Is the DST a DC-2 or a DC-3, or it's own separate thing?
Yup, he's right, it was a DC-2 1/2. Actually, the Army acquired a small number of C-39s that were part DC-2 and part DC-3.
The original order for what became the DC-3 came from American, which wanted a sleeper configuration, hence the DST. But Douglas knew there would be a market for a version that would seat 21 (3-abreast) by day, so they designed the aircraft accordingly. I'm not sure any more DSTs were built after American's original order was complete. And while a fair number of DC-3s were built before the war, I believe that most of the aircraft that were in commercial service in the late '40s and the '50s were converted military C-47s. Last time I flew into West Palm Beach, there were still a trio of DC-3s parked on the south side of the airport!
I know Eastern had DSTs as well. They crashed at least one... and Captain Eddie was on board. I have a friend who owns an ex-Eastern DC-3. I will have to ask him if his started out as a DST. It would be so cool to see a DST with the proper DST interior installed, even though I'm sure you would have to recreate everything from pictures.
From my memory, the DST was short lived and I doubt that any were retained with the sleeper interior or that there would be any remains. The DC-3 took over quickly and ruled the skies thereafter. I have a couple of hours of right seat time in a DC-3 and felt that it is a pretty tractable airplane and nice to fly. As a neophyte, I felt that it was "a rudder airplane."
I'm sure there aren't any still in existence. I just think it would be cool to see, and different than what you typically see in DC-3s. My friend's has basically got the interior of a Gulfstream II, which is nice, but kind of boring.
Really liked the 8 years I was on the 757/767 fleet. In my opinion the 767-300ER was a very nice jet to hand fly. My second favorite of this group was the 757-300. It did lack some of the get up and go of the -200 but to me I think the flight controls felt more linear that -200.
The logical place to see a DST would be the American Airlines Museum near DFW airport. I recall they have a DC-3 but I'm guessing that it's not a DST.
Looking at that planform it is obvious why they stretched the vertical stab and rudder back 24 inches. Compare it with the ME-109 that had a nice long tail arm. I saw many of the early P-40 pilots lose control on the ground because of the short coupled fuselage and narrow landing gear. Still one of the best looking fighters, though.
I didn’t know they’d changed them so much. Looking at that picture I can see exactly what you’re talking about. “One of the best looking fighters”….absolutely agree.
