Work is progressing onward what will become a unique flying exhibit After 32 years earthed at St.Work is progressing onward what will become a unique flying exhibit After 32 years earthed at St. Paul Downtown I Ioluian Field in Minnesota, Carlos Gotnez astounded the vintage aviation community when he achieved the impossible and ferried Douglas DC-7B N836D to Opa Locka Airport, Florida, last summer Having survived the ferocious 2004 hurricane season, Gomez and partner Marc WoLff began restoration of the grand ancient lady in October 2004- When restoration is complet in 2006 the airliner will be painted in 1950s' Eastern Air Lines colors and operated through Legendary Airliners Ltd. I visited Opa Locka Airport upon 8 February to check in succession how the project was progressing. Carlos and Marc met me at the aircraft and it is obvious that frequently progress has been made since my visit to Holman Field in June 2004?· long of the interior has been remov and six sheet metal workers were laboring glutted time on replacing corroded aluminum skin panels. The nos. 1 and 4 engines have been remov and are being overhauled as are the four massive screws The nos. 2 and 3 engines ran fine forward the ferry flight from Minnesota and will be detailed simply Interior furnishings will he cleaned and reused whenever possihle and will merely be replaced as a last resort. While the seat shrouds only need cleaning, the seat frames will he sandblasted and painted and the cushions replaced. present plans call tor the aircraft to he painted at Opa Locka when the restoration has been complet A new Legendary Airliners press release announced the possibility of a European tour for the 2006 airshow season, which is true exciting news for European enthusiasts. Visiting Opa Locka Aiport is like stepping hack in time. In addition to N836D Carlos' other brace big Dougs, DC-6A N70BF and DC-7BF N381AA, were parked forward the field. The DC-7BF has an unserviceable no. 3 engine and hasn't flown for a while, on the other hand the DC-6A flies regularly. Many other classic propliners were evident as were a small contingent of Ukrainian Antonov freighters. All in all, a true fascinating place to visit. Copyright Challenge Publications Inc. Jun 2005 |
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