Photo ID: 1011553
click image to enlarge |
Model: Curtiss C-46D-10-CU
Commando, CW-20B-2 |
Registration: N54514 |
| Year: 1944 |
Serial Number: USAF 44-77889, c/n 33285 |
| Engine(s): P&W R2800-51 or 75, Twin-row, 18-Cyl. Radial, 2000-Hp, B-Series |
Owner: Tatonduk Outfitters
Fairbanks, AK |
| Location: PAFA, Fairbanks International, Fairbanks, AK |
Photographer: Ken Stoltzfus |
| Date: July 2004 |
Present Registration: Same |
Present Owner (FAA info): Same |
Notes: 12/11/04 - "Maid In Japan", C-46D, 44-77889 and c/n 33285 was built in Curtiss Wright's Buffalo, NY plant in 1944. Its original configuration was as a troop carrier. Technically, it is a C-46D-10-CU, Curtiss Wright model CW-20B-2. USAF tail number was 477889.
In 1955, 44-77889 went to Japan as part of the Japanese Air Defense Force and was assigned their s/n 51-1122 (no relationship to our numbers). In June 1978 the USA Sales Contracting Officer, Defense Property Disposal Region-Pacific Detachment, Japan, APO San Francisco, sold it to Wayne Craft of Jackson, MS for "$2,035.75 and other good and valuable consideration". Further history is shown below.
Note the interesting clamshell engine cowl on the C-46. I wonder how well it works when changing a jug out on the ramp on a windy day! |
Photo ID: 1011554
click image to enlarge |
Notes: Maid in Japan on the ramp in Anchorage, surrounded by cargo. These wonderful old birds just keep on doing it!
Can you take a photo through a chain link fence. Well - - sorta! |
| Photographer: Stoltzfus, Ken |
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