The closest that I came to the 314 was working in the old Red Barn, Plant one, where they were built. I was there in 1952. I do have some pictures that I took in 1939 of two Chalk Airways Sikorsky S-41's and a Fairchild 71 on floats but I missed seeing a B314. I'm working on a large oil painting of a B314 profile but stopped to work on the book which should sent to the printer by next week. Never enough time in the day.
Bob, That wouldn't be anti-Douglas bias would it? . Actually, I think the B-18 is homely I'd love to have a B-23. If I recall, all of the B-23 survivors were modified into executive transports by Howard Hughes right after the war. Regards, Art S.
To the contrary, one would be foolish to snipe at Douglas when they produced so many great airplanes. The list is long and strong and the latest , the C-117, is a marvelously clever airplane and doing a great job. I don't believe that the initial DC-8 was on mark, however, but look how long subsequent versions outlasted the 707. The B-18, B-23 were stopgap and extensions of the DC-3. But then they had the A-20, A-26, SBD, and lots of others. Douglas leadership lately is what killed that company but then they were smart enough to slip into Boeing.
Taz, I hope that what I have written is not a disappointment to all of you because it isn't all aviation. Most of it is but it is simply a collection of images from 1929 through the Depression, then through the early 30's, 40's and the war, and then through the 50's at Boeing until 2004 when I was finally kicked out the door. It isn't great writing like Gann or Bach since I'm not in their class. It's an amateur's effort with some amateur's art thrown in and it traces a long trail of a restless soul. I just hope that it entertains, informs, and opens a window to the life of one individual's past in yesterday's America.
Thanks, Jim. I am always looking at so many wonderfully skilled and great artists and top notch authors that I must realize that I'm at a first rung on the ladder. I enjoy trying to put it all down so I don't unexpectedly take it with me. Mid November still looks like a good date for it to be available.
