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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22558
Location: NEW JOISEY
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 Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 1:43 am Post subject: |
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I've always thought of the Convair "880" as being a sharp, stylish, snappy "roguish" airliner, sort of airborne Frank Sinatra, if you will! 
The "880", however, was quite a "thirsty" aircraft, and, not surprisingly, TWA retired their fleet during the oil embargo, in 1974.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convair_880 |
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22558
Location: NEW JOISEY
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22558
Location: NEW JOISEY
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 1:58 am Post subject: |
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The legendary DC-7, the last piston airliner built by Douglas; the "7's" were operated by many carriers, both here and abroad.
Only a few of these "late in the piston game", once commonplace airliners survive today.......
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_DC-7 |
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22558
Location: NEW JOISEY
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 9:27 am Post subject: |
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Like the 727, the DC-9 was indeed a hard-working workhorse for many carriers (I was always quite partial to those flown by TWA!)
The handsome "9" was yet another now-classic "Swingin' Jet" from the "Swingin' 60's"......... 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_DC-9 |
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22558
Location: NEW JOISEY
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 9:35 am Post subject: |
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Quite often, back in the heyday of early commercial jets, the sleek DC-8 found itself in the shadow of the legendary 707.
However, the "8" was yet another early jetliner that went on to serve many carriers for many years; the last I saw were at Newark Airport (these were UNITED craft) in te mid-late 1980's..........
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_DC-8 |
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22558
Location: NEW JOISEY
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 9:47 am Post subject: |
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Many of us still recall the now long-defunct "NEW YORK AIRWAYS", whose sleek "helly-copters" (I love using that time-honored Brit term!) once landed atop the PAN AM building, high above the lofty Grand Central.
A neat battery operated tin toy of a NYA 'copter was also once available, back in the 60's (sure wish I still had mine!) 
Sadly, tragic accidents in 1977 and 1979 sealed the fate of this once-familiar operation (after the 1979 accident, the carrier never flew again)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Airways |
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traildriver
Joined: 26 Mar 2011
Posts: 2459
Location: South Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 2:27 pm Post subject: Re: Memories Of The "Friendly Skies" |
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| NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 wrote: | Fellows:
It is hard to believe that the once-commonplace, massive, monolithic Boeing 747 has not operated in passenger service in the US since DELTA retired the last of their 747's in 2017.
Some 50-odd years ago, the new-age "jumbo jet" indeed was a celebrity; newspapers and magazines were chock-full of articles and photos on these massive new airliners; a tremendous amount of publicity surrounded these big jets, and the public and the media were quite enraptured by the new commercial jet.
Soon enough, the novelty and luster wore off, and the 747 soon became just another type of aircraft operated by the airlines.
Recall, too, the many carriers they once flew for, including "Fallen Flags":
PAN AM
TWA
DELTA
NORTHWEST
AER LINGUS
UNITED
AIR CANADA
VARIG
BRITISH AIRWAYS
CATHAY PACIFIC
The 747 was also replicated in toy and model form, for many years (many of these toys and models are now highly collectible items)
The 747......yet another example of how yesterday's commonplace becomes today's museum display........
"NYO"
SEE:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_747 |
You left American and Braniff off that list. American's were famous for having not only a first class bar lounge, but a bar for coach passenger's.
One of American's 747's became famous as one of the two carrier's for the Space Shuttle later in its career. |
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traildriver
Joined: 26 Mar 2011
Posts: 2459
Location: South Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 2:43 pm Post subject: |
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| NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 wrote: | Though plagued with a number of issues and fatal crashes early on, the prop-jet "ELECTRA"* (Lockheed) eventually became a reliable workhorse for a number of airlines, here and abroad (I especially remember those of EASTERN and AMERICAN, when I was a lad; I can still hear that classic "whine" at Newark!)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_L-188_Electra
*The last I can recall seeing had been converted into freighters for "ZANTOP" operating out of Newark, some thirty-odd years ago. |
The L-188 Electra was powered by four powerful Allison '501' Turboprop engines. These engines also powered the Convair 580 twin's, developed from the old CV-280's. |
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traildriver
Joined: 26 Mar 2011
Posts: 2459
Location: South Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 2:49 pm Post subject: |
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| NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 wrote: | Growing up, my family often went by car to visit the old (opened 1953) Newark Airport (this historic building, the first truly modern passenger airport in New Jersey, should have been preserved as a commercial aviation museum, instead of being destroyed) 
Today's younger generation will never have my memories, of going to an airport with an OPEN OBSERVATION DECK, allowing folks to watch the planes loading and unloading (via roll-up steps, emblazoned with the insignia of different airlines), as well as listen to the classic growling, chugging, popping, and thrumming of those big props engaging, and inhaling the intoxicating, smoking, heady aroma of fuel!
No TSA agents in those days, no X-rays, no long, long lines waiting to be examined, poked, and prodded to within an inch of your life ("PROGRESS"??) 
As it was with the long-haul buses and long-distance trains, most folks still dressed to travel by air; no jeans, T-shirts, or shorts to be seen....after all, this was STILL an era where folks took PRIDE in their appearance, especially when traveling!
The famed "NEWARKER" restaurant in the main terminal, known for the fellow walking around the tables with a small oven strapped to his chest, dispensing hot garlic bread, with its curtained windows and tasty menus, drew airline employees, travelers, and visitors alike.
QUITE cosmopolitan and stylish!
I can remember being on the observation deck and looking down at both classic piston props and sleek, new jetliners; indeed, it was QUITE an exciting time to savor commercial aviation, even if you were only a bystander!
It all seems so long ago, now, as if I grew up on another planet, a few hundred years ago......... 
"NYO" |
My family would take trips to the 10 cent turnstile admission observation decks on the roof top of the old LGA and IDL airports.
And speaking of Idlewild...I insisted on celebrating my 14th birthday at the then new 'Astrojet Room' restaurant, operated by Sky Chef's, at the new AA terminal...Afterwards we would head over to the fountain outside the control tower building near the IAB, and watch the "dancing waters", choreographed color light sound show....  |
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traildriver
Joined: 26 Mar 2011
Posts: 2459
Location: South Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 2:52 pm Post subject: |
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| NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 wrote: | The futuristic and startling TWA terminal at JFK (Idlewild):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TWA_Flight_Center
This is an excellent and informative page with a great deal of historical information, as well as photos.
Indeed, a glorious relic of a long-ago time when commercial jet travel was still exciting, novel, and stylish.......that, my friends, was a loooooong time ago.......
"NYO" |
You can now really experience that wonderful terminal converted into a hotel/museum....enjoy!
https://www.twahotel.com/ |
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traildriver
Joined: 26 Mar 2011
Posts: 2459
Location: South Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 2:54 pm Post subject: |
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| NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 wrote: | The sleek De Havilland "COMET"* had the distinction of being the world's first successful commercial airliner; hre is another fascinating history on a commercial airliner that today is mostly known only to aviation enthusiasts and historians.
(I purchased a tin friction "COMET" many years ago at an antique store for $10; the "engines" STILL emit sparks when the ancient friction motor is going!) 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Havilland_Comet
*Today, only one complete "COMET" survives, at the RAF Museum....... |
I guess you mean the world's first JET airliner..
I also don't know if one would consider it "successful" in light of its checkered record, and sales... |
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traildriver
Joined: 26 Mar 2011
Posts: 2459
Location: South Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 3:02 pm Post subject: |
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| NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 wrote: | The doughty and dependable "Little Plane That Could", the legendary DC-3; introduced in the 1930's, a number were still flying in both commercial and military services, as of 2018!
Talk about being "BUILT TO LAST"!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_DC-3 |
Agreed!
Those airplanes were way "overbuilt" in terms of their strength...
I happened to fly on Provincetown & Boston N136PB, which at 80,000 hours airtime when I flew it in the '80's, was recognized as the world's most.
Flew it from Hyannis to Boston. It had a whole extra line of seats installed, bringing its capacity up to 28. Handled that with no problem.
I happened to see some oil leaking out behind the engine, while we were preparing for takeoff, and brought it to the flight attendant's attention. She leaned over me, looked out the window, and said she would advise the Captain right away. She came back a few minutes later, and said the Captain said that, that was normal and okay...not to worry. He said I should only worry if I stopped seeing oil leaking out.... 
Scroll down...
https://www.sunshineskies.com/pbadc3now.html |
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traildriver
Joined: 26 Mar 2011
Posts: 2459
Location: South Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 3:08 pm Post subject: |
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| NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 wrote: | Once you caught a glimpse of a big, bulky, bulbous STRATOCRUISER, back in the day, you were likely never to forget it!
These distinctive airliners were replaced early on by the first jets, with the last NORTHWEST "Strat" flying in 1960.
Sadly, not one example of this massive, hulking, and QUITE distinctive propliner survive today (only 55 were built).......
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_377_Stratocruiser |
My third grade teacher, (Bless her heart), took my class on a field trip to Idlewild in 1955. We got to tour an EA Connie, and a NW Stratocruiser.
Needless to say, we were very impressed by the lower level 'cocktail lounge' in the Stratocruiser...IIRC, it was one of the last airliners to offer Pullman stlyle upper berths for long night flights... |
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22558
Location: NEW JOISEY
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 3:12 pm Post subject: Re: Memories Of The "Friendly Skies" |
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| traildriver wrote: | | NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 wrote: | Fellows:
It is hard to believe that the once-commonplace, massive, monolithic Boeing 747 has not operated in passenger service in the US since DELTA retired the last of their 747's in 2017.
Some 50-odd years ago, the new-age "jumbo jet" indeed was a celebrity; newspapers and magazines were chock-full of articles and photos on these massive new airliners; a tremendous amount of publicity surrounded these big jets, and the public and the media were quite enraptured by the new commercial jet.
Soon enough, the novelty and luster wore off, and the 747 soon became just another type of aircraft operated by the airlines.
Recall, too, the many carriers they once flew for, including "Fallen Flags":
PAN AM
TWA
DELTA
NORTHWEST
AER LINGUS
UNITED
AIR CANADA
VARIG
BRITISH AIRWAYS
CATHAY PACIFIC
The 747 was also replicated in toy and model form, for many years (many of these toys and models are now highly collectible items)
The 747......yet another example of how yesterday's commonplace becomes today's museum display........
"NYO"
SEE:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_747 |
You left American and Braniff off that list. American's were famous for having not only a first class bar lounge, but a bar for coach passenger's.
One of American's 747's became famous as one of the two carrier's for the Space Shuttle later in its career. |
traildriver:
As BRANIFF was always one of my favorite carriers, I regret that I failed to mention it; thanks for the heads-up!
Recall, also, the elegant spiral stairway leading to the first-class lounge on the upper deck; this "two level" arrangement (with the spiral stairway) was also used on the "377 STRATOCRUISER"
When Mom would see a 747 on television, or, in a photo, she'd always remark "How can anything that big fly?"
TWA (my favorite airline "Fallen Flag") indeed made headlines back in 1970, when it became the first airline to operate both a jumbo jet and a 747 within the continental united States (JFK-LAX)
Three weeks later, the carrier began 747 service between New York and Heathrow (London)........
"NYO" |
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NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629
BusTalk's Offical Welcoming Committee
Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 22558
Location: NEW JOISEY
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2020 3:15 pm Post subject: |
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| traildriver wrote: | | NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 wrote: | The sleek De Havilland "COMET"* had the distinction of being the world's first successful commercial airliner; hre is another fascinating history on a commercial airliner that today is mostly known only to aviation enthusiasts and historians.
(I purchased a tin friction "COMET" many years ago at an antique store for $10; the "engines" STILL emit sparks when the ancient friction motor is going!)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Havilland_Comet
*Today, only one complete "COMET" survives, at the RAF Museum....... |
I guess you mean the world's first JET airliner..
I also don't know if one would consider it "successful" in light of its checkered record, and sales... |
traildriver:
When I read of the "COMET" as being the "first successful commercial JET airliner", it would seem that they were speaking generally, and not recalling the troubled early days.
BOAC used them quite extensively, decades ago....
"NYO" |
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