300-B4-203 - Paris - Charles de Gaulle Airport - France, July 1, 1985.

LINK: All Photos Copyright Michel Gilliand on Airliners.Net

Airbus A310

2011-12-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

The Airbus A310 is a medium to long range widebody airliner. Launched in 1978, it was the second aircraft created by the Airbus consortium of European aerospace companies. The A310 is a shortened derivative of the A300, the first twin-engined widebody airliner. The A310 ceased production in July 2007.

Lufthansa - Airbus A310-203 - Paris - Charles de Gaulle Airport - France, November 12, 1984.

Sabena Airlines - Airbus A310-222 - Paris - Charles de Gaulle Airport - France, May 18, 1985.

LINK: All Photos Copyright Michel Gilliand on Airliners.Net

Excursion Trains

2011-11-30T01:14:00.000-08:00

Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Chucky train July 31, 1959.

Helena, Montana -The Last Chancer Excursion Train 1959.

LINK: For many more great pics visit Actionlog's Photostream on Flickr.

Trans World Airlines

2011-11-20T12:59:00.000-08:00

TWA introduced "Super G" Constellation luxury service non-stop between New York and Los Angeles on April 1, 1955 and began European flights to London and Frankfurt on October 30th of the same year. Eventually twenty-eight Super G models flew nearly all of the carrier's domestic and international routes. (Postcard Photo courtesy of TWA)

From 1961 to 1974 TWA operated the world's largest Convair 880 fleet, on routes within the United States. One is shown arriving at Kansas City in April 1971. (Postcard Photo: Jerry Maag - Aviation World)

TWA purchased three Boeing 747-SPs, ultra long-range version of the 747, for delivery in early 1980. These "special performance" aircraft are ideally suited for longer intercontinental flights, and have a range of nearly 6,900 statute miles. (Postcard Photo courtesy of TWA)

Santa Fe Railway - 1940s

2011-11-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Washing one of the Santa Fe Railway 5400 horse power diesel freight locomotives in the roundhouse, Argentine, Kansas - March 1943. Photographer: Jack Delano - Library of Congress.

Santa Fe Railway streamliner, the "Super Chief," being serviced at the depot, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Servicing of these diesel streamliners takes five minutes - March 1943. Photographer: Jack Delano - Library of Congress.

Santa Fe Railway - 1960s

2011-11-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

Santa Fe Railroad ALCO PA diesel locomotive with passenger train at the Denver & Rio Grande Western and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific station in Colorado Springs. Here is one for its "long way around" to Royal Gorge and west, the other for its "long way around" to Chicago.

An array of Santa Fe freight and passenger diesels serviced and ready for mainline service as they emerge from the Argentine, Kansas Diesel Shop.

An assortment of power, including Santa Fe Fairbanks-Morse H_12-44TS and an Erie Lackawanna ALCO PA, in Chicago's Dearborn Station as Santa Fe's first No.17 "El Capitan", departs for the west - June 1967.

1939 Coca-Cola Truck

2011-10-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Chicago, operates 100 cab over engine Internationals. These units are especially adapted for delivery service in Chicago's congested traffic. (Official 1939 International Harvester Company postcard).

EMD F-3 Locomotive

2011-10-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

3000 H.P. Diesel Locomotive designed and built for the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Line) Railroad by Electro-Motive Division - General Motors - La Grange, Illinois.

This General Motors model F3 Diesel locomotive consists of two lead units, each equipped with one 16-cylinder, V-type, 2-cycle GM Diesel engine having a bore of 8.5 inches, stroke 10 inches and a unit fuel injection system.

The engines are rated a full 1500 horsepower for propulsion at 800 RPM providing a total of 3000 horsepower for the locomotive. Each engine is directly coupled to a DC-AC generator.

Willys - Overland

2011-10-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

Willys-Overland magazine advertisements from the early 1950's.

Willys was the brand name used by the United States automobile company, Willys-Overland Motors, best known for its design and production of military Jeeps and civilian versions during the twentieth century.

In 1908, John North Willys bought the Overland Automotive Division of Standard Wheel Company and in 1912 renamed it Willys-Overland Motor Company. From 1912 to 1918, Willys was the second largest producer of automobiles in the United States behind only the Ford Motor Company.

Jeep is now an automobile marque of Chrysler. It is the oldest off-road vehicle brand, with Land Rover coming in second.

Autocar Trucks

2011-09-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

Middle Atlantic Transportation was based in New Britain, CT. The company was purchased by Branch Motor Express of New York, NY in 1969. Photos taken in 1942 by LIFE magazine photographer, William C. Shrout.

I could not find much information on this trucking company but the trucks they used (at least in most of these pictures) were Autocar Trucks. If anyone can supply more info, it would be appreciated.

The Autocar Company started in 1899 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania as a manufacturer of Brass Era automobiles, and from 1907, trucks. The last cars were produced in 1912, but the company continued as a truck maker until 1953 when they were taken over by the White Motor Company.

Selling Air!

2011-09-12T01:05:00.000-07:00

Capital Airlines - speaking of people "ON THE WAY UP". 522 Flights Daily Between 75 Major Cities, timed by Girard Perregaux Official Watch.

The New Boeing 707 and Hartmann luggage. America's first jet airliner inspires a first in air-light luggage.

LA Harbor Fire Boats

2011-09-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

The dramatic, award winning building of Fire Station #112 was originally designed to shelter the Ralph J. Scott vintage fireboat, a national historic landmark, while allowing it to be viewed by visitors. (SEE LINK BELOW)

Commissioned in 1925, the classic fireboat is 99 feet long with a 19 foot beam. Its six four stage pumps produce 10,200 gallons of water per minute.

The Ralph J. Scott was retired in 2003 and now sits up in a cradle behind Fire Station 112 in San Pedro. The Port of Los Angeles is planning to develop a new facility to house the restored vessel.

The new 105-foot Fireboat #2 was dedicated on April 12, 2003. It is the world's most powerful fireboat. The new Fireboat #2 was designed by Robert Allan Ltd. in Vancouver, B.C., and built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Freeland, Washington.

Fireboat #2 features the most modern marine firefighting technology, a medical treatment area, powerful engines and the fortitude to stand up to 24-hour use.

Fire Station 112 has exhibits on the history of L.A. fireboats, and Fireboat #2 in particular, explaining the construction and varied uses of this most unusual vessel. No charge.

LINK: See and read the story about the Ralph J. Scott fireboat at the Los Angeles Fire Department Archives.

Dutch-Swiss TEE

2011-08-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

To tie together Europe's economic growth in the 1950's and 1960's, a high speed network of routes, called the Trans-Europe Express, was created. These international routes were intended to service business travelers who had to reach their destinations quickly, without the usual border delays. This luxury express service was ably provided by the Dutch-Swiss train sets.

The Trans-Europe Express (TEE) trains combined two qualities important to travelers in the 1950's: comfort and efficiency. A flexible suspension and a smooth ride were necessary to attract businessmen accustomed to luxury limousines and airplanes.

Douglas Aircraft DC-3

2011-08-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Douglas DC-3 is an American built aircraft whose speed and range revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s. Because of its lasting impact on the airline industry and World War II, it is generally regarded as one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made.

Transvalair Douglas C-47 Skytrain - Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France, February 8, 1986.

Stell Air Douglas DC-3 Dakota - Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France, December 2, 1985.

Skyways Douglas C-47B Dakota Mk4 (DC-3A) - Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France, August 1979.

LINK: All Photos Copyright Michel Gilliand on Airliners.Net - Used With Permission.

B-45 Tornado

2011-07-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

The North American B-45 Tornado was the United States Air Force's first operational jet bomber, and the first jet aircraft to be refuelled in the air. (US Air Force Photo)

The B-45 began development in 1944, when the War Department, alarmed by German jet bombers like the Arado Ar 234, called for a new family of jet bombers grossing between 80,000 and 200,000 pounds. (US Air Force Photo)

The first flight of the XB-45 was on March 17, 1947 from Muroc Army Air Field (Edwards Air Force Base). A total of 131 test flights were flown by the three prototype aircraft. (US Air Force Photo)

The B-45 was an important part of the United States's nuclear deterrent for several years in the early 1950s, but was rapidly succeeded by the Boeing B-47 Stratojet. (US Air Force Photo)

Four B-45s have survived to the present day. They are located at: Castle Air Museum in Atwater, California - Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona - National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton, Ohio - Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland, Nebraska.

Amtrak / Santa Fe Railroad

2011-07-23T09:42:00.000-07:00

Santa Fe Railroad EMD FP45 - Lamy train station - Lamy, New Mexico, July, 1968 - Santa Fe's combined El Capitan Super Chief rolls out of Lamy behind FP45u's #103 and #102, looking like someone was in a hurry to get this train out of Los Angeles - note the silver paint overspray on the pilot and anticlimber, and the mis-placed transition baggage car in the consist! Photo by George Matlack, my late father, used with permission.

Amtrak / Santa Fe EMD F7 - Waldo, New Mexico, September, 1972 - Ex-ATSF F7A #308 leads a six-unit power lashup on the point of the Southwest Limited chasing the setting sun through the ghost remains of Waldo. Amtrak is young, and it's early striping can be seen on the transition/baggage car and coaches.

Amtrak / Santa Fe EMD F7 - La Bajada Hill, West of Los Cerrillos, New Mexico, October, 1972 - Amtrak #3, The Southwest Limited, descends La Bajada Hill, westbound for Albuquerque. Amtrak is just over 1 year old and is still using old ATSF Warbonnet power, and the train is still a combination of low and high-level equipment. Early Amtrak stripes are visible on the baggage car and coaches. A dome car, probably ex-Turquoise Room, is visible in the first-class section toward the rear of the consist.

Amtrak / Santa Fe EMD F7 - La Bajada Hill, West of Los Cerrillos, New Mexico, October, 1972 - Amtrak #4, The Southwest Limited, ascends La Bajada Hill, eastbound for Lamy. Amtrak is just over 1 year old and is still using old ATSF Warbonnet power, and the train is still a combination of low and high-level equipment. Early Amtrak stripes are visible on the baggage car.

Railroading - Chicago Style!

2011-07-21T14:41:00.001-07:00

During the heyday of rail transportation in the first half of the twentieth century, Chicago reigned as the undisputed railroad center of the United States and was served by six intercity train terminals.

With the decline of rail passenger service many of these facilities disappeared. Today only Union Station remains in use in a substantially original form, and is the only one served by Amtrak intercity trains.

The Chicago and North Western Passenger Terminal has been replaced with a newer station and renamed Ogilvie Transportation Center, and LaSalle Street Station has also been replaced with a newer facility.

Millennium Station is on the site of the pre-1893 Illinois Central Railroad Central Depot, used since then only for commuter trains. All four stations are used by Metra commuter service.

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (ATSF) EMD F3 - Roosevelt Road, Chicago, Illinois, June 06, 1962 - The GRAND CANYON arrives at Dearborn Station behind EMD F3 units late in the afternoon.

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (ATSF) EMD F3 - Dearborn Station, Chicago, Illinois, June 06, 1962 - EMD F units are ready to lead the GRAND CANYON west from Chicago.

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy EMD E8 - Roosevelt Road, Chicago, Illinois, June 06, 1962 - Two Burlington E8 units power the Northern Pacific's NORTH COAST LIMITED from Union Station. There is a Budd Slumbercoach several cars back. This was the summer of the Seattle World's Fair.

Gulf, Mobile & Ohio EMD E7 - Roosevelt Road, Chicago, Illinois, June 06, 1962 - GM&O E7 units 102A and 102 are backing into Union Station with train 3, the ABRAHAM LINCOLN, for its 5:50 p.m. CDT departure. The Missouri Pacific sleeper was a through car to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific (Rock Island) EMD E8 - Roosevelt Road, Chicago, Illinois, June 06, 1962 - An E8, E7B and FP7A are teamed up on the Rock Island / Southern Pacific GOLDEN STATE departing LaSalle St. station.

LINK: To see many more great vintage railroad photos, visit Bob Krone on RailPictures.Net - Thank you Bob!

XM Turnpike Cruiser

2011-07-05T17:12:00.000-07:00

One of Mercury’s most memorable dream cars is the XM Turnpike Cruiser. The XM foretold the styling of the '57-59 production Mercury models. Bold styling was highlighted by 12-inch V-shaped taillights flowing from matching white pearlescent, concave sculpted, canted rear fender tips/fins.

Twin transparent-tint Plexiglas roof panels tilted up when doors were opened to assist entry and exit. Other interesting design details included dual exhaust exiting from the rear fenders, chromed quad bullets in the front bumper, four bucket seats and concealed door handles. The center portion of the three-section backlight could be lowered for ventilation, a feature adapted by the production 1957 Turnpike Cruiser.

In order to acquaint the public with Mercury's upcoming radically new look, it was decided to build running concept car. A full-size, fully-operational model, the Mercury XM Turnpike Cruiser was constructed in 1955 by Ghia in Italy for $80,000.

This one-off dream car made its public debut at the Cleveland Auto Show in January 1956. The XM was powered by a 312 cu. in. Mercury V-8 with dual four barrel carbs connected to a stock Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission. The dashboard had a tachometer and a 150 mph speedometer.

After it traveled the auto show circuit, the persimmon beauty was carted to various Lincoln Mercury dealers throughout the U.S. in a special trailer with large transparent side glazing so that the car could easily be viewed while still in the trailer. The tractor and trailer were painted the same color as the XM and fitted with wide whitewall tires.

LINK: Please visit The Old Car Manual Project.

Largest in the World

2011-06-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

MS Oasis of the Seas is an Oasis-class cruise ship in the fleet of Royal Caribbean International. (More Info on Wikipedia)

The first of her class, she was joined by her sister ship Allure of the Seas in December 2010. Both vessels cruise the Caribbean from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

She set a new record of carrying over 6,000 passengers. The ship surpasses the Freedom-class cruise ships (also owned by Royal Caribbean) as the largest cruise ship in the world.

Suez Canal Shipping

2011-06-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

The Suez Canal is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Opened in November 1869 after 10 years of construction work, it allows water transportation between Europe and Asia without navigation around Africa. The northern terminus is Port Said and the southern terminus is Port Tawfik at the city of Suez.

When first built, the canal was 102 miles long and 26 ft deep. After multiple enlargements, the canal is 120 miles long, 79 feet deep and 673 feet wide as of 2010. It is single-lane with passing places in Ballah By-Pass and in the Great Bitter Lake. It contains no locks, seawater flows freely through the canal. In general, the Canal north of the Bitter Lakes flows north in winter and south in summer. The current south of the lakes changes with the tide at Suez.

The canal is owned and maintained by the Suez Canal Authority of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Under international treaty, it may be used "in time of war as in time of peace, by every vessel of commerce or of war, without distinction of flag." (More info on Wikipedia) (Postcards circa 1965)

The Douglas DC-4E

2011-06-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

The Douglas DC-4E design originated in 1935 from a requirement by United Air Lines. The goal was to develop a much larger and more sophisticated replacement for the DC-3, before the first DC-3 had even flown.

There was enough interest from other airlines, that American Airlines, Eastern Air Lines, Pan American Airways, and Trans World Airlines joined United in providing $100,000 each toward the cost of developing the new aircraft. Pan American and TWA later withdrew their funds in favour of the Boeing 307 which was seen as being more economical.

With a planned capacity of 42 passengers, the DC-4 (as it was then known) would seat twice as many people as the DC-3. It would be the first large airplane with a nose wheel. Other innovations included auxiliary power units, power-boosted flight controls, alternating current electrical system, and air conditioning.

Cabin pressurization was also planned for the production aircraft. The aircraft also featured a novel tail with three vertical stabilizers. This provided sufficient vertical stabilizer area to allow the aircraft to take-off with only two engines on one side operating.

The prototype first flew on 7 June 1938 from Clover Field in Santa Monica, California. It was used by United Air Lines for in-service evaluation during 1939. Operating the aircraft was remarkably trouble-free. However, the complex systems proved to be expensive to maintain and the design was abandoned in favor of a smaller, less complex four-engined design. This newer design was designated DC-4, leading to the earlier design to be re-designated DC-4E (E for "experimental").

The DC-4E was sold to Japan, which was buying western aircraft for evaluation and technology transfer during this period. The design became the basis of the Nakajima G5N bomber.

Monorail Postcards

2011-06-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Back of postcard reads: Monorail Train Ride at Fun Pier - Wildwood by the Sea, New Jersey.

Back of postcard reads: Riverside Park - Route 5A, Agawam, Mass - Monorail: Latest development in amusement rides. Only one on the East Coast.

Back of postcard reads: Trailblazer, the first Monorail train. Located at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. Erected in U.S. placed in service October 6, 1956.

Back of postcard reads: Dutch Wonderland U.S. Route 30 East, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. - A 34 acre "Wonderland" of Enchantment & Fantasy.

Back of postcard reads: Greetings from Pomona, California. Monorail car, one of 14 on mile long monorail tour of huge grounds, glides over visitors to annual Los Angeles County Fair.

INDY 500 - 100 Years

2011-05-29T09:29:00.001-07:00

The Indianapolis 500, celebrates its 100 Anniversary this year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana - (1960s postcard)

The event, billed as The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, is considered one of the three most significant motorsports events in the world.

Henderson Mine Railroad

2011-05-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

By: Chris Nuthall. The Henderson Mine Railroad, high up in the mountains west of Denver, Colorado, was unique when compared with regular railroads in the US - it was narrow gauge, electrified, used two axle locomotives in push-pull formation and, at the time, boasted the longest railroad tunnel in the US - albeit with only one portal. The line was the dedicated haulage system for the AMAX molybdenum mining and processing operation at Henderson, which, in 1980 was the largest single producer of molybdenum concentrate in the world.

The railroad linked the American Metal Climax (AMAX) Henderson molybdenum mine, located under Red Mountain near Empire, west of Denver, with the processing mill on the other side of the Continental Divide, about five miles off Highway 9 between Silverthorne and Kremmling, on Ute Pass Road. Commissioned in 1976, by 1980 Henderson was the world’s largest single producer of molybdenum ore, mining, hauling and crushing some 4.6 million tons of ore to produce 25,000 tons of molybdenum concentrate per annum.

The railroad was of 3 foot 6 inch gauge double track and electrified to 1,400V DC. It ran for 15 miles from an elevation of 7,500 feet, with the first 10 miles of dead straight 3% rising grade in tunnel (the longest tunnel in the US at the time), then a further 5 miles on an easier 1.3% rising grade from the tunnel Portal, winding up the William Fort Valley to the Crusher at the Mill site, elevation 9,500 feet. The maximum speed on the railroad was 25 mph.

At the bottom of the tunnel the line leveled out and took a turn to the right along what was known as the "hanging wall" before branching off into the various loading drifts, the ore being mined from various levels up to 400 feet above the loading area. Just before the start of the hanging wall the overhead voltage was dropped to 600V DC for safety reasons.

3533 inside a loading drift in the depths of the mine.

There was a ventilation shaft (Vent Raise) located halfway up the tunnel. With air temperatures at the bottom up to 100 degrees F, even in winter, and the Portal temperature down as low as -20 degrees F, the temperature gradient at the Vent Raise could be quite severe, with high humidity air coming up from the mine.

Ore trains were set up with usually two locomotives (locally known as locies or lokies) at the mill end and one at the mine end with about 22 ore wagons in between, connected by a six-wire Intra Train Communication (ITC) system which ran through each ore car. Occasionally 30-car trains were run with two pairs of locomotives.

Loaded train stops to confer with the operator of
GEC train at the Portal.

The mill site was self-contained as far rolling stock maintenance was concerned, with a combined "loci" shop and car barn, each fitted out with inspection pits and cranes, situated just before the crusher, where the loaded ore trains were discharged. Beyond the crusher was the tail track, three sidings where trains reversed for another run down to the mine to load, or for remarshalling to remove bad order locomotives or cars.

The haulage system worked around the clock; except on planned shutdown days and each train could run up to 8 or 9 return trips in a 24-hour period. For switching, the site had four small diesel locomotives, a number built by Plymouth.

A pair of Plymouth diesels take
3533 and 3535 to the tail track after repairs.

The original haulage fleet consisted of 32 locomotives (3501 to 3532) supplied by ASEA of Sweden, however in 1978 AMAX ordered four new locomotives of similar appearance from GEC Traction of Manchester, UK, due to ongoing issues with the ASEA fleet. This was apparently the first time that complete electric locomotives had been supplied to the USA from the UK and the first time for a long while that a British company had supplied a locomotive of any type to the USA.

The four locomotives were delivered from 1980 and were numbered 3533 to 3536 - they also had the distinction of being the very last locomotives to be built at the Vulcan Foundry at Newton le Willows, between Manchester and Liverpool, UK (Works Nos. 5590 to 5593). They were dual voltage; chopper controlled of a two-axle rigid design with two nose suspended 460kW (616 hp - continuous rating) G415BY traction motors similar to those supplied for the 7E 50kV AC ISCOR locomotives in South Africa.

With approximately 4-inch thick steel for the frames, the locomotives weighed in at 62 tons each, with almost 47 inch diameter wheels and a length of 25 feet 3 inches. The locomotive featured both dynamic and regenerative brake, enabling them to put power back into the overhead line while traveling down the tunnel in braking mode.

The haulage capacity was approximately 50% higher than that of the ASEA locomotives, demonstrated on one occasion when a locomotive on a preceding train failed and the two GEC locomotives rescued the disabled train in the tunnel, effectively hauling their own loaded train of 16 ore cars, plus a third of the preceding train’s 22 ore cars and a dead locomotive. In an early test, two GEC locomotives accelerated a fully loaded train of 16 ore cars from zero to 25 mph on the 3% grade in 2,000 feet.

The GEC locomotives did not live up to their expectations and a series of modifications were carried out, which led to improved reliability.

Modifications being undertaken on 3534 in the Loci Shop.

The first full day of ore haulage using these locomotives occurred on 31 July 1981, using locomotives 3533 and 3535, with 15 or 16 ore cars, with 3534 as standby. The final locomotive 3536 arrived in Denver at the end of 1981 and delivery to the mill site occurred early the following year. All four locomotives were operational by February 1982 and three locomotive trains with 21 or 22 ore cars were regularly run, although some three-locomotive test running had taken place before the arrival of 3536.

A serious downturn in the industry saw the mine and mill closed in October 1982 and the locomotives put into storage. The mine reopened in January 1984 and the locomotives were reactivated for a further period of service.

A loaded ore train arrives at the crusher hauled by
three GEC locomotives.

By the end of July 1999 the haulage system ceased operation and was replaced by an elevated conveyor, one of the longest of its type in the world, which basically ran up the tunnel and followed some of the original railroad formation to the mill. The haulage system was cut up for salvage in 2000, with two of the original ASEA locomotives being preserved, 3517 at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry, Colorado Springs and 3524 at the entrance of the Henderson Mill site itself.

The four GEC locomotives also lasted until the end and were disposed of in the same year. The author was on the UK commissioning team for the GEC locomotives for a year from April 1981 and experienced many interesting trips into the tunnel, riding "shotgun" on the GEC locomotives. Much of the article is from memory so any corrections would be gratefully received.

The end of the line - a view of the Tail Track at
the Henderson Mill site.

Continental Trailways

2011-05-06T11:18:00.001-07:00

Continental Trailways was founded February 5, 1936, by the Burlington Transportation Company, Santa Fe Trails Transportation Company, Missouri-Pacific Stages, Safeway Lines, Inc., and Frank Martz Coach Company.

The New Silver Eagle - Trailways' new SILVER EAGLE luxury buses include travel comforts such as soft music, restroom facilities and many other outstanding features.

The GOLDEN EAGLE - The bus that has everything... on Five Star Luxury Service... the service that has everything - See America at Scenery Level with Continental Trailways.

LINK: Read more about the Trailways Transportation System on Wikipedia.

National Train Day 2011

2011-05-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Arrives this Saturday to over 200 locations around the country.

For more information CLICK HERE.

40 Years as America’s Railroad

Amtrak has carried passengers on journeys across the length and breadth of the United States. People take our trains to visit family and friends, see America, experience the journey and come home again. For more info CLICK HERE.

Akron Blimp - 1965

2011-04-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

Goodyear Air-Dock - The world's largest building without interior supports.

GE ES44C4 Locomotive

2011-04-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the 3rd Annual San Bernardino Railroad Days event. And I got a chance to take some nice pictures of many trains, vintage fire trucks and other transportation things of interest. I will do additional posts on this event in the near future.

But first, a new diesel-electric locomotive from General Electric, the "6662". This one is 3 weeks old. I some how lost the data sheet for this locomotive so the information I have added to the pictures is from Wikipedia.

The ES44C4 is the newest 4400 HP model in the Evolution Series. It is similar to the ES44AC, except that it has four traction motors instead of six. The center axle of each truck is unpowered, giving an A1A-A1A wheel arrangement. BNSF is the launch customer for this model, ordering 25 units numbered 6600-6624.

A unique feature of these units is that there is a variable traction control system in their computer systems. One of the differences between an ES44AC and an ES44C4 are the air cylinders and linkages on the truck sideframes of the ES44C4; these are part of the traction control system.

The Evolution Series locomotives are visually similar to the Dash 9 and AC4400CW, although small differences are evident. The most significant differences are in the radiator section at the rear of the locomotive; the "wings" at the end of the carbody are larger, as is the entire radiator of the locomotive.

As with the AC6000CW the radiators project beyond the end of the hood, and unlike any previous GE locomotive the grills under the radiator are at two different angles. The increase in radiator size is due to the necessity of greater cooling capacity in the locomotive in order to reduce emissions.

Here is a LINK to the Viewliner Limited Blog for another great locomotive from the past that was also at this event. ENJOY!

Baldwin Turbine

2011-04-07T14:28:00.001-07:00

Between 1947–1948, Baldwin built three unique coal-fired steam turbine electric locomotives, designed for passenger service on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. The 6,000 horsepower units which were equipped with Westinghouse electrical systems were 106 feet long, making them the longest locomotives ever built for passenger service. The cab was mounted in the center, with a coal bunker ahead of it and a backwards mounted boiler behind it.

These locomotives were intended for a route from Washington, D.C. to Cincinnati, Ohio but could never travel the whole route without some sort of failure. Coal dust and water frequently got into the traction motors. While these problems could have been fixed given enough time, it was obvious that these locomotives would always be to expensive to maintain and were considered (at the time) to be complete failures. All three were scrapped in 1950.

The Comet

2011-04-07T14:23:00.002-07:00

The Comet was a diesel electric streamliner built in 1935 for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad by the Goodyear-Zeppelin Company. Smaller than the other streamliners, it was a three-car, double-ended train that could operate in both directions and thus did not need to be turned at destinations.

It was initially placed into service between Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island on a 44 mile, 44 minute schedule as advertised. This service lasted until the beginning of World War II, when increased traffic volume overwhelmed the capacity of the Comet, after which it was placed on local commuter services around the Boston area. The trainset was withdrawn from service in 1951 and scrapped.

Metropolitan

2011-04-02T12:19:00.001-07:00

The Nash Metropolitan conforms to two classes of vehicle, economy car and subcompact car. In today’s terminology the Metropolitan is a “subcompact”, but this category had not yet come into use when the car was made. At that time it was variously categorized, for example as a "small automobile" as well as an "economy car."

The Metropolitan was also sold as a Hudson when Nash and Hudson merged in 1954 to form the American Motors Corporation (AMC), and later as a standalone marque during the Rambler years, as well as in the United Kingdom and other markets.

1950 NXI - Nash Experimental International

1954 NASH Metropolitan Hardtop 542

1954 and 1955 Metropolitan Advertisement

1955 Metropolitan Brochure

LINK: Much more cool stuff at Chuck's Toyland

Buick Concept Cars

2011-03-26T17:35:00.001-07:00

General Motors designer Harley Earl is generally credited with inventing the concept, or show, car, and did much to popularize it through its traveling Motorama shows of the 1950s. (Press release photographs)

Prominently displayed among special exhibits at the Chicago Auto Show, February 24 - March 4, will be the 1938 Buick experimental Y-Job, often referred to as America's first true dream car. With creator Harley J. Earl, GM Styling Chief.

In 1950, General Motors introduced "Le Sabre" which was truly a laboratory on wheels. Designed by the late Harley J. Earl, the GM Vice President in Charge of Styling, this low slung Buick dream car had the first panoramic windshield and many other innovations now found on production cars.

Buick's XP-300 has one of the most powerful and compact engines ever designed for an automobile. The engine is a super-charged V-8 type and has a piston displacement of slighly more than 215 cubic inches.

LINK: Lots more cool stuff to be found at Chuck's Toyland.

Key to a Richer Life

2011-03-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

General Motors advertisements from the 1950s.

Dollar for Dollar - You can't beat a Pontiac.

Blackbird Park

2011-03-01T15:17:00.000-08:00

Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, located in Palmdale is also known as Blackbird Park - Palmdale Plant 42. I try to stop by at least once a year (2010) and found some new additions to the parks ever growing aircraft inventory.

The addition of the T-33 Shooting Star is remarkable. It is probably, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful and historic jets ever produced.

This T-33 Shooting Star Trainer is maintained by the Civil Air Patrol Squadron 84 at Edwards Air Force Base.

This is the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star jet fighter version. It was the first operational jet fighter used by the United States Army Air Forces, and saw extensive combat in Korea with the United States Air Force as the F-80. As one of the world's first successful turbojet powered combat aircraft, it helped usher in the "jet age" in the USAF and other air forces worldwide.

The massive Boeing B-52F Startofortress is still in the "Work In Process" display mode, but looking very nice.

Newer versions of the B-52, flying today, have a different nose configuration loaded with state of the art electronics.

It is amazing to think this plane has been around for more than 55 years. Shown here with some serious armament in the tail.

Here is a LINK to a picture of the same Boeing B-52F Stratofortress when it was on display at the Oklahoma City State Fairgrounds.

The most unbelievable jet plane ever built. The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Ground Attack aircraft.

The F-117A's first flight was in 1981, and it achieved Initial Operational Capability status in October 1983. The F-117A was "acknowledged" and revealed to the world in November 1988 and was widely publicized during the Gulf War of 1991.

The Air Force retired the F-117 on 22 April 2008, primarily due to the acquisition and eventual deployment of the more effective F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

EMD La Grange

2011-02-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. traces its roots to the Electro-Motive Engineering Corporation, founded in 1922. In 1930 General Motors Corporation purchased the Winton Engine Co. and Winton's primary customer, Electro-Motive Company, eventually combining the two to form GM's Electro-Motive division in 1941.

In 2005, GM sold the division to Greenbriar Equity Group / Berkshire Partners who formed Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. EMD's headquarters, engineering facilities and parts manufacturing operations are located in La Grange, Illinois. (Wikipedia)

St. Louis - San Francisco Railway - GM EMD E-7 Diesel Locomotive - La Grange, Illinois - 1947.

Southern Railway System - GM EMD E-7 Diesel Locomotive - La Grange, Illinois - 1949.

Chicago Great Western Railway - GM EMD F-7 Diesel Locomotive - La Grange, Illinois - 1949.

Kansas City Southern Lines - GM EMD F-3 Diesel Locomotive - La Grange, Illinois - 1947.

All photos are Vanishing Vistas Photo Cards published by Lyman E. Cox in the 1970s.

Cadillac Cars

2011-01-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

1957 Cadillac Biarritz Convertible Coupe - Attractive bronze lacquer finish, Big "V8" engine with dual carbs makes this a delight to drive.

1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible - Pleated black leather interior, Beautiful chrome trim, Low production convertible.

1960 Cadillac Convertible Coupe - Magnificent Fleetwood interior of top grained leather, radio with automatic antenna. Cruise in comfort at up to 18 m.p.g.

Pan American Clippers

2011-01-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Pan American World Airways, commonly known as Pan Am, was the principal international airline of the United States from the 1930s until its collapse on December 4, 1991.

The airline became a major company credited with many innovations that shaped the international airline industry, including the widespread use of jet aircraft and jumbo jets.

Identified by its blue globe logo (widely known as "the blue ball") and the use of the word "Clipper" in aircraft names and call signs, the airline was a cultural icon of the 20th century, and the unofficial flag carrier of the United States.

1978 - Pan Am Clipper "Mount Vernon" - Boeing 707.

1979 - Pan Am Clipper "Gem of the Skies" - Boeing 707.

1983 - Pan Am Clipper "America" - Boeing 707.

1985 - Pan Am Clipper "Liberty Bell" - Boeing 747SP.

1985 - Pan Am Clipper "Great Republic" - Boeing 747SP.

1985 - Pan Am Clipper "Constitution" - Boeing 747SP.

LINK: All photos copyright Michel Gilliand on Airliners.Net

Greyhound Bus Lines

2011-01-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

~ Magazine advertisement from the 1950's ~

Greyhound bus will transport visitors around the grounds of the World's Fair when it opens to the public. New York, NY, 1939. (LIFE magazine photo)

Thomas E. Dewey getting off of a Greyhound bus on the campaign trail. He gave a speech here at St. Peter's school. Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 1948. (LIFE magazine photo)

People waving goodbye to Greyhound bus driver Harry Huter, June 1949, (Photographer: Tony Linck)

LINK: LIFE magazine photo database on Google.

Diesel vs Steam - 1954

2011-01-15T13:07:00.001-08:00

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad - GE Electro-Motive E-5 Diesel "The Silver Pilot" pulls the Zephyr by the East Union Station.

Norfolk & Western Railroad #610 - The engineer eases the big J Class Northern down to the Roanoke, Virginia station where it will couple up to it's train.

Western Pacific Railroad

2011-01-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

Founded in 1903, the Western Pacific Railroad was built as a portion of the Gould family's efforts to create a transcontinental railroad in the late 19th and early 20th century. One of the American West’s most popular railroads, the WP attracted rail enthusiasts from around the world.

From 1910 to 1982, its diverse route provided scenic views of the San Francisco Bay Area, the mountain communities of the famous Feather River Route, and the deserts of Nevada and Utah. The Western Pacific originated in 1900 as the Alameda and San Joaquin Railroad.

The railroad which would become the Western Pacific was financed and built by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, under the direction of George Jay Gould I, to provide a standard gauge track connection to the Pacific Coast. In 1909, it became the last railroad completed into California. (Wikipedia)

An A-B-B set of Western Pacific E.M.D. 1500 horsepower, F-3 passenger diesel units rests between runs on the "California Zephyr".

Westbound over the thundering North Fork of the Feather River rolls the Western Pacific EMD FT diesel No. 906-A, facing another forty five miles of canyon.

Idling away the sunny hours outside the #7 stall of the old Sacramento shops are Western Pacific FT units 902-D and 902-C - January 1963.

Five Western Pacific F-Units grind their way eastbound over Altamont Pass, near Livermore, California - April 1972.

Seattle Transportation

2011-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Bellevue ferry landing, 1914.

Horse-drawn garbage wagon, 1915.

Tour boat Alice Ross on Diablo Lake, 1936.

Anderson Water Tours pamphlet, 1937.

Seattle Transit City bus, 1953.

Monorail under construction, 1961.

Alweg Monorail, 1962.

LINK: Seattle Municipal Archives' photostream on Flickr.

Delaware & Hudson RR

2010-12-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

The Delaware and Hudson Railway is an historic railroad that operated in the northeastern United States.

Baldwin RF-16 in Watervliet, New York, July 12, 1975 - Sharknose Special (Photo Credit: George W. Hamlin)

Since 1991 it has been a subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway, although CPR has assumed all operations and the D&H does not maintain any locomotives and rolling stock.

Baldwin RF-16 in Watervliet, New York, July 12, 1975 - Sharknose Special (Photo Credit: George W. Hamlin)

It was formerly an important bridge line, connecting New York with Montreal, Quebec. The company started out as the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, which built a canal running from Kingston, New York on the Hudson River southwest to Port Jervis, New York on the Delaware River and beyond to the anthracite coal fields at Carbondale, Pennsylvania.

Alco PA4 in Mechanicville, New York, July 12, 1975 (Photo Credit: George W. Hamlin)

The canal company later built a railroad, one of the first railroads in the United States, later known as the Delaware and Hudson Company and then the Delaware and Hudson Railroad until 1968. The D&H has called itself "America's oldest continually operated transportation company."

Alco PA4 in Fort Edward, New York, July 12, 1975 (Photo Credit: George W. Hamlin)

LINK: Please visit George W. Hamlin's Website

Boeing 707 Jetliner

2010-12-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

Air Florida stewardesses on board a Boeing 707

~ The Age of Aquarius ~

A Gathering of Eagles

2010-11-29T13:28:00.000-08:00

Macdill Air Force Base, Florida - Air Force One carrying
President George W. Bush - USAF photo by Airman
1st Class Jason P. Robertson.

Air Force One flies over Mount Rushmore. These aircraft are flown by the presidential aircrew, maintained by the presidential maintenance branch, and are assigned to Air Mobility Command's 89th Airlift Wing, Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Boeing C-32A (757-2G4)

McDonnell Douglas VC-9C (DC-9-32)

Gulfstream Aerospace C-37A Gulfstream V

Dayton, Ohio - Lockheed VC-140B Jetstar at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

American Motors

2010-11-27T13:24:00.000-08:00

On January 14th, 1954 the American Motors Corporation was formed by the merger of the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and the Hudson Motor Car Company. At the time, it was the largest corporate merger in U.S. history, valued at $198 million. Had AMC survived, they would have been celebrating their 55th anniversary this month. But it was not ment to be!

While the "Big Three" introduced ever larger cars, AMC followed a "dinosaur-fighter" strategy by focusing on the compact car, a fuel efficient vehicle twenty years before there was a real need for them. And a refusal to participate in the Big Three's restyling race policy helped Rambler develop a reputation as solid economy cars.

So let's take a look back at some of the car designs that AMC inherited, in photos and advertisments provided by Charles D. Test at Chuck's Toyland. A website of wonderful and historic "STUFF".

1952 Nash Ambassador Super 5265.

1952 Nash Healey photograph in living color.

1952 Nash Pinin Farina Ambassador Custom.

1953 Rambler Custom Convertible.

1954 The Saturday Evening Post advertisement.

1955 Indianapolis Nash Rambler dealership.

Truckin'

2010-11-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

A cargo of cookies on a highway in the palms of Florida - another load for another International Truck - International Harvester Company, 180 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

Another example of what a better truck can do - Cows that almost Jump Over the Moon - The White Motor Company, Cleveland, Ohio.

We've Got Youngsters of Our Own ... You Bet We Drive Safely - Motor Truck Division International Harvester Company.

The new Diamond T post-war models are faster, more powerful, longer-lived than ever - Diamond T Motor Car Company, Chicago, Illinois - Established in 1905.

LINK: Much more on Newhousedesign's Photostream on Flickr

Vintage Railroad PCS

2010-11-12T09:41:00.000-08:00

Freight yards in Albuquerque, New Mexico -1900s.

Union Pacific Railroad station in Las Vegas, Nevada - 1940s.

Pennsylvania Station in New York City - 1910.

Veterans Day

2010-11-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Power Trio

2010-11-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

Union Pacific Railroad # 6913 - Model DD40X "Centennial" Diesel Locomotive - Manufactured by General Motors Electro-Motive Division - 270 Tons / 6,600 horsepower - 1986.

Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway # M160 "Doodlebug" - Manufactured by Brill Company in 1931.

Amtrak Train # 77 "The Hudson Highlander" - Five car "Turboliner" trainset built by Rohr - July 1986.

New Sabre Jet

2010-10-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

Brand new Sabre Jet - August 1950 - LIFE Photographer: Edward Clark.

Metrolink EMD

2010-10-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

Metrolink is a regional rail system that serves Southern California. It was established in 1991 as the "Southern California Regional Rail Authority" and service began the following year.

Metrolink EMD diesel #519. Midway Yard, Los Angeles

LINK: LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Douglas XB-19

2010-10-14T08:33:00.001-07:00

The Douglas XB-19 was the largest bomber aircraft built for the United States Army Air Corps until 1946. It was originally given the designation XBLR-2 (XBLR- denoting Experimental Bomber, Long Range).

Amsterdam Centraal

2010-10-14T08:31:00.001-07:00

The station building of Amsterdam Centraal was designed by Pierre Cuypers and A. L. van Gendt, and opened in 1889. It features a roof span of approximately 40 metres fabricated in cast iron by Andrew Handyside of Derby, England.

ALCO Steam

2010-10-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

Steam locomotive specification photo cards from the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of New York. Locomotives built for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Dates and data are on the backs of the real photo cards.

Flying Tigers Line

2010-10-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Flying Tiger Line, also known as Flying Tigers, was the first scheduled cargo airline in the United States and a major military charter operator during the Cold War era for both cargo and personnel. The company was started by Robert William Prescott.

The airline was named after the Flying Tigers fighter unit of World War II, officially the 1st American Volunteer Group. Ten former AVG pilots formed the Flying Tiger Line (originally called National Skyway Freight) after returning to the United States in 1945, using a small fleet of Budd Company C-93 Conestoga freighters purchased as war surplus from the United States Navy.

Flying Tigers Boeing 747-245F/SCD - Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France, April 29, 1981.

Flying Tigers Boeing 747-245F/SCD - Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France, September 21, 1980.

Flying Tigers McDonnell Douglas DC-8-73CF - Le Bourget Field, Paris, France, March 4, 1987.

Flying Tigers McDonnell Douglas DC-8-63CF - Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France, August 17, 1980.

LINK: All Photos Copyright Michel Gilliand on Airliners.Net

Tanks for the Memories

2010-09-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill crossing the Rhine River in an amphibious Buffalo vehicle crewed by British soldiers. Germany, 1945 - LIFE Photographer: George Rodger.

US Army M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle fitted with reactive armor standing in test range-type setting. Date taken: 1990. Location and photographer unknown.

M-114 armored recon vehicle. Germany, 1963 - LIFE Photographer: Ralph Crane.

An M-44 armored utility vehicle known as a "Doughboy's Friend", with a squad of troops following behind in formation. Maryland, February 1949 - LIFE Photographer: Herbert Gehr.

B.O.A.C.

2010-09-26T00:08:00.000-07:00

BOAC to Scotland - From New York to Montreal
British Overseas Airways Luggage Label

Howard Fogg

2010-09-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

These postcards are from the New York Central Railroad System and are paintings by renowned railroad artist Howard Fogg. Why there is no biography of him on Wikipedia is beyond me. But HERE are more of his paintings and a little information about him. To see more of these cards please visit my other blog... The Viewliner Limited. ENJOY!

New York Central multi-level automobile train rolls through the scenic Hudson River Valley.

Mills of the Homestead District Works of United States Steel Corporation, surround the main line.

Christmas Mail 1907, Stoops Ferry, Pennsylvania.

Extra west picks up at Aliquippa Yard. Blast furnaces and ore and limestone stockpiles of Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation in background.

Christmas Eve 1961 - McKees Rocks Locomotive Shop.

Derby England Trains

2010-09-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

Steam locomotives photographed around the Derby area in the 1960's.

48350 and more 8F's on Derby loco depot 1965.

A4 pacific 60019 Bittern on a special visit to Derby.

A typical view of Derby depot with 2 black 5's.

Patriot class 45519 Lady Godiva on the down Devonian.

LINK: To see more cool pictures visit John Neave's Photostream on Flickr - And when your done there visit John's website "Going Loco", great place.

Vintage Ships

2010-09-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

French Line "France" - Length 1035 feet, Gross tonnage 66,300 - The "France" is the longest liner in the world. It was launced in 1960 and made its first voyage to New York from Southampton on the 3rd February, 1962. It is capable of carrying over 2,000 passengers. (A J. Arthur Dixon Natural Colour Photogravure Post Card)

Canadian Pacific S.S. "Duchess of Richmond" - Gross Tonnage 20,022 - Real Photo postcard postmarked September 16th, 1932 --- (From Wikipedia: RMS Empress of Canada was an ocean liner built in 1928-1929 for Canadian Pacific Steamships by John Brown & Co. at Glasgow, Scotland, until 1947 she was the SS Duchess of Richmond.

RFA Sir Lancelot (L3029), launched on 25 June 1963, was a Round Table class landing ship logistic of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the first of the class. Initially managed for the Army dept by British India SN Co. transferring to the RFA in 1970. In 1982 as part of the Amphibious Task Group, she entered San Carlos Water on 21 May and uniquely remained for the duration.

Displacement: 3,370 tons standard - 5,550 tons fully loaded - Length: 412 feet (126 m) - Propulsion: 2 Denny Sulzer (later B&W) diesels - Power: 9,520 bhp (7099 kW) - Speed: 17 knots (31 km/h) - Range: 9,200 nautical miles (17,040 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h) - Capacity: 2,180 tons - Complement: 68 crew, up to 340 passengers - Armament: Two 40 mm Bofors AA guns - Aircraft carried: Up to 20 Wessex helicopters (1973).

Aero Poster

2010-08-31T11:21:00.000-07:00

In 1933 British artist Douglas Rolfe created this tour de force of homebuilt aircraft for the Flying and Glider Manual, published annually by Modern Mechanics and Inventions. He included Bernard Pietenpol's Sky Scout along with the first airplane ever offered for sale as plans, Orland Corben's Baby Ace, produced by the Ace Manufacturing Company in Wichita, Kansas.

Rolfe, himself a pilot, created illustrations and covers for numerous periodicals between world wars. He went on to publish his own comprehensive illustrated listing of aircraft, Airplanes of the World, 1490 to 1962.

Modern Locomotives

2010-08-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

A postcard retrospective of what were the "Modern Diesel Locomotives" of the 1940's and 50's.

Union Pacific "City of Denver" and the Chicago & North Western "Twin Cities 400" at Chicago, Illinois.

The "City of San Francisco" a Electro Motive E2 locomotive set jointly owned by Union Pacific, Chicago & North Western and Southern Pacific Railroads.

Deleware & Hudson "Adirondack" powered by ex-Santa Fe, Alco PA diesel locomotives at Montreal Station.

New York Central "New England States" train at Englewood Station outside of Chicago Illinois. EMD E8 diesel locomotives leading the way from Boston to Chicago.

EMD F9 diesel locomotive leads the Northern Pacific's "Mainstreeter" a companion train to the more prestigous "North Coast Limited" passenger train.

Touchdown Aviation

2010-08-22T06:35:00.001-07:00

Helicopters were developed and built during the first half-century of flight, with some reaching limited production, but it was not until 1942 that a helicopter designed by Igor Sikorsky reached full-scale production, with 131 aircraft built.

Though most earlier designs used more than one main rotor, it was the single main rotor with antitorque tail rotor configuration of this design that would come to be recognized worldwide as the helicopter.

US Navy - Piasecki HUP-3 Retriever (PV-18) - Tucson - Davis-Monthan AFB - Arizona, October 11, 1992 - On display at the Pima Air & Space Museum.

Aeroflot - Mil Mi-26 - Farnborough (FAB / EGLF), England, September 2, 1984 - The mighty Mil Mi-26 made an imposing appearance at the International Air Show.

US Navy - Kaman SH-2F Seasprite (K-888) - Edwards - AFB (EDW / KEDW), California, October 29, 1989 - Of HSL35/Det 2 (Magicians) based at NAS North Island, CA. Later upgraded to SH-2G specification.

France Navy - Sud SA-321G Super Frelon - Middle Wallop (EGVP), England, July 6, 1984 - Of 32 Flottille based at Lanveoc where it was last noted in storage. Seen here at the Army Air Corps Open Day.

Poland Air Force - Mil Mi-8S - Warsaw - Okecie / Frederic Chopin (WAW / EPWA), Poland, October 1, 1991 - Of 36 splt taxiing for take off.

Germany Army - VFW-Fokker CH-53GS (S-65C-1) - Duxford (EGSU), England, May 6, 2001 - Of HFR-15 based at Rheine-Bentlage. This helicopter was written off on Dec 21, 2002.

Netherlands Air Force - Boeing CH-47D Chinook (414), Mildenhall (MHZ / GXH / EGUN), England, May 24, 1997 - Of 298 Squadron based at Soesterberg.

LINK: Photos courtesy of Mike Freer at Touchdown Aviation - Thank you Mike!

The Smoothest

2010-08-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Northeast "Sunliners" - You get that First Class Feeling at low coach fares on the Grand New Way to Florida. The smoothness, the silence... the 2 abreast seating on all coach flights... Serving Montreal, New England, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Florida.

Boeing 707 Jet Intercontinental - Lufthansa

American Airlines - Volando Por la Ruta de los "Flagships" - Cualquier tiempo es ideal para visitar Mexico, si lo hace por "Flagship" ahorra tiempo.

American Airlines - In Flight, Route of the Flagships - Any time is a good time to visit Mexico, and you save time by Flagship.

R34 Rigid Airship

2010-08-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

The design for the R34 Rigid Airship... which was, by far, the largest and the most remarkable airship ever created by the British... was created in an extraordinary way. During the first World War, the great German Zeppelin, L33, was attacked as it was on a bombing raid over England.

A small British bi-plane hit the huge Airship again and again with machine gun fire until the ship's airbags were tattered and torn. For fear of igniting the highly explosive hydrogen gas that was leaking from the bullet holes, the German Zeppelin could not even use its anti-aircraft guns in defense.

The great Zeppelin flew as long as possible, but eventually lost too much hydrogen and was forced to land in an English field. As the crew abandoned the large ship, they set it afire to conceal its design from the British. However, the airship only partially burned, and the British were able to copy the ship's design.

This gigantic airship measured over six-hundred feet in length, and contained 1,900,000 cubic feet of lighter than air hydrogen. Five large engines, each with over 250 horsepower... propelled the airship at speeds up to sixty-two miles per hour.

Vintage Wheels

2010-08-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

Pierce Arrow "66" Raceabout - From the Henry Austin Clark Jr. Collection of Antique Automobiles, on display at the Carnival of Cars Auto Museum, Times Square, N.Y., and the Long Island Auto Museum, Southhampton, New York. (postcard circa 1970s)

1928 Bugatti Royale Coupe - From the collection of Briggs S. Cunningham. Color photo by the Long Island Auto Museum, Southampton, New York. The museum is open from 9 to 5 daily June thru September, and on week-ends in late May and October. (postcard circa 1970s)

1918 Roamer Sport Touring - From the collection of A.C. Baker, Battle Creek, Michigan. Published by the Long Island Auto Museum, Southampton, New York. The museum is open from 9 to 5 daily June thru September, and on week-ends in late May and October. (postcard circa 1970s)

1932 Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport Roadster - From the collection of Miles Coverdale, Manhasset, Long Island, New York. Published by the Long Island Auto Museum, Southampton, New York. The museum is open from 9 to 5 daily June thru September, and on week-ends in late May and October. (postcard circa 1970s)

New York Central

2010-08-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

The New York Central Railroad, known simply as the New York Central in its publicity, was a railroad operating in the Northeastern United States. Headquartered in New York, the railroad served most of the Northeast, plus additional trackage in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Its primary connections included Chicago and Boston.

New York Central EMD E7 - Englewood Station, Illinois, June 07, 1962 - One of NYC's first E7 units is paired with an E7B on the MICHIGAN inbound to Chicago.

New York Central observation car - Englewood Station, Illinois, June 07, 1962 - The observation car Hickory Creek brings up the rear of New York Central's renowned 20th CENTURY LIMITED as it pauses in Englewood. Passengers are already being served their drinks in the lounge.

New York Central EMD E8 - Englewood Station, Illinois, June 07, 1962 - New York Central's last E8 unit is paired with another black one on the front of the combined PACEMAKER / NEW ENGLAND STATES as it slows for Englewood station.

LINK: To see many more great vintage railroad photos, visit Bob Krone on RailPictures.Net - Thank you Bob!

Cunard Ships

2010-08-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

RMS Britannic was an ocean liner of the White Star Line, the company's third ship to bear the name. She was built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast. She was launched on August 6, 1929. Like her running mate RMS Georgic, Britannic was a motorship powered by diesel engines. She measured 712 feet long and 26,943 gross tons.

At the time of her launch she was the largest British-built motor liner. These two would be the only White Star motorships. Britannic was a popular passenger liner, as she represented what was then the latest in interior Art Deco decor and furnishings, as well as the "Motor Cabin Ship" style, which featured squat smokestacks and a sleek profile.

RMS Mauretania was launched on July28, 1938 at the Cammell Laird yard in Birkenhead, England and was completed in May 1939. A successor to RMS Mauretania (1906), the second Mauretania was the first ship built for the newly formed Cunard White Star company following the merger in April 1934 of the Cunard and White Star lines.

The new liner had a tonnage of 35,739 gross, an overall length of 772 feet and a beam of 89 feet and had a design similar to the Queen Elizabeth. The vessel was powered by two sets of Parsons single reduction-geared steam turbines giving 42,000 shaft horsepower and driving twin propellers. Her service speed was 23 knots.

Invitation to Canada

2010-07-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

The following pictures are from The Canadian Government Travel Bureau Booklet published in 1964.

"Whatever mode of travel you prefer to use in Canada - plane or bus, or train or cruise ship - you will find some of the world's best transportation facilities at your service. Fast, comfortable airlines, extensive, modern railway systems, bus and steamship lines are readily available to the traveler".

Among the finest air services.

All aboard for a swift and comfortable journey to Canada.

From coast to coast, railways cover the Canadian scene.

Modern railway systems reach into wonderful vacation regions.

Touring by bus is a delightful way to see Canada.

Cruise ships offer a wide variety of vacations afloat.

Burlington Zephyrs

2010-07-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

On October 23, 1936, one of the new Denver Zephyrs set a new world's speed record for a long distance non-stop run by dashing from Chicago to Denver in 12 hours, 12 minutes... 1017 miles at an average speed of 83.3 mph. Top speed on this spectacular run exceeded 116 miles an hour. It slashed by 53 minutes the previous record run of the original Zephyr, from Denver to Chicago in May, 1934.

The Burlington Lines of today had its inception in the tiny 12-mile Aurora Branch, chartered on February 12, 1849. From this modest beginning has emerged an 11,000 mile network of rails reaching into 14 Midwestern states. Burlington was first to operate a railway postoffice car; first to inaugurate a Diesel streamlined train; and first to introduce a Vista-Dome car.

The new diesel powered, stainless steel California Zephyr between Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City and San Francisco features the unique Vista-Dome cars. This train operates via the Burlington, Rio Grande, and Western Pacific railroads through the Colorado Rockies and Feather River Canyon... the Scenic Way Across America.

In Training

2010-07-24T20:38:00.001-07:00

~ The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company ~

~ The 6150, Class S1 2-10-2 Locomotive ~

~ Canadian National Railways "Super Continental" ~

~ In the heart of the scenic Canadian Rockies ~

~ Western Pacific Railroad Company ~

~ EMD FT 5400 H.P. Freight Locomotive 1942 ~

Studebaker Lark

2010-07-21T18:25:00.001-07:00

1959-61 Studebaker Lark automobile dealer postcards from Clark Buick Co., Inc., 79 State Street, Augusta, Maine.

Smart LARK 2-Door Sedan --- by Studebaker - Economy the other compacts envy! Also available with utility floor instead of rear seat. Any Lark gives you greatest overall economy in gas mileage, brake life, tire wear, maintence and high resale value.

Luxurious LARK 4-Door Sedan --- by Studebaker - Big ride, big room, big buy! Truly a full-sized car inside. The Lark seats 6 in roomy comfort. Wide doors, flat floors give The LArk the easiest entry and exit of any compact. You must try it to appreciate it.

Early Nuclear Subs

2010-07-17T06:59:00.001-07:00

The U.S.S. Seawolf the world's second nuclear powered submarine, is shown sliding into the Thames River from here building ways at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corp., Groton, Conn. The Seawolf, similar in many respects to the world's first atomic submarine, U.S.S. Nautilus, was launced July 21, 1955.

The world's first Polaris-firing Fleet Ballistic Missle submarine, the U.S.S. George Washington, cruises at sea after leaving her builder's dock at General Dynamics Corporation's Electric Boat Division in Groton, Conn. Armed with 16 thermo-nuclear Polaris Missles capable of wreaking more destruction than all the bombs dropped in World War II, the 380 foot, 5,900 ton ship went on her first Polaris patrol in November 1960.

First opf the nuclear powered anti-submarine submarines, the U.S.S. Tullibee is shown at sea shortly after commissioning at her General Dynamics Corporation's Electric Boat Division dock in Groton, Conn. Carrying the smallest crew of any nuclear ship - six officers and fifty men - the 273 foot Tullibee is one of the Navy's newest Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) weapons. She carries more sonar equipment than all U.S. submarines of World War II.

The 1956 Oldsmobiles

2010-07-12T16:20:00.001-07:00

These are 5 rare 1956 Oldsmobile Car Dealer Trading Cards. If anyone is interested, they are listed for sale on ETSY. Great cards - Awesome cars!!!

~ Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Four-Door Sedan ~

~ Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight De Luxe Holiday Sedan ~

~ Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Sedan ~

~ Oldsmobile 88 Holiday Coupe ~

~ Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight De Luxe Holiday Coupe ~

Rebel Railroad

2010-07-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

This Giant Postcard of the Rebel Railroad deserves a Giant Size wallpaper style image. To see actual photo slides of the Rebel Railroad Amusement Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, visit Gorillas Don't Blog.

The Blue Angels

2010-07-05T13:07:00.001-07:00

The United States Navy's Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, popularly known as the Blue Angels, first performed in 1946 and is currently the oldest flying aerobatic team.

The squadron's six demonstration pilots fly the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year, where they still employ many of the same practices and techniques used in their aerial displays in 1946.

Since their inception, the "Blues" have flown a variety of different aircraft types for more than 427 million spectators worldwide.

Since their first flight demonstration in Grumman F6F Hellcats in June 1946, the Blue Angels have thrilled millions of people with the most exact, low-level formation flying ever performed. Today the Blue Angels are flying supersonic F11F-1 Tiger, to demonstrate precision techniques of Naval aviation to Naval personnel and the public. (1950s postcard photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy)

The F11F-1 Tiger joined the fleet in 1957 as a replacement to Grumman's F8U Crusader. The Blue Angels flew the Tiger from 1957 to 1969. (U.S. Navy Photo)

The McDonnell Douglas A-4F "Skyhawk II" was flown by the Blue Angels from 1974 to 1986. (U.S. Navy Photo)

In 1986 the Blue Angels replaced their A-4F "Skyhawks" with the Boeing F/A-18 "Hornet".

Swiss Railways

2010-07-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

SBB RBe 2/4 - Kreuzlingen station, Thurgau, Switzerland - June 03, 1965 - Another piece of SBB exotica, now long scrapped, the so called 'Jura Pfeil' (Jura Arrow) railcar stands at Kreuzlingen while working the shuttle service to Konstanz only a few hundred metres over the border into Germany. It was built in 1938 with a top speed of 110km/h and 600hp rating.

SBB Ae 8/14 - Goschenen station, Uri, Switzerland - June 04, 1965 - The middle of three 1AA1AA1+1AA1AA1 double locos Nos 11801, 11851 and 11852, built for the Gotthard line in 1931, 1932 and 1939 arrives at the top of the north ramp from Erstfeld to the Gotthard tunnel at Goschenen on a miserable wet day. This example was of 8,250hp and was given modern cabs in 1960. Cars wait in the background to take the car ferry train through the tunnel in the days before the Gotthard road tunnel.

SBB Ae 3/5 - Romanshorn station, Thurgau, Switzerland - June 20, 1966 - Rod drive 4-6-2 electric No 10459 passes under what was to become the last semaphore signal gantry in Switzerland as it arrives at Romanshorn with the 11.22 Rorschach to Schaffhausen train. There were 60 of these locos, Nos 10401-60, built by SLM with electrical components by Oerlikon in 1924-26.

BLS Lotschbergbahn Ce 4/6 - Spiez, Switzerland - August 10, 1964 - Aged BLS 1B-B1 electric No 302 from 1920 waits in Spiez station with a freight train from Bern on an August night in 1964.

Link: More RR photos from Brian Stephenson on Railpictures.Net

Streamliners

2010-06-28T17:05:00.001-07:00

During 1971 this United Aircraft Turbo Train made a tour through the Western United States sponsored by Amtrak and the Department of Transportation.

Rock Island Aero Train (one of only 5 built in USA) on display at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The Detroit Zoological Park Miniature Railroad was presented by the Detroit News in 1931. In 1950, Chrysler Corporation presented and has maintained three modern streamliners.

Vintage Steamboats

2010-06-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

A steamboat or steamship, sometimes called a steamer, is a ship in which the primary method of propulsion is steam power, typically driving propellers or paddlewheels. The term steamboat is usually used to refer to smaller steam-powered boats working on lakes and rivers, particularly riverboats.

~ Steamer "Wyandotte" New London, Connecticut ~

~ Steamer St. Paul on Mississippi River ~
~ St. Louis, St. Paul and Gulf Steamship Co. ~

When visiting Catalina Island, do not fail to take a trip on these large Glass Bottom Power Boats, and view the wonderful Submarine Gardens, which are the finest in the world.

Regular trips to Seal Rocks at 3:00 P.M. Moonstone Beach 9:00 A.M., showing Submarine Gardens. A special trip will be made shortly after lunch, for the benefit of those returning to the mainland the same day ~ Compliments of "The Meteor Boat Co."

The Cape Cod Canal extends from Sandwich to Buzzards Bay and is 8 miles in length. It was 5 years in building, and cost $12,000,000. A saving of 60 miles or more is made on the course between New York and Boston. It is now owned by the U.S. Government.

~ Chicago's State Street Bascule Bridgelifted ~
~ for Excursion Steamship ~

~ Steamer Catalina - Catalina Island, California ~

Classic Wheels

2010-06-25T05:30:00.000-07:00

These postcards were produced by Audio Visual Designs of Earlton, New York. A company that is very well known for producing a lot of really great railroad postcards, since the 1960s.

1936 Ford V-8 powered coupe is on display at the Altamont, New York Fairgrounds. In 1936, Ford boasted nineteen Standard and DeLuxe models.

1951 Chevrolet De Luxe Fleetline Two Door Sedan, one of the fast-back models, is seen in front of the general store in Earlton, New York. Designated model 2152, the car was part of the De Luxe JK series.

One of the most popular trucks for Chevrolet was the 1946 1/2 ton pickup. This fine example, equipped with a factory four speed transmission, is shown at the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad Dock Office at Huron, Ohio.

1941 Oldsmobile "NEW, ultra modern style!" The Oldsmobile ad copy for 1941 jumped of the page. And this fastback Dynamic Cruiser model 78 four door sedan backed up the claim.

New York Ships

2010-06-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

These postcards were produced by Audio-Visual Designs of Earlton, New York. A company that is very well known for producing a lot of really great railroad postcards, since the 1960s.

The ocean liner "France" docking in New York City - 1963.

The luxury liner "Queen Elizabeth" leaves the New York Harbor for the last time in October 1968. The largest ocean liner the world has ever seen steamed almost 3 1/2 million miles in its thirty year active life.

The "Queen Mary" docked in New York City in 1963. After many crossings of the Atlantic between England and New York, the 81,237 ton vessel was purchased by the City of Long Beach in 1967.

Mornflake Cards - Finale

2010-06-19T04:56:00.001-07:00

As promised here are the final 5 cards in the set - These cards are part of a series of 25, un-numbered Mornflake Oats real photo airplane cards produced in 1953 by Morning Foods Ltd, North Western Mills, Crewe, England.

The de havilland Heron is a rugged, 14 seat feederliner and passenger aircraft for services where traffic is limited. It has a fixed undercarriage, but a new version with retractable undercarriage is now being built. It first flew in May, 1950, has an all-up weight of 12,500 lbs. Maximum cruising speed 177 m.p.h.

The Gannet - Latest product of the Fairey Aviation Co. Ltd. Its power is provided by one Armstrong Siddeley, Double-Mamba, turbo-prop engine of nearly 3,000 s.h.p. It is an anti-submarine reconnaisance aircraft, the radar equipment being carried in a retractable radome beneath the rear of the fuselage; a crew of three is carried.

The Vickers Supermarine Attacker is the first jet fighter to go into service with the Royal Navy. The three aircraft seen in this photograph belong to No. 800 Squadron, the first to be formed. Maximum speed - 690 m.p.h. at sea level. Armament consists of four 20-millimetre British Hispano cannon in the wings or alternatively, two 1,000 lbs. bombs or rocket projectiles.

The de Havilland 110 is one of the latest British fighters. It is powered by two Rolls-Royce Avon turbo-jet engines, rated at more than 7,000 lbs. static thrust each. It is a two-seat, radar-equipped, all-weather and night fighter. First supersonic flight was on 9th April, 1952, piloted by the late Mr. John Derry, and has gone through the sound barrier on many occasions since.

The Vickers Viliant was the first four engined, jet propelled bomber to go into production for the R.A.F. being ordered "straight off the drawing board." It is believed to be the formidable bomber of its class in the world. Power is provided by four Rolls-Royce Avon turbo-jet engines of over 7,000 lbs. static thrust each.

Mornflake Cards - Part 4

2010-06-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

As promised here is Part 4 - These cards are part of a series of 25, un-numbered Mornflake Oats real photo airplane cards produced in 1953 by Morning Foods Ltd, North Western Mills, Crewe, England. I will post the final 5 cards from this complete set in a few days.

The Hawker Sea Hawk is a single seat fighter for use in the Royal Navy. It has one Rolls-Royce Nene turbo-jet engine. Maximum speed - 610 m.p.h., radius of action 1,000 miles. The pilot's cockpit is pressurised and its forward position gives him the good view needed for deck landing.

The Airspeed Ambassador is notable for its particular graceful lines. It is the latest piston engined aircraft to go into service with B.E.A. where it is known as the Elizabethan Class. Powered by two Bristol Centaurus engines of 2,600 h.p. each giving it a cruising speed at 20,000 ft. of 270 m.p.h. It carries up to 47 passengers in notable comfort.

The Handley-Page Marathon trainer, powered by four de Havilland Gypsy Queen engines of 345 h.p. each, first flew in 1952. Being used for advanced R.A.F. navigational training it is equipped with the latest navigational trainign aids, including Rebecco, Gee and radio compasses. Maximum speed 230 m.p.h. and cruising speed 200 m.p.h. Normal load is a crew of two and 20 passengers.

The Avro Vulcan long-range medium bomber is the world's first four-jet aircraft of delta planform. The power plant consists of four Rolls-Royce Avon engines of more than 7,000 lbs. static thrust each. Development work was carried out on a series of three single-engined aircraft of the same planform known as the Avro 707, 707A, 707B.

The Vickers Supermarine Swift is a single-seat, swept-wing jet fighter in "super-priority" production for the R.A.F. The engine is a Rolls-Royce Avon turbo-jet. It is believed to be capable of attaining the speed of sound. On 10th July, 1952, it flew to Brussels from London in approximately 18 minutes at an average speed of 665.9 miles per hour.

Mornflake Cards - Part 3

2010-06-11T06:05:00.001-07:00

As promised here is Part 3 - These cards are part of a series of 25, un-numbered Mornflake Oats real photo airplane cards produced in 1953 by Morning Foods Ltd, North Western Mills, Crewe, England. I will post the complete set as the days go on.

The Boulton Paul P.111 is a delta-wing research aircraft powered by one Rolls-Royce Nene turbo-jet engine. It is from the study of aero-dynamic data provided by these small aircraft that larger and even more surprising machines are ultimately developed.

The Fairey Firefly VI is an anti-submarine aircraft powered by one Rolls-Royce Griffon engine of over 2,000 h.p. It has a maximum speed of 386 m.p.h. at 14,000 ft. Its main duty is to operate from aircraft carriers, but various types have been produced to undertake a variety of tasks. All the latest submarine detection devices are carried.

The Bristol 173 is Britain's first twin-rotor helicopter. The rotors are arranged in tandem, the rear rotor being raised above that at the forward end of the aircraft. Each is driven by an Alvis Leonides engine, but the two are coupled so that if necessary one engine can drive the two rotors. The Type 173, Mark I, seats from 10 to 12 passengers.

The Short Sealand is a five-eight seat amphibian, powered by two de Havilland Gypsy Queen 70 piston engines of 345 h.p. each. It has a cruising speed of 173 m.p.h. and a maximum speed of 200 m.p.h. The Sealand is in production for several overseas airlines.

Originally designed as a jet bomber, the Short S.A.4 is now used for high altitude and high-speed experimental work. It is powered by four Rolls-Royce Avon engines mounted in pairs above and below the wings, which are exceptionally thin for an aircraft of this type. The normal crew of the S.A.4 is five. Wing span - 109 ft. and is 102 ft. long.

Mornflake Cards - Part 2

2010-06-08T07:10:00.002-07:00

As promised here is Part 2 - These cards are part of a series of 25, un-numbered Mornflake Oats real photo airplane cards produced in 1953 by Morning Foods Ltd, North Western Mills, Crewe, England. I will post the complete set as the days go on.

The de Havilland Chipmunk is a two-seat civil and military elementary trainer. Some hundreds are on order and already in service overseas. The Chipmunk has one de Havilland Gypsy Major 10 piston engine of 145 h.p. giving it a maximum speed at sea level of 140 m.p.h and the all-up weight is 2,000 lbs.

This photograph is of the Mark T.4 English Electric Canberra, the trainer version of the first 600 m.p.h. bomber. The engines are two Rolls-Royce Avon turbo-jets. In this machine the instructor and pupil pilot are seated side-by-side; in other respects there is very little difference between this and the normal bomber version.

The Percival Provost is a two-seat, side-by-side, fully aerobatic trainer powered by one Alvis Leonides engine of 550 h.p. It is now in production for the R.A.F. It has a maximum speed of 200 m.p.h. at 5,000 ft. and a stalling speed of 66 m.p.h. In designing the Provost much attention has been paid to ease of maintenance and servicing.

The de Havilland Venom is powered by one 5,000 lb. static thrust de Havilland Ghost turbo-jet engine. There are two versions - the single-seat day interceptor and fighter bomber and the Mark II which is a two-seat night fighter with pilot and radar operator seated side-by-side. Yet another version is known as the Sea Venom.

The Saunders-Roe A/1 is the first jet-propelled flying-boat fighter ever built. The two Metro-Vick turbines are mounted side-by-side in the hull and for economical cruising the aircraft can fly on either engine. Both motors have a common air intake in the nose. Armament - four 20mm cannon. The pilot's pressurised cabin is provided with emergency ejection device.

Mornflake Cards - Part 1

2010-06-05T08:03:00.001-07:00

These cards are part of a series of 25, un-numbered Mornflake Oats real photo airplane cards produced in 1953 by Morning Foods Ltd, North Western Mills, Crewe, England. I will post the complete set as the days go on.

The Percival Prince (two Alvis Leonides 550 h.p. engines) seen here is a light passenger transport. The Sea Prince is employed as a radio, radar and anti-submarine trainer and naval transport. The R.A.F.'s version is the Pembroke. The Prince cruises at 165 m.p.h. Maximum speed is 229 m.p.h. at 5,000 ft. Wing span 56ft.": length 46 ft.

The Britannia has four Bristol Proteus turbo-propeller engines and is the latest of a class of airliners in which Britain leads the world, the "turbo-prop." It will seat from 70 to 104 passangers. The Britannia has all-up weight of 140,000 lbs. and carries 25,000 lbs. payload over a distance of 4,000 miles in still air at a cruising speed of 360 m.p.h.

The Avro Shackelton II first flew in June, 1952. It carries a crew of 10, has a wing span of 120 ft. and is built for long range maritime reconnaisance and bombing, its main duties being anti-submarine. The Shackleton II is powered by four Rolls-Royce Griffon engines of 2,450 h.p. each.

The Hawker Sea Fury is a single-seat naval fighter-bomber powered by one Bristol Centaurus engine of 2,500 h.p. Maximum speed 450 m.p.h. at 20,000 ft. and a radius of action of 720 miles. Its armament consists of four 20mm British Hispano cannon, two 500 lb. or one 1,000 lb. bomb may be carried or a corresponding load in rocket projectiles.

The Handley-Page Hastings is used as a troop transport and as seen here, as a long-range meteoroligical reconnaisance machine. Fitted with four Bristol Hercules engines, it has a maximum speed of 348 m.p.h., a maximum cruising speed of 300 m.p.h. and a range of 4,000 miles. Its civilian version, known as the Hermes, can carry from 40 to 74 passengers.

Nose No Nose

2010-06-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

Soo Line EMD F7(A) - SOO Schiller Park Diesel Facility - Schiller Park, Illinois, September 26, 1975 - For those who may be [cough] wondering, no I did not use a photo editing tool to remove this F7's upper headlight.

The 2228A was the oddest of all Soo Line F-Units in appearance, and was eagerly sought out by rail photographers. It lost the upper headlight casing as the result of minor accident repairs. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Piper on RailPictures. Net)

Penn Central P-2b Electric - Croton-Harmon Station, New York, July 13, 1974 - Former NYC/CUT motor. Note boxcars from merger partners PRR & NH at right rear. (Photo courtesy of George W. Hamlin)

Hammerheads to Gettysburg

2010-05-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a great group of pictures from a 1955 trip to the Gettysburg National Battlefield by way of the Western Maryland Railway. These photos were taken by John Dziobko Jr., aka: The Godfather.

Western Maryland-led excursion from 5/1/55 of a ride to Gettysburg PA. on the then WM branchline. John was on it, got shots of the train being madeup, riding, and touring Gettysburg. Thanks to Ray Peacock at Heartland Rails for all the information.

USAF Thunderbirds

2010-05-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Thunderbirds, an elite military demonstration team, perform one of their famous formations during the Altus Air Force Base Wings of Freedom Open House and Air Show in Altus, Okla., May 2, 2010. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cherice Bryant

USS Eisenhower

2010-05-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply performs a replenishment-at-sea with the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut in the Arabian Sea, May 20, 2010. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed as part of an ongoing rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Shonna Cunningham

USNS Supply

2010-05-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Military Sealift Command fast combat support Ship USNS Supply is under way alongside the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the North Arabian Sea, May 6, 2010. The Eisenhower is deployed as part of the rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Chad R. Erdmann

Sikorsky Helicopter

2010-05-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Sikorsky H-19, (also known as the S-55) was a multi-purpose helicopter used by the United States Army and the United States Air Force. United States Navy and Coast Guard models were designated HO4S, while those of the U.S. Marine Corps were HRS. (US Air Force Photo)

The H-19's first flight was on November 10, 1949 and it entered operations in 1950. Over 1,000 of the helicopters were manufactured in the U.S. An additional 550 were manufactured by licensees of the helicopter including Westland Aircraft (UK), Sud-Est in France and Mitsubishi in Japan. (US Air Force Photo)

U.S. Marines in Korea hook up a cargo net on a Sikorsky HRS-2 helicopter assigned to Marine transport squadron HMR-161 during "Operation Haylift II", which started on February 23, 1953. (Photographer: Sgt. Robert E. Kiser, USMC)

A Sikorsky HO4S helicopter of helicopter anti-submarine squadron HS-4 Sea Knights lifts off for a routine mail flight from the deck of the U.S. escort carrier USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116), during exercises off the U.S. west coast, on July 27, 1954. (Photographer: Machinist's Mate Joe Radigan, USN)

Union Pacific Zephyr

2010-05-25T05:01:00.001-07:00

Union Pacific EMD E8 - Greeley Depot - Greeley, Colorado, June, 1972 - The San Francisco Zephyr #926 stops in Greeley en route to Denver and points east. (Photo courtesy of Jim Hinkhouse on Railpictures.Net)