G0148P1W

or

AM586-AR

For many years aviation enthusiasts have argued whether William B. Stout was the designer of the historic Ford Tri-Motor. There is, of course, no doubt that he designed the 2-AT Pullman which the Stout Metal Airplane Company was producing in early 1925. In August of that year Stout's organization was acquired by the Ford Motor Company of which it became a division, and almost immediately development of a three-engined version of the Pullman was initiated under the designation Ford 3-AT. This particular tri-motor airplane was clearly derived directly from the Pullman. However, whereas the 2-AT with its single Liberty engine had been a good-looking airplane, the one-off 3-AT, with three uncowled radial engines mounted one on each wing and one low on a modified nose, must be numbered among the category of ugly airplanes. Not surprisingly, no more were built. The following Ford 4-AT differed very considerably, though its derivation from the Pullman was still discernible in the retention of the 2-ATs unusually-shaped cabin windows. First flown on June 11, 1926, the 4-AT was of the same basic airframe configuration, with a braced tail unit and fixed tailskid landing gear that introduced much refined main units. Accommodation was provided for a crew of two in an open cockpit forward of the wing, with eight passengers in an enclosed airplane cabin. One of the three 200-hp Wright J-4 Whirlwind radial engines was mounted neatly in the nose of the fuselage, the other two in strut-braced nacelles, one beneath each wing. This configuration remained virtually unchanged until production of the airplane ended in 1933, but a considerable number of variants were produced in the two main production versions of the airplane, the 4-AT and the larger capacity 5-AT introduced in 1928. Dubbed the "Tin Goose", the Ford Tri-Motor appeared also with a variety of official and unofficial modifications, and was operated with wheel, float, or ski landing gear. These airplanes also served with all branches of the US military. If proof of the Tri-Motor's longevity were needed, it is sufficient to note that Scenic Airlines of Las Vegas was still operating a Ford 5-AT-C in the 1990s. This airplane, still essentially in original condition (rather than a restoration), was built in 1929. The larger capacity 5-AT-D was powered by three 420-hp Pratt & Whitney C-1 or SC-1 Wasp 9-cylinder redial piston engines, providing the airplane with a maximum speed of 150 mph, cruising speed of 122 mph, service ceiling of 18,500 feet, and a range of 550 miles.

All airplane models are Hand Carved, Hand Painted Mahogany and come fully assembled with removable desk stand.

Dimensions: Wingspan, 18" -Length, 18" Scale 1/48

Item G5948P1W (Pan Am) - Air Corps Price $149.95

Item G0148P1W (American Airlines) - Air Corps Price $149.95

.. More ..

Dimensions: Wingspan, 11" -Length, 11 1/2"

Item AM586-AR (American Airlines) - Air Corps Price $142.95

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This department is part of the Wonders Never Cease / Clem & Company store